H-2A vs H-2B: What’s the Difference Between These Temporary Work Visas?
If you're an employer trying to fill seasonal jobs — or a worker looking for legal employment in the U.S. — you’ve probably come across the H-2A and H-2B visa programs.
They sound similar, but they serve different purposes.
Knowing which visa applies to your situation can save time, reduce confusion, and help ensure the right process is followed.
In this guide, we’ll break down H-2A vs H-2B visas, explain who each visa is for, and offer insight into how these programs are used.
Quick Facts:
- H-2A visas are for temporary agricultural jobs
- H-2B visas are for temporary non-agricultural jobs
- H-2A has no cap; H-2B is capped at 66,000 visas per year
- Both require DOL labor certification and a temporary need
What Are H-2A and H-2B Visas Used For?
Both H-2A and H-2B visas fall under the U.S. nonimmigrant work visa programs.
They allow employers to fill temporary roles when there are no available U.S. workers, but they serve different industries.
- H-2A: For seasonal agricultural work
- H-2B: For seasonal non-agricultural work
What Jobs Qualify for an H-2A Visa?
The H-2A visa is used by agricultural employers who need help with planting, harvesting, or caring for livestock.
Common H-2A jobs include:
- Crop pickers and planters
- Livestock workers
- Greenhouse laborers
- Equipment operators
Basic requirements:
- The job must be temporary or seasonal
- The employer must get a temporary labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor
- The visa is valid for up to 1 year, with possible extensions (max 3 years)
What Jobs Qualify for an H-2B Visa?
The H-2B visa covers a wide range of temporary, non-agricultural jobs.
These are typically seasonal or based on peak-load needs.
Common H-2B jobs include:
- Restaurant and hotel staff
- Landscaping and groundskeeping
- Amusement park workers
- Construction laborers
- Seafood processing workers
Key points:
- There is an annual cap of 66,000 visas, split into two halves of the fiscal year
- The job must be temporary, but not agricultural
- Employers must complete a temporary labor certification
- The H-2B visa is valid for up to 1 year
H-2A vs H-2B: How Do These Visas Compare?
Can a Company Apply for Both H-2A and H-2B Workers?
Yes, a company can apply for both H-2A and H-2B workers, but only if the job roles are clearly separated.
For example, a resort with seasonal landscaping work (H-2B) and a farm operation (H-2A) could apply for both, using separate filings.
How Do You Choose Between H-2A and H-2B?
If the job is in agriculture, go with H-2A.
If the job is non-agricultural but still seasonal, you’re likely looking at H-2B.
Employers should consider:
- Industry of the job
- Timing (based on H-2B cap cycles)
- Housing obligations (especially under H-2A)
- Compliance requirements for both programs
Get H-2A and H-2B Visa Help in Atlanta, Georgia
If you’re an employer based in Atlanta or elsewhere in Georgia, navigating these visa programs can get complicated.
From DOL labor certifications to USCIS filings, each step requires attention to detail and legal compliance.
Quijano Law is here to help.
Whether you're hiring workers for a seasonal harvest or preparing for a tourist-heavy summer, it’s worth understanding how the H-2A and H-2B visa programs apply to your business.
Schedule a consultation with us to learn how our immigration lawyers support temporary work visa filings in Atlanta and throughout Georgia.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATIONFAQs About H-2A and H-2B Visas
What is the difference between the H-2A and H-2B visas?
H-2A is for temporary agricultural jobs. H-2B is for temporary non-agricultural jobs like hospitality or landscaping. Both require DOL approval and employer sponsorship.
How long can you stay in the U.S. on an H-2A or H-2B visa?
Both are valid for up to one year, with extensions possible in one-year increments. The maximum total stay is three years.
Do H-2B visas have a limit?
Yes, the annual cap is 66,000 visas, divided between two halves of the year. H-2A visas have no cap.
Can someone switch from H-2A to H-2B?
Yes, a worker can change from H‑2A to H‑2B if the new employer files a Form I‑129 for change of status and USCIS approves it; otherwise, the worker must depart the U.S. and apply for the new visa abroad.
What documents are required to apply for an H-2B visa?
Employers need a temporary labor certification, proof of temporary need, and a Form I-129 petition filed with USCIS.
Does either visa lead to permanent residency?
No. Both visas are nonimmigrant, meaning they are temporary and do not lead directly to a green card.
