The H-2B visa category allows U.S. employers in industries with peak load, seasonal or intermittent needs to augument their existing labor force with temporary workers.
Congress has set the numerical limit for H-2B visas at 66,000 per fiscal year. The Save Our Small and Seasonal Businesses Act of 2005 (SOS Act) divided the annual numerical limitations of 66,000 into two halves. Accordingly, the 33,000 cap for the first half of FY 2009 was satisfied on July 29, 2008.
As of December 12, 2008, 18,367 petitions have been counted towards the 33,000 cap for the second half of FY 2009. Applicants interested in petitioning for an H-2B visa are encouraged to act fast as time is running out.