adminEvery year, thousands of temporary foreign workers apply for the H-2B visa to work legally in the United States. The H-2B visa program is a powerful opportunity that helps U.S. employers fill seasonal or peak-time job vacancies in non-agricultural sectors while offering foreign nationals a chance to earn in dollars, gain international work experience, and send remittances home.
For 2025, the U.S. government has expanded job categories under this visa to address growing labor demands in key industries like hospitality, landscaping, construction, meat processing, and seafood packaging. With proper visa sponsorship and verified employers, applicants from developing countries including Nigeria, Philippines, Mexico, Jamaica, and South Africa now have better access to these U.S. jobs.
The H-2B visa is unique because it allows temporary work for a fixed period—usually up to 9 months—and still pays competitive wages. What makes it more attractive in 2025 is that many of these jobs now come with visa sponsorship, meaning the employer handles much of the visa paperwork and even offers accommodation or transportation support. With dollar earnings, reliable employers, and short-term contracts, this visa path is becoming one of the top choices for low-skilled and semi-skilled workers aiming to work abroad.
This article explains the full picture—why this job sector is in high demand, what type of jobs are available, the skills you need, where the money is best, the kind of salaries to expect, visa options, and how to find legitimate employers.
We’ll also break down 10 real H-2B jobs in the USA for 2025 that are open to foreign workers with sponsorship. If you’re serious about working legally in the United States, and earning a solid income under a structured immigration route, keep reading. This guide will help you make the right decisions.
Why Work in the In-Demand Industry?
The H-2B visa focuses on industries that experience labor shortages during certain periods of the year. These sectors rely heavily on workers who can take on temporary roles during peak seasons. For example, the hospitality sector in Florida during winter or landscaping jobs in Colorado during the summer. Without the help of foreign workers, many U.S. businesses would struggle to meet demand.
One major reason why foreign workers should consider the H-2B route is the steady demand from U.S. employers. Many of these industries cannot rely only on domestic labor because of the seasonality and physical demands involved. This opens the door for international applicants who are ready to work hard and earn in dollars legally. Jobs under the H-2B category are not just in abundance, they’re also well-regulated. Employers must prove that hiring you won’t affect U.S. workers’ wages or conditions. This means you’re protected from being exploited or underpaid.
The hospitality and tourism sector, for instance, booms every year in coastal states and resort areas. Workers are needed for hotels, theme parks, restaurants, and event centers. Landscaping companies also ramp up their workforce during the warmer months. Seafood processing firms in states like Alaska and Maryland need extra hands during harvesting seasons. All these sectors are classified as high-demand and are eligible for H-2B labor certifications.
Because of the labor gaps and legal structure of the H-2B visa program, employers are often eager to provide visa sponsorship. This reduces the applicant’s burden and makes it easier to focus on work rather than paperwork. Many jobs even come with free transportation from your country or affordable housing near the worksite. With limited competition and high employer demand, 2025 is a promising year for H-2B visa applicants looking to break into the U.S. job market legally.
Types of H-2B Jobs in the USA with Visa Sponsorship
The H-2B visa allows foreign workers to fill non-agricultural jobs in the U.S. during times when there are not enough local workers available. These jobs are typically seasonal or temporary, and employers must prove that the need for foreign labor is short-term. Over the years, certain job categories have consistently appeared on the list of certified positions. These include hotel staff, amusement park attendants, housekeepers, restaurant cooks, waiters, construction workers, landscapers, and seafood processors.
In 2025, the most common H-2B jobs include positions in the hospitality industry. Hotel chains across the U.S. hire temporary foreign workers to clean rooms, manage laundry, or serve in guest services during high-tourism months. Event planning and catering companies are also looking for banquet staff, dishwashers, and cleaning crew. These positions may sound basic, but they are critical to the operation of major U.S. businesses and often come with overtime pay.
Landscaping and grounds maintenance jobs are also very common under the H-2B category. Employers need help with mowing, planting, and maintaining lawns, parks, and golf courses. Many of these jobs are in suburban or rural areas, and some employers provide accommodation in exchange for steady work. Similarly, construction companies often hire laborers to assist with roofing, drywall, tiling, and cleanup projects.
