The current funding for the federal government expires on March 15, 2025. If a bipartisan funding deal is not agreed upon, we will experience a government shutdown.
What does that mean for your H-2B application?
First Half Members
If you are in the first half of the fiscal year (start date prior to April 1) then your petition should be approved by now and consulate appointments scheduled. The Department of State has continued to process visas in the past during a shutdown as the appointments are fee-based per worker.
Second Half Members
The Department of Labor (DOL) processing time frames are very consistent compared to last year. Group A and B applications should be through the DOL process prior to March 15 and filed to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS). CIS has continued processing petitions in the past during a shutdown as they are fee based. The DOL is currently processing Group C applications.
The H-2B cap for the original 33,000 visas was met on March 7 last year. We cannot access the supplemental visas until 15 days after the second half cap is reached. Groups C, D and E were able to access the 19,000 returning worker allocation last season. These groups could be impacted if a government shutdown occurs on March 15. DOL CANNOT continue processing without funding during a shutdown. Last year DOL was certifying Group C applications through March 22.
Register to Join FEWA Chief Operations Officer Arnulfo Hinojosa for a live discussion on March 12 at 10 a.m. Central to discuss current processing time frames and status of potential government shutdown. Upon registration, you will receive login details for the webinar.