He United States H-2B visa program is a critical resource for employers seeking to temporarily fill non-agricultural positions with foreign workers. According to the Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a total of 64,716 H-2B visas were authorized for fiscal year 2024.
Among the companies that make most use of this program, those that stand out They offer jobs in sectors such as fishing, construction and landscaping services. However, the companies that rely most on foreign workers under the H-2B program in the United States span a variety of industries, demonstrating the importance of foreign labor in key sectors of the American economy.
According to a 2021 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) report, the 10 companies that have used foreign workers the most are:
- Trident Seafoods Corporation (Washington): This company tops the list of companies that employ the most foreign workers under the H-2B program. It is dedicated to fishing and seafood processing, offering temporary job opportunities in this vital industry for the state.
- Strongwood Forestry Inc. (Massachusetts): In second place is this Massachusetts company that operates in the forestry sector. Their need for temporary labor has led to the use of H-2B visas to hire foreign workers.
- Progressive Solutions LLC (Arkansas): This company is dedicated to construction solutions, probably hiring personnel for temporary projects.
- Obi Seafoods LLC (Washington): This other major player in Washington’s fishing sector is also on the list of major employers of foreign workers under the H-2B program.
- Black Construction Corp.: This is a company that operates in the construction and development of infrastructure. Its presence on the list reflects the demand for labor in temporary projects.
- Brightview Landscapes (Pennsylvania)– This company is known for offering landscaping services in Pennsylvania. The hiring of foreign workers under H-2B visas reflects the need for seasonal labor in this industry.
- ABC Professional Tree Services Inc. (Virginia)– This Virginia-based company specializes in services related to tree maintenance and care. Hiring temporary foreign workers can be crucial to meeting seasonal demand for services.
- Core Tech Construction Transportation: This other company within the construction sector employs foreign workers under H-2B visas, highlighting the importance of this workforce in temporary projects.
- Peter Pan Seafood Co. (Washington): Another Washington-based company that operates in the fishing industry and uses H-2B visas to fill temporary positions in this area.
- Silver Bay Seafood LLC (Washington): Finally, this company, also based in Washington, reflects the importance of the fishing industry in the state and the need for temporary employees.
What are H-2B visas and how are they applied for?
To apply for H-2B visas, the interested US employer must follow certain steps and meet certain requirements:
- Labor certification: The employer must obtain temporary labor certification from the Department of Labor. This certification confirms that there are not enough American workers available to perform the required temporary tasks.
- Visa request: Once labor certification is obtained, the employer must file an H-2B visa petition on behalf of the foreign worker. This is done by filing Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Published job offers: The employer must publish temporary job offers on the Department of Labor web portal. This is to ensure that American workers are given priority before turning to foreign employees.
- Compliance with requirements: The employer must meet certain requirements, such as paying a salary according to local standards and providing suitable working conditions for foreign workers.
Once the H-2B visa petition is approved by Uscis and the visa is granted to the foreign worker, he can travel to the United States and begin working in the temporary employment specified in the petition.
It is important to note that H-2B visas have a limited duration and are intended only for specific temporary jobs that cannot be filled by available U.S. workers. The application process may vary and it is essential that employers and foreign workers follow all established steps and requirements.
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