USA H-2B Visa Jobs for Laborers 2025 – Up to $35K/Year

For individuals seeking to work in the United States temporarily without a college degree, the H-2B visa program provides a clear legal pathway. In 2025, thousands of laborer jobs across various industries, including landscaping, construction, hospitality, and seafood processing, will be open to foreign workers under this visa, with salaries reaching up to $35,000 per year or more.

This guide explains how the H-2B program works, who is eligible to apply, which jobs are available, and how to increase your chances of being selected for a legal U.S. job.

What Is the H-2B Visa?

The H-2B visa is a U.S. nonimmigrant work visa that allows employers to hire foreign workers for temporary, non-agricultural jobs when there is a shortage of sufficient U.S. labor.

Key Features:

• Valid for up to 9 months, extendable to 3 years in total
• For seasonal, intermittent, or peak-load jobs
• Must have a valid U.S. employer as a sponsor
• No degree is required, just relevant experience or physical capability
• Applicants can apply from outside the U.S.

This visa is distinct from the H-2A visa, which is used for agricultural jobs.

Industries Hiring H-2B Laborers in 2025

The H-2B program is heavily used in industries that experience seasonal demand. Employers must prove that they cannot find enough local workers.

Common sectors include:

• Landscaping and Groundskeeping
• Construction and Roofing
• Hotel and Resort Housekeeping
• Seafood Processing and Packing
• Theme Parks and Outdoor Attractions
• Golf Course Maintenance
• Forestry and Tree Planting
• Amusement and Recreation Workers

Types of Laborer Jobs Available

As of 2025, the most frequently certified labor jobs under H-2B include:

• General laborer
• Construction helper
• Housekeeping attendant
• Landscaping worker
• Warehouse laborer
• Fish cutter/processor
• Meatpacking assistant
• Tree planter or trimmer
• Hotel cleaner or porter
• Event setup and dismantling crew

Most roles are physically demanding and require applicants to be in good health.

Salary Expectations

The U.S. Department of Labor regulates wages under H-2B to ensure fairness.

• Starting hourly wage: $12 – $17/hour
• Weekly earnings: $500 – $700
• Annual potential (if full term): $25,000 – $35,000
• Overtime pay is standard, especially in peak-season work

Some employers also offer free or subsidized housing, transportation, and meals.

Who Can Apply for the H-2B Visa?

Citizens of countries approved by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security are eligible to apply. As of 2025, this includes:

• Mexico
• Jamaica
• Philippines
• Guatemala
• South Africa
• Honduras
• Nigeria
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Kenya
• Nepal
• Haiti
• Ghana (and many more)

The complete list is updated annually.

Basic Eligibility Criteria

To apply, you must:

• Have a valid passport
• Be from an eligible country
• Be physically fit for labor
• Have no serious criminal record
• Be willing to return home after the visa ends
• Be available for seasonal, full-time work (35–40 hours/week)

How to Apply for H-2B Jobs

Step 1: Find a Verified U.S. Employer

The employer must be certified and approved by the U.S. Department of Labor. They must also petition the government on your behalf.

You cannot apply for the H-2B visa without a job offer.

Step 2: Employer Files Form I-129

This is a petition to bring in foreign laborers for a specific job and a specified period.

Step 3: Get the Job Offer & Contract

Once approved, the employer will send you a job contract and visa support documents.

Step 4: Apply for the Visa at the U.S. Embassy

Prepare:

• DS-160 online form
• Interview appointment
• Job contract and petition number
• Medical check (may vary)
• Visa fee (usually around $190)

Step 5: Travel to the U.S.

If approved, you’ll receive your visa and be able to work legally in the U.S. for the duration of the job.

Where to Find H-2B Jobs

Verified Job Boards & Recruitment Channels:

• SeasonalJobs.dol.gov – Official U.S. Department of Labor site
• USCIS.gov – Employer listings and petition numbers
• Indeed.com – Filter for “visa sponsorship H-2B”
• Facebook recruitment groups – Be cautious; verify the employer
• Local agencies in your country – Make sure they’re licensed

Avoid scams. You should never pay hefty upfront fees to agents promising H-2B jobs.

Application Timeline

The H-2B visa has two annual filing periods:

1. Spring/Summer Season (April to September): Filing opens January
2. Fall/Winter Season (October to March): Filing opens July

Jobs are filled quickly, so apply early through a licensed employer.

Benefits of the H-2B Visa

• Legal and safe employment in the U.S.
• Ability to earn $25K–$35K/year
• Employer-covered travel or housing (in many cases)
• Work experience for future opportunities
• Some employers may re-hire workers yearly

Challenges to Be Aware Of

• Temporary visa – You must return home after the job ends
• No pathway to permanent residency directly through H-2B
• Limited spots – There’s a cap of 66,000 visas per year (plus supplemental slots)
• High competition from many countries

Can You Bring Family?

Generally, family members (spouses and children) can apply for an H-4 dependent visa; however, they are not permitted to work in the United States. Most laborers travel alone due to cost and housing constraints.

Bottom Line

The H-2B visa program offers a clear and legal pathway for non-agricultural laborers to work and earn up to $35,000 per year in the United States, with housing and other benefits available in many roles.

If you’re hardworking, ready for seasonal full-time labor, and from an eligible country, this could be your opportunity to gain valuable international experience, save money, and return with skills for life.

Start early, verify employers, and be prepared—H-2B jobs are limited but rewarding. Taking these steps will put you in the best position to secure a job.