H-2B Eligible Countries List for 2025: Who Can Apply & How It Works

NOTE: As of Jan. 17, 2025, DHS regulations no longer require USCIS to consider whether the beneficiary is a national of a country that the Secretary of Homeland Security, with the concurrence of the Secretary of State, has designated as eligible to participate in the H-2B program [source].

If you're looking to hire temporary foreign workers in the U.S. or hoping to work here under a seasonal job, knowing which countries are eligible for the H-2B visa program is one of the first steps.

The U.S. government updates this list each year, and those updates directly affect who can apply and be approved.

Below, we’ll walk through what the H-2B visa is, who’s eligible in 2025, and what it means if your country is — or isn’t — on the list.

And, if you need assistance or have any questions, our H-2B visa lawyers are here to help!

What Is the H-2B Visa?

The H-2B visa allows employers in the United States to hire foreign nationals for temporary non-agricultural jobs.

These are typically seasonal or peak-load roles in industries such as:

• Landscaping
• Hospitality
• Construction
• Seafood and meat processing
• Resort and tourism services

Unlike the H‑2A program – which is limited to on‑farm agricultural labor and services — the H‑2B program covers temporary labor needs in industries that federal law does not classify as agriculture, including construction, landscaping, hospitality, and many types of food and seafood processing.

The process begins with a U.S. employer who petitions to bring in temporary workers, and only workers from certain countries — those on the H-2B eligible countries list — are routinely approved, unless DHS grants a case-specific exception.

2025 H-2B Eligible Countries List

Each year, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of State (DOS), publishes a list of countries whose nationals may be approved to participate in the H-2B visa program.

The most recent list was released by DHS on November 8, 2024, and is effective for H-2B petitions approved between November 8, 2024 and November 2025 when the next list is released.

Here is the full list of countries eligible for the H-2B visa program in 2025:

2025 H-2B Visa Countries List:

1. Andorra
2. Argentina
3. Australia
4. Austria
5. Barbados
6. Belgium
7. Belize
8. Bolivia
9. Bosnia and Herzegovina
10. Brazil
11. Brunei
12. Bulgaria
13. Canada
14. Chile
15. Colombia
16. Costa Rica
17. Croatia
18. Czech Republic
19. Denmark
20. Dominican Republic
21. Ecuador
22. El Salvador
23. Estonia
24. Eswatini (Swaziland)
25. Fiji
26. Finland
27. France
28. Germany
29. Greece
30. Grenada
31. Guatemala
32. Haiti
33. Honduras
34. Hungary
35. Iceland
36. Ireland
37. Israel
38. Italy
39. Jamaica
40. Japan
41. Kiribati
42. Latvia
43. Liechtenstein
44. Lithuania
45. Luxembourg
46. Madagascar
47. Malta
48. Mauritius
49. Mexico
50. Monaco
51. Montenegro
52. Mozambique
53. Nauru
54. The Netherlands
55. New Zealand
56. Nicaragua
57. North Macedonia
58. Norway
59. Panama
60. Papua New Guinea
61. Peru
62. Philippines
63. Poland
64. Portugal
65. Republic of Cyprus
66. Romania
67. San Marino
68. Serbia
69. Singapore
70. Slovakia
71. Slovenia
72. Solomon Islands
73. South Africa
74. South Korea
75. Spain
76. Saint Lucia
77. St. Vincent and the Grenadines
78. Sweden
79. Switzerland
80. Taiwan
81. Thailand
82. Timor-Leste
83. Turkey
84. Tuvalu
85. Ukraine
86. United Kingdom
87. Uruguay
88. Vanuatu

This list is based on the most recent announcement by DHS and USCIS.

You can always verify the current version on the USCIS website.

What If Your Country Isn’t on the List?

In most cases, only nationals from countries on the eligible list are approved for H-2B visa petitions.

However, DHS may allow employers to petition for workers from other countries on a case-by-case basis if it is determined to be in the interest of the United States.

That said, these requests often involve additional documentation and longer processing times.

If you’re unsure whether a country is eligible or whether a case-by-case request may apply, it’s helpful to speak with someone who can walk you through the current procedures.

Why the H-2B Visa Country List Matters

The H-2B eligible countries list is more than a technical detail — it can determine whether a petition moves forward smoothly or requires extra steps.

For U.S. employers, hiring workers from eligible countries streamlines the process.

For foreign nationals, being from an approved country makes it more likely that your petition will be approved — assuming all other requirements are met.

General Steps for H-2B Visa Application

If you’re a worker from an eligible country, here’s a simplified view of how the H-2B process generally works:

• Employer Files Temporary Labor Certification
  The employer submits a request to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to demonstrate the need for temporary workers.
• Employer Files Form I-129 with USCIS
  Once the labor certification is approved, the employer files a petition with USCIS.
• Worker Applies for Visa
  After petition approval, the worker applies for an H-2B visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.

How Quijano Law Assists with H-2B Visa Petitions

At Quijano Law, we work with employers and applicants who are navigating the H-2B visa process.

From reviewing the current list of eligible countries to helping prepare petitions and documentation, our goal is to provide clear, informed legal support at each stage.

If you're unsure how the current H-2B rules apply to your situation — or if you're an employer trying to meet seasonal workforce needs — we’re available to help you explore your options.

FAQs

How often is the H-2B eligible countries list updated?

Once per year, typically in November. The list takes effect in November and remains valid for one year until the next list is approved.

What are the dates for the current list?

The 2025 list is valid for H-2B petitions approved from November 8, 2024 through November 2025.

Can I apply for the H-2B visa if I’m not from a listed country?

In some cases, DHS may allow it — but it requires a case-by-case review and supporting documentation from the U.S. employer.

Where can I find the official H-2B eligible countries list?

The most current list is available on the USCIS newsroom.

Is there a separate list for H-2A visas?

Yes. While many countries appear on both lists, the H-2A program (for agricultural workers) is maintained separately.

Does being from an eligible country guarantee approval?

No. The country list is just one factor. The petition must still meet all program requirements and be approved by the appropriate agencies.

Author: Viviana A. Quijano

(Founder and Managing Attorney, Quijano Law)

Mrs. Viviana Quijano is the founder of Quijano Law, established in 2013. Since then, she has helped countless individuals, families, and businesses achieve success in their immigration matters. An internationally recognized attorney, Mrs. Quijano is licensed to practice in both the United States and Colombia. She holds law degrees from The University of Alabama School of Law and the Universidad Santo Tomas in Bogotá, Colombia. Passionate about community engagement, she works tirelessly to educate immigrants on the importance of pursuing legal pathways and embracing American culture.