Key Takeaways:
- USCIS reached the cap for 19,000 returning worker H-2B visas in early 2024, closing applications on April 17.
- USCIS now accepts petitions for 20,000 H-2B visas for nationals from select countries excluding the returning worker requirement.
- USCIS will open applications on April 22 for late FY 2024, offering 5,000 visas exclusively for returning workers.
What Does Reaching the Cap for Returning Worker H-2B Visas in FY 2024 Mean?
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a significant milestone in the immigration timeline with the cap for the additional 19,000 H-2B visas being reached. These visas were specifically reserved for returning workers in the early second half of the fiscal year 2024. The petitions submitted requested employment start dates ranging from April 1 to May 14, 2024. It is crucial to note that April 17, 2024, marked the last day USCIS received petitions for these supplemental H-2B visas under this specific category.
Who Can Still Apply for H-2B Visas?
Despite the cap being reached for returning workers, opportunities remain within the H-2B visa category. USCIS is still accepting petitions for 20,000 additional H-2B visas. This particular allotment is aimed at nationals from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Haiti, Colombia, Ecuador, and Costa Rica. What sets this group apart is their exemption from the returning worker requirement, making it a pivotal category for first-time applicants from these nations.
Prospective applicants from the mentioned countries can find more details and application procedures on the USCIS website’s Temporary Increase in H-2B Nonimmigrant Visas for FY 2024 page.
What’s Next for Late Second Half of FY 2024?
Looking ahead, starting April 22, 2024, USCIS will begin accepting petitions for the late second half of FY 2024. These applications will cater to employment start dates ranging from May 15 to September 30, 2024. A notable point of interest is the allocation of 5,000 visas specifically designated for returning workers. Eligibility for this segment requires that applicants must have been issued H-2B visas or have held H-2B status in fiscal years 2021, 2022, or 2023. This continuity ensures that experienced workers with a track record in the H-2B program can reapply, regardless of their country of nationality.
How Does This Impact Employers and Foreign Workers?
The rapid filling of the H-2B visa cap for returning workers highlights the high demand and urgency among U.S. employers to fill seasonal or temporary roles that domestic workers are not available to fulfill. For foreign workers, especially those from the specified Central American countries, the expanded cap provides an opportunity to enter the U.S. job market under the returning worker visa framework.
Employers looking to hire under the H-2B program should act swiftly to understand the timelines and requirements. The caps and allocations are carefully timed and are subject to rapid changes based on application volumes and political factors. Being well-prepared can make a significant difference in securing the needed workforce.
Conclusion
The H-2B visa program continues to be a crucial pathway for U.S. employers to fill temporary roles with foreign workers when there is a shortage of available U.S. labor. The quick reach of the FY 2024 cap for returning workers underscores the program’s importance and demand. Potential applicants and U.S. employers should keep a close eye on USCIS announcements and be ready to act quickly when new visa allocations are released.
Learn Today:
- H-2B Visa: A non-immigrant visa program that allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers for temporary or seasonal non-agricultural jobs. The H-2B visa is subject to annual numerical limits and specific conditions set by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
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Returning Worker Requirement: Refers to the eligibility criteria for certain H-2B visa applicants who have previously been issued H-2B visas or held H-2B status in specific fiscal years. Returning workers are granted certain exemptions or additional opportunities in the H-2B visa application process.
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Cap: In immigration contexts, the “cap” refers to numerical limits set by immigration authorities on certain visa categories to control the number of visas issued each fiscal year. When the cap is reached, further applications may be put on hold until the next fiscal year or until additional visa allocations are made available.
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Petition: A formal request submitted to USCIS by an employer seeking approval to sponsor a foreign national for a specific visa status, such as the H-2B visa. The petition provides detailed information about the job offer, the foreign worker’s qualifications, and other required documentation.
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FY 2024: Abbreviation for Fiscal Year 2024, which in the U.S. context refers to the period from October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024. Immigration policies and visa allocations are often structured based on fiscal years, impacting when and how certain visas are processed and distributed.
This Article In A Nutshell:
The U.S. has hit the cap for 19,000 returning H-2B worker visas in FY 2024. First-time applicants from specific countries still have a shot at 20,000 visas. USCIS will open applications for late-FY 2024 from April 22 with 5,000 spots for returning workers. Employers must act fast, given the program’s high demand and changing quotas.
— By VisaVerge.com
Read More:
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USCIS Reaches FY 2024 Cap for H-2B Visas: Supplemental Filing Dates Announced – Detailed information on the fulfillment of the H-2B visa cap for Fiscal Year 2024 and new opportunities for applicants through additional filing dates.
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Second Chance for Applicants: Navigating Post-Lottery H-2B Visa Cap Update for 2024 – Essential guide for those who missed out on the H-2B visa lottery, outlining alternate paths and updates for the 2024 cap.
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Carnival Company Faces $200K Penalty Over H-2B Visa Violations – Exploring the repercussions faced by a carnival company due to H-2B visa infractions, including a substantial financial penalty.
