Department of Labor

H-2A & H-2B Visa Programs

The U.S. Office of Foreign Labor Certification permits employers to hire foreign workers on a temporary or permanent basis to fill jobs essential to the U.S. economy. The New York State Department of Labor’s Foreign Labor Certification Unit has a role in the processing of H-2A (temporary agricultural jobs) and H-2B (temporary non-agricultural jobs) visa applications. Foreign Labor Certification Programs are designed to ensure that the admission of foreign workers into the United States will not adversely affect the job opportunities, wages, and working conditions of U.S. workers. Certification may be obtained to bring foreign workers into the U.S. when it is demonstrated that there are insufficient qualified U.S. workers available and willing to perform the work.

Job seekers: Find jobs at our H-2A (agricultural) jobs page and our H-2B (non-agricultural) jobs page.

Agricultural employers and agents: Visit our H-2A employers and agents page.

Non-agricultural employers and agents: Visit our H-2B employers and agents page.

H-2A / H-2B Contact Information

Find details at http://www.foreignlaborcert.doleta.gov or contact the USDOL's Chicago National Processing Center at (312) 886-8000.

Other types of employment visas

For more information about other types of employment visas, visit https://www.foreignlaborcert.doleta.gov.

Other resources

Federal government websites

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services