The construction industry in the United States is growing but faces a shortage of workers. The H-2B Construction Visa Program gives international workers like you a chance to fill these roles.
You can also receive a $75,000 relocation incentive to help you move. This guide explains everything you need to know about the H-2B Visa, how to apply, job options, and ways to transition to a green card in America.
If you’re interested in carpentry or plumbing, this could be your path to valuable experience and long-term opportunities in the U.S.
Key Takeaways:
- The U.S. needs international workers for construction jobs.
- H-2B Visa offers short and long-term work options.
- $75,000 relocation incentive helps with your move to the U.S.
How the H-2B Construction Work Visa Works
Want to use your construction skills in the U.S.?
The H-2B Construction Work Visa lets foreign workers fill non-agricultural roles, especially in construction where more help is needed.
Employers’ Responsibilities in the H-2B Program
U.S. employers must show there aren’t enough local workers for their construction jobs before hiring you. The jobs must be temporary, such as for a single project or a busy season.
Employers must pay fair wages that match industry standards. Once they meet these conditions, you can work in the U.S. for up to nine months, with possible extensions for up to three years.
Who is Eligibile for the H-2B Construction Visa?
You must come from a country approved by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Countries like Mexico, El Salvador, and the Philippines are common sources of workers.
To qualify, you need a construction background, must pass medical tests, and have a job offer from an H-2B certified U.S. company. You also need a clean criminal record and must pass background checks.
Some companies offer training for those willing to learn new skills.
Construction Job Opportunities with an H-2B Visa
As an H-2B visa holder, you can work jobs like carpenter, bricklayer, mason, roofer, plumber, electrician, welder, or steel worker. Heavy equipment operators and general laborers are also needed.
Pay ranges from $18 to $30 an hour, depending on your skills and location.
Length of Stay for the H-2B Visa and Renewals
The H-2B visa usually lets you work for nine months. You can extend your stay up to three years if you keep getting job offers from approved employers.
After three years, you must return to your home country for three months before reapplying. If you want to stay longer, you can look into permanent residency options like the EB-3 visa with employer sponsorship.
H-2B Visa Criteria for International Workers
The H-2B visa allows foreign workers to take temporary non-agricultural jobs in the U.S. Here’s what you need: skills, fitness, communication, clean records, and health checks.
1. Job Know-How and Abilities
Construction roles range from carpenters to roofers. Most skilled jobs need one to three years of experience.
Some jobs accept beginners, and certifications in safety or machine operation help. Some employers provide on-the-job training.
2. Physical Stamina and Strength
Construction work is physical. You must lift over 50 pounds, stand for long hours, and work in all weather.
Fitness tests may include climbing ladders and scaffolding.
3. Basic English Communication
Basic English is important for safety and teamwork. You need to follow instructions and communicate with your team.
Some employers offer English lessons to help you improve.
4. Clean Record and Drug Screening
You must have no serious criminal record. Drug tests are common and may happen randomly.
These checks ensure a safe and trustworthy workplace.
5. Medical Fitness Check
Good health is required. Medical checks may include general exams, TB tests, and vision and hearing tests.
Vaccinations may be required before you start working.
Once you have a job offer, your U.S. employer will handle the paperwork to move the process forward.
Steps Employers Must Take for H-2B Visas
Employers must follow a process to hire workers under the H-2B program. These steps ensure U.S. jobs and wages are protected.
- Get Certified by the Department of Labor: Employers must get a temporary labor certification from the Department of Labor. This certification proves the need for more workers and protects local jobs.
- Provide a Job Order: If hiring from overseas, employers must send a job order to workers before they apply for a visa. This explains job duties and conditions clearly.
- Facilitate Visa Applications: After certification, employers help workers apply for the H-2B visa at a U.S. consulate. Complete paperwork is important to avoid delays.
Things to Have in Mind for a Smooth Process:
- Portability: Workers can leave and find new employers if they face unsafe conditions. This protects their well-being.
- Return Rule: After three years on an H-2B visa, workers must leave the U.S. for three months before starting a new visa cycle.
How to Apply for an H2B Visa
The H2B visa offers exciting work opportunities in the United States. Follow these steps to go from a job offer to working in the U.S.
Step 1: Secure That Job Offer
Start by getting a job offer from a U.S. company. Look for construction jobs through agencies, job fairs, or by applying directly.
Step 2: Obtain the Labor Certification
Your employer must get a Temporary Labor Certification from the U.S. Department of Labor. This proves hiring you won’t take a job from an American worker and that you’ll be paid fairly.