The seafood processing industry continues to be one of the biggest users of H-2B visas. Workers are needed to sort, clean, and package crabs, shrimp, and fish during peak fishing seasons. These jobs are physically demanding but pay well and offer room for long shifts that help maximize earnings in a short time.
Visa sponsorship for these roles means the employer handles the visa filing through the Department of Labor and USCIS. Most of the paperwork, including the job order, is submitted by the employer, reducing stress on the foreign worker. When you secure an H-2B job with sponsorship, you are protected by labor laws and entitled to fair wages, making this one of the most attractive visa options for non-agricultural work in the USA.
Entry-level Skills and Experience Required
One of the best things about H-2B visa jobs is that they don’t require university degrees or years of formal experience. These are mostly hands-on roles that require physical strength, endurance, and the ability to follow instructions. That makes it ideal for entry-level applicants or those looking to gain international experience without a professional certification. Still, having the right skills can help you stand out when applying.
Most H-2B jobs are labor-intensive. For example, in landscaping, you’ll be expected to handle equipment like lawnmowers, shears, and sprinklers. You don’t need to be an expert, but basic knowledge of gardening or construction tools helps. In hospitality, positions like housekeeping or food service require attention to detail, cleanliness, and the ability to handle guests in a polite manner. For seafood processing jobs, speed and hygiene are crucial as the work environment involves cold storage and quick movement.
English proficiency isn’t mandatory for every H-2B job, but having basic communication skills is a big plus. Some employers may prefer candidates who can understand simple instructions in English. This becomes more important for customer-facing roles such as front-desk clerks, waiters, or event staff.
While formal experience may not be required, having a work history that shows you’ve held similar roles, even in your home country, can boost your chances. For instance, if you’ve worked in a hotel or construction site before, mentioning that in your application can show you’re ready for the job. Physical fitness is another unspoken requirement. Most of these jobs involve long hours, sometimes in tough conditions like heat, cold, or rain. Being able to work consistently without health issues is important.
Employers under the H-2B program also prefer candidates who are reliable and willing to complete their contract. If you abandon your job or violate your visa terms, it affects not just your future applications but also the employer’s record. So, having a clean travel or work history can be helpful. Even if you’re a first-time applicant, being honest, eager to learn, and ready to commit to the work period can land you the job. The key is to show that you’re dependable and able to follow through.
Regions with the Highest Payment Structures
Payment under H-2B visa jobs depends heavily on location. Different regions in the U.S. offer different hourly rates, and this often reflects the cost of living, labor laws, or local demand for seasonal workers. Understanding which states offer higher wages can help you choose where to apply and potentially increase your earnings during your stay.
California remains one of the highest-paying regions for H-2B visa holders, especially in sectors like hospitality and construction. Due to labor shortages and state-level minimum wage laws, workers often earn more per hour compared to other states. However, the cost of living is also high, so take that into account. States like Washington and Oregon also offer competitive wages, particularly in landscaping and food processing roles.
In the Midwest, states like Minnesota and Wisconsin have high demand for workers in landscaping and seafood processing during spring and summer. These states offer decent pay with a lower cost of living, making it easier for workers to save more of their income. Alaska is another region with high wages, especially for seafood-related jobs. Although the environment is cold and the work is demanding, companies there often pay top dollar and include bonuses or free accommodation.
Southern states such as Florida, Texas, and Georgia hire thousands of H-2B workers annually. Florida’s booming tourism sector requires hotel staff, amusement park workers, and caterers. These roles pay reasonably well, especially when overtime kicks in. Texas, with its large construction sector, is another major destination. Georgia is known for landscaping and forestry support services. While pay rates here may not be the highest, they’re steady, and the cost of living is lower.
If your goal is to maximize earnings, you’ll want to target regions with high job demand and strong state labor protections. It’s also wise to consider the type of job you’re applying for. Seafood processing in Alaska might pay more than housekeeping in Florida, but it also involves harsher working conditions. Understanding the trade-offs can help you make better decisions when selecting job offers.
