The construction industry needs nearly 500,000 additional workers in 2026. Ninety-two percent of contractors say they can't find qualified people. Forty-five percent report labor shortages are directly causing project delays. And only 10% are using the legal program built specifically to address it. H-2B visas offer construction contractors predictable, project-specific workers — planned into your bid, not scrambled for after hiring fails.

The H-2B visa allows U.S. employers to hire foreign nationals for temporary, non-agricultural positions when qualified U.S. workers aren't available. It's employer-sponsored, compliance-intensive, and subject to an annual cap of 66,000 visas. Before you file anything, there's a conversation worth having about your business model. H-2B attorney Meagan Kirchner walks through the basics — what it is, who qualifies, and what to consider before you start.

H-2B employers are required to notify both USCIS and the Department of Labor within two working days if a worker fails to report, abandons the job, is terminated early, or finishes the job more than 30 days ahead of schedule. These notices are critical for compliance and may impact outbound travel obligations and wage guarantees. Understanding when and how to report these events helps employers stay in good standing with federal agencies.

The horse-racing industry relies heavily on H-2B visa workers — but with growing visa cap uncertainty, more employers are sponsoring green cards to retain talent long-term. While this offers a pathway to stability, the immigrant visa backlog is causing major delays, leaving both workers and employers in limbo. In a shifting immigration landscape, green card sponsorship is still one of the few viable tools to build a dependable workforce.

Employers using the H-2B visa program must meet strict compliance obligations, from paying the prevailing wage to both H-2B and U.S. workers, to maintaining accurate records and ensuring full-time work. Noncompliance can result in fines, audits, and debarment. This article outlines key compliance areas every H-2B employer should understand to protect their business and stay in good standing.

DHS's new H-2 rule adds stricter oversight and denials, increasing compliance risks for employers. Learn how to navigate the changes.

Explore how H-2B and J-1 visas help hospitality businesses meet seasonal staffing needs with skilled workers and cultural exchange.

For many businesses in industries like landscaping, hospitality, construction, and seafood processing, seasonal demand can present a...