Employing Foreign Seasonal Staff

Americans fill the majority of jobs in American businesses. Still, there is a significant seasonal labor shortage. A lot of businesses have begun to rely on foreign employees to fill the entry-level seasonal job void. There are two alternatives for making up for the labor shortage: filing for H-2B visas or taking on J-1 student visa holders. Both visa types help to serve an employer's temporary need for unskilled entry-level workers.

In the recent years, hiring H-2B visa workers has been essential for hospitality, catering and housekeeping industries in the hey of a season. A total of 33, 000 H-2B visa workers are permitted to enter the country each season. H-2B visa holders arrive the States twice a year: from October 1 to March 31 (winter) and from April 1 to September 30 (summer season). With two seasons allowing 33, 000 workers each, a total cap of 66, 000 H-2B visas is issued nationwide yearly.

Due to the complex nature of the H-2B visa application procedure and the current cap on its implementation, some businesses are giving preference to J-1 student employees instead.

There is no limitation the number of J-1 visa workers coming to the States. The law permits foreign students to have a few jobs at a time. Students complete all visa applications in their mother countries and are either sanctioned or denied there.J-1 student visa holders have proved to be a perfect solution to a labor shortage. J-1 student employees are a viable alternative for many businesses.

Nonetheless, J-1 visas have the downside. J-1 student visa workers are only eligible to work four months a year - the period that corresponds to their summer vacation time.

Student employees’ work for about 90 days, starting from June/May, and then travel for 30 days - the so-called grace period - before going back home. It means that J-1 student workers can lawfully reside in the United States for about 4 months.

As for H-2B and J-1 visa holders, the Work & travel USA Program is a wonderful opportunity to discover the USA, earn some money and improve their CV.