USCIS Reaches H-2B Cap for the First Half of 2019

As of this month, the H-2B cap for the first half of 2019 has been reached. The date of the last count was December 11, 2018. USCIS will of course continue to accept petitions for H-2B workers who are exempt or not subject to the H-2B cap.

The H-2B visa program allows employers to hire foreign workers to fill temporary nonagricultural positions. For example, a hotel might employ foreign workers to supplement its workforce during the peak season.

A total of 66,000 H-2B visas are issued each year. This limit is called the “H-2B Cap.” The visas are distributed evenly between workers who begin their employment in the first half of the fiscal year, October 1 through March 31, and the second half of the fiscal year, April 1 through September 30. The spouse and children of H-2B workers are not counted against this cap.

Some workers are exempt from the H-2B cap. This includes workers who extend their stay, change employers, are are engaged in certain cap-exempt fields like fish roe processing.

Let us know if you have any questions or concerns about the H-2B visa program. Our number is (503) 427-8243.