Earlier this week, the Secretary of Homeland Security made an announcement regarding the addition of thousands of H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas for the Fiscal Year 2018. While typically the number of H-2B visas is capped at 66,000 visas, which has already been met on February 27 of this year, the Department of Homeland Security is now adding 15,000 more. The reason for this addition, which was approved by the Secretary of Labor, Congress members, and business owners, is to aid American businesses that are at risk of failing.
Not only will the USCIS be assessing any visa applications that were submitted but not accepted, they will also begin to take additional applications, starting this week. It is important to note that these visas will only be available through September 30, 2018. The Department of Homeland Security mentioned that this is not the first time an increase in the number of petitions was necessary, as they had to request additional visas for the Fiscal Year 2017. Individuals who wish to petition for H-2B visas will have to submit Form I-129, the Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, as well as a supplemental attestation.
The announcement also calls on Congress to reform the H-2B visa program, as the Secretary believes the current program “unintentionally harms American businesses.”
If you have questions about how these changes may impact you, contact our firm today.
John Sesini is an experienced immigration attorney with offices in Green Bay and Milwaukee Wisconsin. If you have any questions regarding immigration law matters, please contact the Sesini Law Group, S.C. and schedule your initial consultation with our firm today.