Does the H-2B Need Sponsorship? costs, Timeline & Employer Obligations.

What is H-2B Visa?

The H-2B visa is a temporary work visa for non-agricultural employment in the United States. It helps employers hire foreign workers when U.S. workers are not available for seasonal, peak-load, or intermittent roles. It is not intended for ongoing or permanent jobs.

Common Job Roles Sponsored Under This Visa

• Hospitality & Tourism (Housekeeper, Waitstaff, Resort Attendant, Amusement Park Worker)
• Landscaping & Groundskeeping (Gardener, Landscape Laborer, Maintenance Worker)
• Construction & Trades (Carpenter, Mason, Painter, Equipment Operator)
• Seafood & Processing (Fish Cutter, Cannery Worker, Seafood Processor)
• Manufacturing & Seasonal Operations (Assembler, Factory Worker, Warehouse Assistant)

Employer Sponsorship Requirements for H-2B Visa

To sponsor a worker under the H-2B visa, employers must:

• Obtain temporary labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).
• Demonstrate that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the position.
• Prove the need for temporary or seasonal labor (one-time, seasonal, peak-load, or intermittent).
• Provide wages and working conditions that meet U.S. standards.
• Cover transportation and housing if required by law or DOL regulations.
• File Form I-129 (Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker) with USCIS.

How Much Does it Cost to Sponsor H-2B Visa?

Typical costs include:

• Filing Form I-129: USD $460 (per petition)
• Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee: USD $150
• H-2B Visa Application Fee: USD $205 (per worker, paid to the U.S. consulate)
• Attorney or agency fees: Depend on case complexity
• Recruitment and advertising costs: Required as part of the DOL certification process

Employers often cover most of these costs to attract and retain seasonal workers.

Estimated Timeline for Sponsoring H-2B Visa

Processing times vary by season and government workload, but typically:

• Labor certification (DOL): 45–90 days
• USCIS petition approval (Form I-129): 30–60 days
• Visa issuance (U.S. consulate): 1–3 weeks

Employers should plan for 3–5 months overall. Delays occur due to high demand or incomplete documentation.

Alternative Hiring Solutions That Don't Require Visa Sponsorship

Sponsoring an H-2B visa is expensive and slow. Employers must handle strict compliance steps, cover filing fees, and wait months for approval. In industries like hospitality or construction, these delays can disrupt operations.

With Playroll’s Employer of Record (EOR) model, businesses hire global talent without relocation. Playroll manages contracts, payroll, taxes, and benefits in 180+ countries, ensuring compliance with local laws. This solution eliminates H-2B sponsorship costs and delays while enabling companies to expand teams globally and operate faster.