U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) expanded the H-2A Temporary Agricultural and H-2B Temporary Nonagricultural visa programs. Beginning Jan. 18, nationals from 16 countries, including Andorra, Belgium, Brunei, Colombia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Lichtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, San Marino, Singapore, Taiwan and Timor-Leste, will be eligible to apply for temporary work visa sponsorship.

Additionally, nationals of Moldova will no longer be eligible to apply for H-2B visas, as the country isn’t currently meeting the regulatory standards for participation. According to a notice published in the Federal Register, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of State found a high occurrence of noncompliance among H-2B visa holders from Moldova. However, the country’s H-2A status remains valid.

While the list is updated annually, the DHS can make determinations regarding a country’s continued designation at any time.

H-2A/H-2B Participation List

*Moldova is designated to participate in the H-2A program, but it is not eligible to participate in the H-2B program.

In some cases, USCIS may approve H-2A and H-2B petitions for nationals of countries that aren’t on the list, if the work placement is deemed to be in the interest of the United States.

Are you a foreign national or employer looking for H-2A or H-2B sponsorship assistance? Contact VISANOW and one of our immigration representatives can help you get started.