Nonimmigrant visa

Nonimmigrant visa

Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers

Members of Internationally Recognized Entertainment Groups

Landscapers, Hospitality workers, Construction workers, Technicians, Retail staff

Band members, Orchestra members, Circus performers, Dance troupes

• Employers must demonstrate a temporary need, which is limited to up to three years for a one-time need or 10 months for seasonal, peak load, or intermittent needs.

• Employers must provide evidence that there are no U.S. workers who are willing, qualified, and able to perform the temporary work.

• Employers must certify that hiring H-2B workers will not negatively impact the wages and working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers.

• The group must be internationally recognized in its field.

• At least 75% of the group’s members must have been with the group for a minimum of one year.

• The purpose of the visit to the U.S. must be to perform as a group.

• Does not focus on individual credentials, making it accessible to a wide range of applicants.

• Allows U.S. employers to address temporary labor shortages in non-agricultural sectors.

• Flexible in meeting seasonal, peak load, and intermittent labor needs.

• Allows internationally recognized entertainment groups to perform in the U.S.

• Simplifies the process with a single petition for the entire group.

• Adjusts the stay duration based on the group’s engagement schedule.

• Flexible sponsorship options, including sponsorship by an agent—an individual or entity designated to act on your behalf—instead of a single payroll employer. This allows you to work for multiple employers.

• Visas are available for essential support personnel, such as sound and lighting technicians.

• Subject to semi-annual quotas and a rigid lottery-based application process.

• Employers must undergo a rigorous certification process to prove the unavailability of U.S. workers.

• Spouses and dependents do not receive work authorization.

• Stay is limited to one-year increments, which is shorter than other visa categories.

• Requires proof of international recognition (not just national), setting a higher eligibility standard compared to some other visas.

• Spouses and dependents do not receive work authorization.

• Renewal requires evidence of ongoing performance engagements.

Required

Required

Duration of labor certification, up to 1 year, renewable for a total of up to 3 years

Duration of the event, up to 1 year, renewable in 1-year increments

Renewable up to 3 years

1-year increments

5-6 months

3-6 months

15 business days

15 business days

No

No

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