Salary Expectations for Foreign Workers in the USA
The salary you earn as a foreign worker under the H-2B visa depends on several factors: the job type, location, employer, and number of hours worked. However, the U.S. government ensures that employers pay what’s called the “prevailing wage” — this means workers must receive the same pay a U.S. citizen would earn for that same role in that area. This rule helps protect foreign workers from being underpaid and ensures fair treatment across the board.
On average, most H-2B visa jobs in 2025 will pay between $13 and $22 per hour. For roles in landscaping, cleaning, and construction support, the starting wage often begins around $14 per hour. Seafood processing jobs in states like Alaska or Maine may offer higher hourly rates ranging from $18 to $22 due to the nature of the work and the remote location. Hospitality jobs such as housekeepers, line cooks, or servers in resort areas may offer base pay of $13–$15 per hour, with tips and overtime pushing total weekly earnings higher.
Another important aspect of salary is overtime pay. In many H-2B jobs, especially in industries with high seasonal demand, workers often put in over 40 hours per week. According to U.S. labor laws, anything over 40 hours must be paid at time-and-a-half. This means if your normal wage is $15/hour, overtime would pay $22.50/hour. Many H-2B workers take advantage of this to increase their monthly income, especially in peak season roles that run six or even seven days a week.
Some employers also provide extra benefits that add to your overall earnings. These may include free housing, meals, or transportation to and from your home country. In some seafood processing companies, workers receive bonuses if they complete the full season without missing work. Landscaping companies sometimes offer travel stipends or retention incentives for workers who return the following year.
Overall, if you work full-time and take on regular overtime, it’s possible to earn $2,500 to $3,500 per month before taxes. For many foreign workers, this is a life-changing amount that allows them to save or send money home.
Keep in mind that taxes will be deducted from your wages, but you may qualify for refunds depending on your filing status. Working legally under the H-2B visa means you’ll get paid on time, receive proper documentation, and be treated under U.S. labor law — all of which make it a safer and smarter path than undocumented work.
Visa Types and Options for H-2B Jobs in the USA
The H-2B visa is one of the main visa types designed for foreign nationals who want to take up temporary non-agricultural jobs in the U.S. It is different from the H-2A visa, which is strictly for agricultural work. The H-2B allows employers in construction, hospitality, landscaping, and seafood processing industries to legally bring in foreign workers for specific periods of time.
To qualify for an H-2B visa, the job must be seasonal, peak-load, intermittent, or one-time in nature. This means the employer must prove that there is a limited time need for the position, and that they cannot find enough U.S. workers willing or available to do the job. Once approved, the job is certified for H-2B use and the employer is allowed to file a petition to bring foreign workers.
One of the major benefits of the H-2B visa is that it allows for full-time legal employment, often including overtime, while giving the worker the right to live in the U.S. during the job period. Most visas are valid for up to 9 months, though in special cases they may be extended for up to three years in total. After the period ends, workers must leave the U.S., but they may apply again for a future season.
In 2025, the U.S. government has approved an additional allocation of H-2B visas beyond the regular annual cap. This includes a special reserve for nationals from countries that have proven to be reliable participants in the program, such as Nigeria, Jamaica, Mexico, the Philippines, and Honduras. This reserve makes it easier for people from these countries to get selected, provided they have a valid job offer from a certified employer.
It’s important to note that visa sponsorship is a key requirement. You cannot apply for an H-2B visa without a U.S. employer who has gone through the labor certification process. The employer must file Form I-129 on your behalf, and once approved, you can schedule a visa interview at the U.S. embassy in your country. You’ll need to show your job contract, passport, and a few other documents, including proof of ties to your home country to satisfy immigration requirements.
The H-2B visa doesn’t offer a direct path to permanent residency, but many workers return year after year. Some eventually change status while in the U.S., either through marriage, employer sponsorship under a different visa like EB-3, or other lawful means. For 2025, the program remains one of the most accessible legal pathways to work in the U.S. without a college degree or specialized skills.
How to Find H-2B Jobs in the USA with Visa Sponsorship
Finding H-2B jobs with visa sponsorship is very possible if you follow the right process and stay clear of fake agents. The U.S. government requires all H-2B employers to go through strict steps, which means there are public records of certified jobs available for foreign workers. One of the best places to start is the U.S. Department of Labor’s Foreign Labor Certification Data Center, where certified job orders are posted. These listings include employer names, job titles, locations, and contact details.
