On July 17, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Labor (DOL) issued a temporary rule increasing the numerical limitation on H-2B nonimmigrant visas to authorize the issuance of up to an additional 15,000 through the end of Fiscal Year (FY) 2017. To file for one of these additional H-2B visas, petitioners must meet all existing H-2B eligibility requirements.
In addition, the petitioner must submit an attestation (and keep the paperwork evidence) that if they do not receive the requested workers under the cap increase, they will likely suffer irreparable harm or a permanent and severe financial loss. In addition to the recruitment already conducted, employers with current labor certifications containing a start date before June 1, 2017 must conduct a fresh round of recruitment for U.S. workers.
Read the Temporary Rule. Read DHS’ Press Release.
Advocacy contact: Janis Reyes(link sends e-mail), 202-619-0312.