H-2B visa workers must pay U.S. taxes, including federal income tax, most state income taxes, and Social Security and Medicare contributions. Employers are required to withhold the correct amounts and issue W-2 forms each year. Workers must also file annual tax returns—usually as nonresidents using Form 1040NR. Staying compliant is critical, not just to avoid IRS penalties, but to protect future visa and green card opportunities.

The Heritage Foundation’s latest report and a new DHS proposal both call for replacing the H-1B lottery with a wage-based selection system. While framed as targeting “top talent,” this shift risks shutting out small businesses, start-ups, and early-career professionals. By prioritizing the highest salaries, the policy could further concentrate visas among large corporations and reduce diversity in the U.S. high-skilled labor market.

Many agricultural employers lose critical harvest help by starting the H-2A visa process too late. With a 75–90 day minimum timeline, waiting until crops are nearly ready means workers won’t arrive in time. Learn the steps to secure seasonal labor, key program requirements, and why planning months ahead is essential to keeping your harvest on track and your operation running smoothly.