What is an H-2 work visa?
H-2 visas are nonimmigrant visas that allow U.S. employers to temporarily hire foreign workers when they cannot find enough local workers.
There are two types, depending on the kind of job.
H-2A visa: agricultural work
This visa is for seasonal agricultural work, such as harvesting, planting, field packing, nurseries or livestock handling. It has no annual cap, which is why it is one of the work visas most often issued to Mexican workers.
H-2B visa: non-agricultural work
This visa is for temporary jobs outside of agriculture, such as landscaping, golf course maintenance, construction, hotels, restaurants or seafood processing. Unlike the H-2A, it has a limited number of visas per year, so timing matters.
Who can apply?
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People with a job offer from a U.S. employer that has already been approved to hire H-2 workers.
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People with a valid Mexican passport.
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People who meet the job requirements, such as experience or physical condition.
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People who can show at the interview that they intend to work for the season and return to Mexico.
Important: the H-2 visa depends on the employer. Without a job offer from an approved employer, it is not possible to apply. If you do not have an employer yet, message us and we will guide you.
Documents you usually need
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Valid passport.
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DS-160 confirmation page.
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Proof of payment of the visa fee.
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Confirmation of your CAS and consulate appointments.
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Documents from the employer's approved petition (provided by the employer or their agent).
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Previous visas, if you have any.
Each case may require additional documents. We confirm the exact list when we review your case.
How JH Consultoría Internacional helps you
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Review of your case and documents before you start.
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Completion and review of the DS-160 form.
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Scheduling of your CAS and consulate appointments.
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Preparation for your consular interview.
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Professional photography for your documents.
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Lodging in Monterrey and Nuevo Laredo during your process.
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Coordinated work with employers and immigration law firms in the United States.
Are you a U.S. employer? We also support companies with worker recruitment and logistics on the Mexican side. Contact us to talk about your season.
How long does the process take?
It depends on the season, the consulate and appointment availability. Once the employer's petition is approved, the process in Mexico can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. When we review your case, we give you a realistic estimate.
No one can guarantee a visa approval: the final decision always belongs to the consular officer. What we do make sure of is that you arrive with a complete, error-free application and well prepared.