US Updates H-2A and H-2B Visa Eligibility List

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of State, has published an updated list of countries whose citizens are eligible to apply for H-2A and H-2B work visas, effective November 8, 2024. The announcement was made by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Belize is the only new addition to both visa programs this cycle, and no countries were removed from either list. The H-2A visa is designated for recruiting foreign workers for temporary agricultural roles, while the H-2B visa is for temporary non-agricultural positions.

Both programs require that workers come from countries formally designated as eligible by the Secretary of Homeland Security. In cases where a national's country does not appear on the approved list, USCIS retains the authority to consider petitions on a case-by-case basis, provided that approval is deemed in the interest of the United States.

The DHS may revise the eligible countries list at any time through a new Federal Register notice.