The H-2B visa allows U.S. hospitality and entertainment employers to hire temporary foreign workers when local labor isn’t available. Designed for non-agricultural, seasonal, or peak-load needs, it helps businesses maintain full operations, reduce turnover, and ensure consistent guest experiences.
For hospitality and entertainment employers, seasonal labor shortages threaten revenue, guest experience, and your business's reputation. When you can't staff your facility fully, you're forced to turn away business, overwork existing teams, or compromise on quality.
The H-2B visa for employers offers a strategic response. This program allows U.S. businesses to bring in temporary workers from abroad when qualified American workers aren't available, designed specifically for the seasonal surges that define industries like yours.
The H-2B visa is a temporary work authorization that enables U.S. employers to hire foreign nationals for non-agricultural jobs when there aren't enough available American workers. Created by the Immigration and Nationality Act, this program addresses seasonal, peak load, intermittent, or one-time labor needs.
H-2B visas are issued for up to 10 months initially, with possible extensions. Workers must return home when their authorized period ends, making the program ideal for businesses with predictable seasonal cycles.
The H-2A visa is exclusively for agricultural work, while H-2B covers non-agricultural temporary work across virtually every other industry. H-2A has no annual cap, while H-2B is limited to 66,000 visas per federal fiscal year (with occasional Congressional supplements).
The H-2B visa serves diverse sectors, particularly hospitality and entertainment:
Employers must prove:
Workers must be citizens of designated countries (currently 80+ nations including Mexico, Jamaica, Guatemala, Philippines, South Africa), demonstrate temporary intent, and possess necessary job qualifications.
Common international seasonal staffing positions include
The H-2B visa process typically takes 4-6 months:
Step 1: Define Your Temporary Need - Document seasonal patterns using historical data on guest bookings, revenue cycles, and staffing levels.
Step 2: Apply for DOL Temporary Labor Certification - Request prevailing wage determination, conduct U.S. worker recruitment, and file Form ETA-9142B at least 75 days before your need date.
Step 3: Submit Petition to USCIS - File Form I-129 with your certified ETA-9142B and supporting documentation.
Step 4: Worker Recruitment and Consular Processing - Workers apply for visas at U.S. consulates, complete interviews, and provide required documentation.
Step 5: Worker Arrival and Onboarding - Arrange transportation, provide orientation and safety training, and complete I-9 verification.
The H-2B program splits 66,000 annual visas between October 1-March 31 and April 1-September 30, making early filing critical when demand exceeds supply.
When local labor markets can't supply needed workers, the H-2B program provides access to qualified candidates. You can open all facilities, maintain full hours, and eliminate the constant scramble to fill positions.
Many H-2B workers return season after season, bringing institutional knowledge, proven performance, and requiring minimal onboarding. This continuity builds stable team foundations and maintains quality standards.
H-2B workers have made substantial commitments—traveling from home countries and leaving families behind. They're motivated to complete contracts successfully, dramatically reducing mid-season turnover and training investments.
Adequate, well-trained staff means faster response times, attention to detail, positive interactions, and operational excellence. When every position is filled, your operation runs as designed.
Once workers arrive, employers must meet ongoing obligations:
Violations can result in penalties up to $10,000 per violation, back wages, or program debarment. Many employers partner with experienced compliance providers to navigate these complex requirements.
For complete regulatory guidance for Hospitality and Entertainment organizations, read What to Know Before Hiring H-2B Workers: A Compliance Guide for Hospitality and Amusement.
The H-2B visa for employers fills the critical gap between your staffing requirements and available local workforce. It allows you to operate at full capacity, deliver consistent guest experiences, and build workforce continuity.
Start planning now. The process requires 4-6 months, and visa caps make early filing essential. Review your staffing data, calculate understaffing costs, and assess whether your needs align with H-2B criteria.
Ready to secure your seasonal workforce? Professional guidance helps employers access the H-2B program without administrative burden or compliance risk—turning this federal program into a reliable staffing channel that lets you focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences. Get in touch today.
Vanteo is not a law firm, and this information should not be considered legal advice. Participation in U.S. visa programs is subject to eligibility, regulatory requirements, and government approval. Past performance does not guarantee future outcomes.