Step 3: Achieve Petition Approval by USCIS
After certification, your employer files Form I-129 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for approval.
Step 4: Initiate the Visa Application Stage
Go to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate and complete Form DS-160. Prepare for your interview and pay the visa fee (about $190).
During the interview, answer questions about your job and background. You’ll also need to provide fingerprints and photos.
If approved, you’ll get a visa stamp in your passport.
Step 5: Arrive and Start Working in the U.S.
Show your visa and job contract when you arrive in the U.S. Immigration officers will check your documents before you begin work.
You may need a temporary work permit and a Social Security Number. Some employers offer training to help you settle in.
$75,000 Moving Aid Information
Moving to the U.S. for a job? The $75,000 incentive helps you settle in. Here’s what you may get:
- Travel Reimbursement: Many companies cover your one-way flight to the U.S., often reimbursed after 90 days of work.
- Housing Support: Some companies provide free or discounted housing for your first two or three months, including rent and utilities.
- Work Gear: You may receive equipment like helmets, gloves, and boots. Specialized tools may be provided for certain roles.
- Transportation: Employers often offer transport to and from job sites, especially in areas without public transit.
- Health Insurance: Basic health coverage and workplace injury insurance are often included.
These benefits help you adjust to your new role in the U.S.
Can I Convert the H2B Visa to Green Card in the US?
Yes, you can change from an H-2B visa to a green card, but the process takes several steps. You can use employment-based or family-based options, each with its own requirements and paperwork.
US Green Card through Employer
Your employer can sponsor you for a US green card, such as through the EB-3 visa for skilled workers and professionals.
- Employer Sponsorship: Your employer starts the process under an employment-based category like EB-3.
- Labor Certification (PERM): Your employer must get a labor certification from the Department of Labor, proving no qualified U.S. workers are available and hiring you won’t harm local wages.
- Form I-140: After certification, your employer files Form I-140 with USCIS.
- Adjustment of Status (Form I-485): When your priority date is current, you file Form I-485 to become a lawful permanent resident.
Green Card through Family
If you have family in the U.S., you may qualify for a family-based green card.
- Family Sponsorship: Family members who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents can sponsor you. This usually applies to spouses, parents, or children.
- Form I-130: Your family member files Form I-130 with USCIS to prove your relationship.
- Adjustment of Status (Form I-485): Once approved and a visa number is available, you file Form I-485 to adjust your status.
Additional Options
- Diversity Visa Lottery: The Diversity Visa Lottery is another option, but selection is not guaranteed.
- Asylum or Refugee Status: If you qualify, you can apply for a green card after one year in the U.S. as an asylee or refugee.
Key Things to Keep in Mind
- Keep Your Status: Stay in lawful status while applying for a green card. Overstaying or breaking visa rules can make things harder.
- Seek Legal Advice: An immigration attorney can guide you and help with your case.
Frequently Asked Questions About the H2B Visa to Relocate to the US
What is the H-2B visa and who is eligible to apply?
The H-2B visa is a temporary non-agricultural work visa that allows US employers to bring foreign nationals to the United States to fill seasonal, peak load, intermittent, or one-time occurrence jobs when there are not enough US workers available. Eligible applicants must have a valid job offer from a US employer, meet the job requirements, and be from a country approved by the US Department of Homeland Security.
How long can I stay in the US on an H-2B visa?
The H-2B visa is typically granted for the duration of the employer’s temporary need, up to a maximum of one year. It can be extended in increments of up to one year each, with a total maximum stay of three years. After three years, the worker must leave the US for at least three months before applying again.
Can my family accompany me on an H-2B visa?
Yes, spouses and unmarried children under 21 years old may accompany H-2B visa holders to the US under the H-4 visa category. However, H-4 dependents are not permitted to work in the United States.
What are the main steps in the H-2B visa application process?
The process begins with the US employer obtaining a temporary labor certification from the Department of Labor. After certification, the employer files Form I-129 with USCIS. Once approved, the foreign worker applies for the H-2B visa at a US embassy or consulate in their home country and attends a visa interview before traveling to the US.
Can I change employers or extend my H-2B visa while in the US?
You can change employers if your new employer obtains a new labor certification and files a new Form I-129 on your behalf. Extensions are possible, but you must remain within the three-year maximum stay limit. If you leave your H-2B employment before your authorized period ends, you must depart the US or apply for a change of status if eligible.