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

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!

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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.

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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.

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    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.

    Viviana A. Quijano

    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.
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