What's the Difference Between an H-2A and H-2B Visa?
TL;DR: H-2A is for temporary or seasonal agricultural work and has no annual numerical cap. H-2B is for temporary or seasonal non-agricultural work (landscaping, hospitality, seafood processing) and is capped at 66,000 visas per fiscal year, split into two halves of 33,000 each, though DHS and DOL can authorize supplemental visas beyond the cap in a given year.
Claim and evidence
Both categories require the employer to prove there aren't enough able, willing, qualified US workers for the job and that hiring foreign workers won't adversely affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed US workers — verified through a temporary labor certification from the Department of Labor. Where they diverge is industry, cap structure, and specific employer obligations.
H-2A vs. H-2B comparison
| Feature | H-2A (agricultural) | H-2B (non-agricultural) |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Farm labor, agricultural work | Landscaping, hospitality, seafood processing, forestry, and other seasonal non-farm work |
| Annual numerical cap | None | 66,000 per fiscal year (33,000 Oct 1–Mar 31, 33,000 Apr 1–Sep 30) |
| Supplemental visas | Not applicable (uncapped) | DHS/DOL can authorize additional visas beyond 66,000 in some years |
| Employer housing requirement | Employer must provide or pay for housing | No general housing requirement |
| Transportation | Employer must generally pay inbound/outbound transportation | Varies by state and specific case |
| Labor certification | Temporary agricultural labor certification (DOL) | Temporary non-agricultural labor certification (DOL) |
Step-by-step: which category applies to you
- Identify the industry. If the work is farm-related (crop production, livestock, related agricultural services), H-2A applies and has no cap concerns. If it's seasonal non-farm work, H-2B applies and is cap-subject.
- Confirm the job is truly temporary or seasonal — both categories require the need to be one-time, seasonal, peak load, or intermittent, not a permanent staffing need.
- Employer obtains a temporary labor certification from DOL, proving recruitment efforts for US workers were unsuccessful and wages meet the prevailing standard.
- File Form I-129 with USCIS once the labor certification is approved.
- For H-2B, check the cap status before filing. USCIS publishes cap-count updates, and DHS/DOL periodically release supplemental visa numbers when demand outpaces the base 66,000 allocation.
FAQ
Is there really no cap on H-2A visas? Correct — because Congress didn't impose a numerical limit on H-2A, agricultural employers can sponsor as many qualifying workers as they can document a genuine need for, subject to DOL certification.
What happens when the H-2B cap is reached mid-year? No new H-2B petitions can be approved for that half of the fiscal year unless DHS and DOL jointly authorize supplemental visas, which they have done in several recent years for specific industries or returning workers.
Can H-2A or H-2B workers bring family members? Yes, spouses and unmarried children under 21 can apply for H-4 status, but H-4 dependents of H-2A/H-2B workers are not authorized to work.
Can H-2A or H-2B lead to a green card? Not directly — both are temporary, non-dual-intent categories, though workers can separately pursue an employment-based green card path if they independently qualify.
Sources: USCIS H-2A Temporary Agricultural Workers and H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers program guidance.
By Pinal Dave Last updated: 2026-08-03