On May 31, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the temporary Final Rule that will increase the H-2B cap by 15,000 visas. Eligible petitioners for H-2B visas can now file Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker. Eligible petitioners must submit a supplemental attestation on Form ETA 9142-B-CAA-2 with their petitions.

The federal H-2B visa program is used by U.S. golf facilities to secure legal employees when they cannot fill seasonal jobs with American workers despite intensive recruitment efforts. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) must certify that qualified workers are not available in the U.S. and that the foreign worker’s employment will not adversely affect wages and working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers.

GCSAA has worked tirelessly to find both short and long term solutions to preserve and protect the H-2B Visa program for golf facilities. We welcome this latest development but will continue to talk to Congress and DOL and DHS about the urgent need to increase the annual H-2B cap which is not sufficient for seasonal businesses.

Details on eligibility and filing requirements are available in the final temporary rule published May 31 and on the Increase in H-2B Nonimmigrant Visas for FY 2018 webpage.

Read the official news release from DHS.