H-1B and H-2 Visas 2025 – Check Eligibility, Rules, Timeline and Apply Online

The government is planning a big change in the H-1B and H-2 visa system. It will impact different immigrant visas. All these changes will start from 18th January. This would be a golden opportunity for all the skilled professionals and temporary workers all around the globe.

The two sides- the employers and foreign workers- have to be aware of all these changes to benefit from them. These are all responses to labor shortages, global competition climbing ever higher up the ladder, and the necessity for an efficient system of processing.

H-1B and H-2 Visas 2025

The H-1B visa program is targeted at high-skilled workers, an aspect that the US immigration policy retains as its pillar. The H-2 visa has two branches: one, H-2A, which deals with agricultural industry workers, while the other, H-2B, is applied for non-agricultural laborers.

In the same fashion, this H-2B covers the temporary gap in workforce seasonality, thereby ensuring a competitive US workforce, which, on the same account, could support the demands for temporary labor. All those who intend to get a US visa should be made aware of the importance and eligibility criteria of visas.

H-1B and H-2 Visas 2025 Overview

Authority NameDepartment of Homeland Security
Name of ProgramH-1B and H-2 Visas 2025
CountryUSA
ImplementationJanuary 2025
Type of VisaH-1B & H-2
Visa Limitations85,000 H-1B visas annually, with specific reservations for advanced degree holders
CategoryGovernment Aid
Official Websitehttps://www.uscis.gov/

H-1B and H-2 Visas Full Details

New policies that are expected to be imposed by the authorities will emphasize digital platforms, worker protection, and industry-specific adjustments. It is expected that 2025 will become a critical year for visa applicants and sponsors.

People should know detailed information about the H-1B and H-2 Visas, exploring their purpose for helping them, and must know about the requirements that need to be fulfilled by them along with their key features. They can also go through the official website of the authorities to know the process of applying for a visa.

H-1B Visa

  • The visa program of H-1B is designed to attract global talent in specific fields such as technology, engineering, finance, healthcare, and medicine.
  • Various employers can use this VisaVisa to bridge the skill gap in areas where domestic expertise is insufficient.

Key Features of H-1B Visa

  • It will be granted for 3 years, which is expandable to 6 years.
  • Its sponsor must file a labor condition application and provide the necessities of hiring foreign talent.
  • It is limited to 85,000 visas, with 20,000 reserved for advanced US degree holders.

Eligibility for H-1B Visa

  • A person must hold a Bachelor’s degree in a specific field.
  • Secure an employer who is willing to sponsor your visa application.
  • They must have qualified for the requirements of a matching job role offered by a sponsoring US employer.

Reforms of H-1B in 2025

  • Authorities will provide 10,000 additional visas allocated for STEM graduates to bolster innovation in science and technology.
  • Employers need to meet the wage requirement prevailing industrial standards.
  • Small firms with fewer H-1B employees will get priority to boost diversity.

H-2 Visa

  • The H-2 Visa addresses the seasonal labor requirements in US industries, and it is also divided into two parts, i.e., H-2A and H-2B.
  • H-2A is for those applicants who are suitable for agricultural roles such as harvesting and planting.
  • On the other hand, H-2B is for non-agricultural roles in construction, hospitality, landscaping, and tourism.

Eligibility & Other Details of H-2 Visa

Workers must be from countries approved for H-2 visas and must meet the skill requirements for the job. They are typically valid for up to 1 year and renewable for up to 3 years.

H-2A visa has no limit for the number of applicants, while the H-2B visa is limited to 66,000 visas annually, split into two halves of the fiscal year.

How to Apply for H-1B and H-2 Visas 2025

For an H-1 visa, people should follow the process given below:

  1. Employers can file an LCA with the Department of Labour to confirm their confluence with wage standards.
  2. Employers can complete online registration during the designated window.
  3. Selected employers need to submit the form I-129 to USCIS.
  4. Applicants need to complete their visa process with an embassy or a consultant.

For H-2 Visa, people should follow the process given below:

  1. Employers need to prove the role of seasonal and US workers must be unavailable.
  2. Employer’s visa petition must be submitted to USCIS for worker’s visa.
  3. Workers applying for a visa must schedule an interview.
  4. After the approval, workers can begin employment in the US.

FAQs

What is the maximum requirement for an H-1B visa?

A person must have a bachelor’s degree or higher qualifications and also have an interest in fields of work like IT, engineering, and healthcare.

What is the duration of the H-2 Visa in 2025?

Valid up to 1 year old and can be renewed for up to 3 years.

Which VisaVisa has no limit for the number of visas?

H-2A visas do not have a limit and are aimed at agricultural workers.

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