H—2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers: (5-3-11)

 

PROS:

  • The H-2B nonimmigrant visa allows U.S. employers to bring foreign nationals to the United States to fill temporary unskilled work positions. Jobs typically under this visa program are unskilled; thus are suitable for Bar/Restaurant/Construction/Hotel workers within the United States.
  • The H-2B visa does not require the employee to have a degree/qualification or work experience. You can apply for this visa while either inside or outside the U.S.
  • You can get a maximum period of up to three years under the H-2B. The H-2B visa may be extended for qualifying employment, in increments of up to one (1) year, for a total of three (3) years.
  • One H-2B application can include multiple employees, thus saving the employer on costs.
  • Can either change employers easily or work for multiple employers under the H-2B

 

CONS:

  • The initial H-2B petition is capped. This means that there are only 66,000 of these visas given each year. However in the past couple of years, with the economic downturn, these numbers are being reached far more slowly). When you are renewing your H-2B visa (2nd/3rd year) it is NOT capped (therefore no limitations).
  • It typically takes up to 60 days to get an H-2B approved.

 

 

 

IWT – Intern Work and Travel Pilot Program with Ireland:

 

CONS:

  • Only gives you one year maximum
  • No extension beyond the 12-month maximum program duration permitted
  • Very cumbersome process to change employers – as the sponsor expects you to stay with the same employer on the original visa

 

PROS:

  • Can come to the U.S. without a job offer
  • Can change status to another visa once inside the U.S.

 

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