Main differences
Summary of the general rules (always confirm the job order and the current rules):
- Type of work: H-2A is agricultural; H-2B is non-agricultural.
- Annual cap: the H-2B has an annual visa ceiling set by Congress; the H-2A has no numerical cap.
- Housing: on the H-2A the employer must provide lodging at no cost to the worker (or an allowance, in some cases); the H-2B has no such general requirement.
- Transport: the H-2A has rules for reimbursing tickets and transport; the H-2B rules are different.
- Duration: both are temporary, with deadlines and extensions defined in regulations.
Which to choose
The choice depends on the job, not on the worker: you apply to an offer and the employer uses the corresponding visa. If you prefer field work with housing included, focus on the H-2A. If you are looking for hospitality, tourism or landscaping, look at H-2B job orders.
H2A Works is focused on the H-2A: it organizes agricultural jobs by state, occupation and start month.
See active seasonal jobs
H-2A jobs by state, occupation and start month, straight from the Department of Labor's public job orders.