Another great source is the SeasonalJobs.dol.gov website. This is the official government platform for seasonal jobs and includes positions that qualify under the H-2B visa. The site allows you to filter by state, job type, and company. It also shows when the job starts and ends, so you can plan your application ahead of time.
Recruitment agencies also play a role in connecting employers and foreign workers. However, be careful with agencies that ask for huge upfront fees or make unrealistic promises. A legitimate agency will not charge you for a job offer or visa application unless clearly stated and documented. It’s best to look for licensed U.S.-based recruiting companies that work with employers and have a track record of placing H-2B workers.
Social media groups and online job forums can also be useful, especially for getting updates about companies hiring for the upcoming season. Facebook, Telegram, and WhatsApp groups often have members who have worked under H-2B programs before. Ask questions, verify employers, and always cross-check any offer you receive with government websites.
Once you find a job listing that interests you, you should prepare a basic resume that highlights your experience in similar work—even if it’s informal work in your home country. Many employers are more interested in your ability to do the job than in fancy education. If your application is accepted, the employer will begin the visa process by filing a petition. After approval, you’ll go for a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country.
In 2025, the demand for H-2B workers is rising fast. Many companies are beginning recruitment early to meet their labor needs in hospitality, landscaping, and food processing. That means the best time to apply is several months before the job start date. Planning ahead and applying through legitimate channels gives you the best chance of success and helps you avoid falling victim to scams.
10 H-2B Visa Sponsorship Jobs in the USA
Now let’s look at 10 real H-2B visa jobs in 2025 that offer sponsorship and good pay. These jobs are all in non-agricultural sectors and are open to foreign workers from approved countries. Each one has high demand, seasonal work needs, and legal backing under the U.S. labor system.
First, Hotel Room Attendants are in demand in Florida, California, and Nevada. Resorts and tourist hotels need staff to clean guest rooms and public spaces during tourist seasons. These jobs usually pay $14–$16/hour and often come with free or discounted staff housing.
Second, Landscaping Laborers are popular in states like Texas, Georgia, and Colorado. Landscaping companies hire seasonal workers for lawn mowing, planting, mulching, and outdoor maintenance. The pay ranges from $14–$18 per hour depending on region.
Third, Seafood Processing Workers in Alaska and Maryland are needed during peak fishing seasons. This work involves sorting and packaging crabs, fish, and shrimp. It’s tough but pays well—around $18/hour with long shifts and overtime.
Fourth, Construction Assistants in Louisiana and South Carolina are required to help with road works, roofing, and commercial projects. No prior experience needed, just good physical strength and willingness to work.
Fifth, Theme Park Ride Operators and Attendants in places like Orlando and Anaheim are hired for spring and summer operations. These jobs involve supervising rides, handling guests, and basic safety checks. Pay starts at $15/hour.
Sixth, Food Service Staff including waiters, dishwashers, and cooks are in demand in hotel restaurants across the U.S. These roles may include tips and offer shifts of up to 10 hours daily during events or tourist seasons.
Seventh, Cleaning and Janitorial Workers are employed in hospitals, schools, and event halls. States like New York and Illinois have high demand for temporary cleaners during peak flu seasons or school terms.
Eighth, Event Setup Crew for conventions and outdoor festivals are needed in large cities. These workers assist with assembling stages, seating, lighting, and dismantling setups after events. These jobs pay hourly plus overtime.
Ninth, Meatpacking Assistants in the Midwest are hired in slaughterhouses or packaging plants. These jobs require handling meat products in controlled environments. They pay well and include full safety training.
Tenth, Forest Maintenance Workers are in demand in Oregon and Washington to help with tree planting, fire control, and trail maintenance during warm seasons. This job is physically tough but pays up to $20/hour due to risk and demand.
Each of these H-2B jobs offers visa sponsorship through a verified employer. With the right application and a strong work ethic, you can secure a legal job in the U.S. that pays in dollars, provides experience, and offers the chance to return each year.
