What is the H-2B visa?

The H-2B visa is a type of non-immigrant U.S. work permit that allows employers in California to bring foreign nationals to the U.S. on a temporary basis to fill seasonal or one-time labor needs. The visa is intended to help employers in industries like hospitality and landscaping, who may experience peaks and valleys in their business and staffing needs. Eligible foreign national workers must have an offer of employment from a California employer. To be approved for an H-2B visa, the employer must demonstrate that they are unable to fill the position with a US worker. The foreign worker must also possess the requisite skills and qualifications necessary to perform the job duties. There are restrictions on the number of H-2B visas that can be issued each year and each worker must meet several other criteria. H-2B workers must be paid the same wages and benefits that U.S. employees in similar positions would receive. The visa does not lead to permanent residency and will expire when the job for which it was issued has been completed. In California, employment-based immigration law can be complex and is best handled by an experienced attorney. Hiring foreign nationals is a great way to fill a specific labor need, but the H-2B visa process needs to be managed properly to avoid unnecessary delays or other pitfalls.

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El visado H-2B es una modalidad de estancia temporal para extranjeros que entran en los Estados Unidos con el propósito de trabajar temporalmente en un puesto de trabajo específico bajo la Ley de Inmigración de los Estados Unidos. El objetivo principal de este visado es permitir a los negocios ofrecer trabajos de temporada de los cuales no hay trabajadores estadounidenses disponibles. En California, la aplicación para un visado H-2B debe presentarse a través de la Oficina de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de los Estados Unidos (USCIS). El empleador debe completar un formulario de petición de trabajo temporal I-129 para solicitar el visado. Los empleadores también deben demostrar que pueden pagar el salario ofrecido y que cumplen con las leyes laborales estadounidenses. El empleador también debe asegurarse de que el trabajador extranjero tenga un seguro de salud. Un visado H-2B es válido por dos años y los trabajadores pueden renovar el visado sin tener que abandonar los Estados Unidos. El USCIS limita el número total de visados H-2B que se pueden emitir cada año, por lo que los trabajadores sólo pueden acceder a un visado H-2B si está disponible.

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