The H-2B Visa Holder's Guidebook
Know Your Rights
Before leaving for the United States, H-2B visa holders should download and read the Rights, Protections and Resources Pamphlet provided by the U.S. State Department.
Also available in languages other than English.
Working Conditions
You are entitled to work where:
- You are paid at least the legal minimum wage for your position.
- Your wage should be included on your employment agreement
- Your wage must be approved by the U.S. Department of Labor and USCIS on the foreign labor certification and
H-2B Petition before you apply for your H-2B visa in your home country
- You are not subject to abuse or sexual harrassment in the work place
- You are not forced to give your passport, social security card or other documents to your employer, visa agency or anyone else
Program Fees
By U.S. law, it is illegal for U.S. employers or H-2B visa agencies to charge you fees for the following services:
- Job placement
- H-2B Petition
- Visa assistance
- Travel fees to the job site
- If your employer ends your job before the end of your agreement, they are required to provide payment for your transportation home
- Note: you are responsible for the fee to make your visa appointment at the U.S. Consulate