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The number of H-2B visas available per fiscal year is 66,000. These are allocated on the following basis:
- 33,000 for employment beginning in the 1st half of the fiscal year from October 1 - March 31.
- 33,000 to be allocated for employment beginning in the 2nd half of the fiscal year from April 1 - September 30.
H-2B workers who extend their H-2B status will not be counted again against the numerical limit. However, those workers who change their nonimmigrant status to H-2B will be counted against the annual H-2B cap.
Below is the latest H-2B Cap Count as of 13 November 2009:
Fiscal Year 2010 H-2B Cap Count
| Cap Type | Cap Amount | Beneficiaries Approved | Beneficiaries Pending | Beneficiaries Target 1 | Total | Date of Last Count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| H-2B 1st Half | 33,000 | 20,937 | 1,491 | 47,000 | 22,428 | 11/13/09 |
| H-2B2nd Half | 33,0002 | - | - | - | - | - |
1Refers to the estimated numbers of beneficiary applications needed to reach a cap, with an allowance for withdrawals, denials and revocations.
2A shortfall in the 1st half would be made up in the 2nd half.
H-2B visas can be used for almost any type of work where there is a temporary need for the worker. However, typically the visa is initially granted for a period of eight to ten months. You will then need to apply for an extension which may be difficult to obtain.
