Requirements and How to Apply for Work Visas

Call 2026

By 2026, temporary work programs in the United States will once again be one of the most sought-after routes for people in Mexico and Latinos already living in the U.S. who want to work legally and in an orderly manner.

Demand is typically concentrated in two main areas: agriculture and temporary jobs in services, tourism, and certain trades. During peak seasons, many companies need staff for weeks or months at a time.

This guide explains in simple terms what H-2A and H-2B visas are, how they differ, and what you need to have ready to apply without falling victim to fraud.

H-2A vs H-2B: What's the difference?

The visa H-2A It's for work. temporary agriculturalThink about harvesting, planting, packing related to the field and activities on farms or ranches, according to the contract.

The visa H-2B It's for work. non-agricultural temporaryIt is widely used in hotels, restaurants, gardening, cleaning, parks, construction, and services that are reinforced seasonally.

The key is to understand this: No, you "request" the visa first.. Normally, a employer in the U.S. The process begins to demonstrate that temporary workers are needed, and then the worker completes their consular procedure.

Type of visa	Main Sectors
H-2A	Agriculture, Harvesting, Livestock
H-2B	Construction, Gardening, Cleaning, Hospitality

What you should understand before applying

These programs are temporaryThis means the job has a start and end date, and the permit is specific to that job. It's not the same as residency or a permanent visa.

It's also important to know that procedures can vary by season, country, and employer. The smartest approach is to follow official procedures and have your documents ready in advance.

Requirements Section

Although each case may have its own particularities, these are the most common requirements you should have on hand to move forward when a real offer exists:

• Valid passport (ideally with several months of validity remaining).
• Temporary job offer from an employer in the U.S. (with details of the position, salary and duration).
• Form DS-160 Completed (online application for non-immigrant visa).

In addition, you will typically need to gather information about your employment history, addresses, and prepare clear answers for your consular interview. Consistent information helps avoid delays.

Fraud warning

If someone promises you a "guaranteed visa" in exchange for money, be suspicious. No one can guarantee a visa, much less through social media or private messages.

Golden Rule: Don't pay recruiters to "get" you a jobLegitimate payments are usually official consulate fees and normal personal costs associated with the process (e.g., documents or travel). If they require deposits, "reservations," or unusual fees, steer clear.

If you're already in the US, beware of notaries or people who advertise themselves as "experts" and ask for money for nonexistent procedures. Always verify information through official websites.

Instructions for using the “Seasonal Jobs” portal

To find real opportunities, a good practice is to check the Department of Labor's (DOL) official "Seasonal Jobs" portal. There you'll often find job openings from employers seeking temporary workers.

How to use it quickly:

• Enter the portal and use the search engine by keyword: “H-2A”, “H-2B”, “farm”, “hotel”, “landscaping”, etc.
• Filter by state, job type, and season.
• Read the full ad: salary, city, dates, requirements, and employer details.
• Save screenshots or print the job posting information to have it on hand if you proceed to the consular process.

Practical tip: If the ad doesn't include clear details about the employer or simply directs you to a WhatsApp message, consider it a red flag. Legitimate opportunities usually have verifiable information.

Conclusion and legal notice

H-2A and H-2B visas can be a viable path to working legally in the U.S. in 2026, provided there is a genuine temporary job offer and you follow the correct procedures. The difference is simple: H-2A is for agricultural work, and H-2B is for temporary non-agricultural work.

Legal warning: This content is for informational purposes only and is not an official government website or legal advice. Requirements may change, and each case is different. Always confirm with official sources.

If you want to know other articles similar to Requirements and How to Apply for Work Visas you can visit the category Applications.