US H-2B application process to become more user-friendly

To make the H-2B application process more organised and convenient for employers, the United States Department of Labor (DOL) has announced changes to process to cut down the documentation required to give proof of ‘temporary need.’

To bag an approval to recruit workers on H-2B visas, employers should show proof that the requirement for employees under this programme is for a temporary duration. The National Law Review quotes DOL’s regulation as stating that the visa is restricted to one year or less, but in certain cases, it could be extended up to three years. It must be a one-time instance, peak load, irregular or seasonal.

The rules of DOL H-2B are looking at an application process of two parts. In the first part, the agency decides if the employer has a temporary requirement through the registration process of the employer. The next step involves judging the actual application of the employer to recruit H-2B workers.

Since the DOL is yet to put in place the registration needs of its rules, the agency would decide the employer’s temporary requirements during the scrutiny of the application of the actual H-2B labour visa.

Employers need to fill up completely Form ETA-9142B, Section B, as per which a statement is needed on the nature of the temporary requirement, employment period, number of people to be hired and the status of requirement.

According to DOL, the additional documentation that many employers are submitting is considerably similar every year for the same employer or a specific industry, creating a needless burden for both employers and the certifying officer (CO), who should pore over all documents submitted with every application.

If you want to apply for an H-2B visa, contact Y-Axis to get all types of assistance to file for a work visa at one of its 19 offices, which are located in eight major cities of India.

For more news and updates, assistance with your visa needs or for a Free Assessment of your profile for Immigration or Work Visa’s just visit www.y-axis.com