Labor Secretary Discusses New Migrant Visa Program Initiatives

Key Takeaways

• The Department of Labor created a new Office of Immigration Policy in June 2025 to streamline H-2A and H-2B visas.
• For Fiscal Year 2025, 64,716 supplemental H-2B visas increase the cap to about 130,716, with special allocations for certain countries.
• H-2A program improvements include faster processing, emergency approvals, and stronger labor protections without increasing visa numbers.

On July 17, 2025, Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer announced major updates to the United States 🇺🇸 migrant visa programs, focusing on the H-2A and H-2B visa categories. These changes are designed to make the process faster and more reliable for employers who need temporary foreign workers, while also protecting American and migrant workers. The Department of Labor (DOL), working closely with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is leading these efforts. This update explains what has changed, who is affected, what actions are required, and what these changes mean for people with pending applications.

Summary of What Changed

The most important changes announced by the Labor Secretary include:

• The creation of a new Office of Immigration Policy within the Department of Labor to manage and speed up the H-2A and H-2B visa programs.
• A large increase in the number of H-2B visas available For Fiscal Year 2025, with special allocations for certain countries.
• Improvements to the H-2A visa program, making it faster and more efficient for agricultural employers.
• Adjustments to enforcement and regulatory rules to help employers while still protecting workers.
• Upgrades to technology and customer service to help both employers and workers track their applications and get help quickly.

These changes are effective as of July 17, 2025, unless otherwise noted.

Who Is Affected by These Changes

• Employers in agriculture (farmers, ranchers) and seasonal industries (hospitality, landscaping, seafood processing) who use the H-2A and H-2B visa programs to hire temporary foreign workers.
• Migrant workers who apply for H-2A or H-2B visas to work temporarily in the United States 🇺🇸.
• American workers whose jobs and wages are protected by rules that require employers to try to hire U.S. workers first and pay fair wages.
• Immigration attorneys, labor recruiters, and advocacy groups who help employers and workers with the visa process.

Effective Dates

• The new Office of Immigration Policy at the Department of Labor began operating in June 2025.
• The supplemental H-2B visas for Fiscal Year 2025 are available starting October 1, 2024, and are distributed in four groups throughout the fiscal year.
• Changes to the H-2A program and enforcement rules are effective immediately as of July 17, 2025, unless otherwise specified in official DOL guidance.

Required Actions for Employers and Workers

For Employers:

• Use the new Office of Immigration Policy: Employers should submit their H-2A and H-2B applications through the new office, which offers a more streamlined process and better customer service.
• Follow updated filing timelines: For H-2B visas, employers must file petitions according to the new schedule linked to their employment start dates. Missing these deadlines could mean missing out on needed workers.
• Meet all eligibility requirements: Employers must show that the jobs are temporary or seasonal, that they tried to hire U.S. workers first, and that hiring foreign workers will not lower wages or working conditions for Americans.
• Track applications online: Employers can now use upgraded IT systems and dashboards to see the status of their visa applications in real time.
• Stay informed about enforcement: Employers must continue to follow all wage and labor rules. The DOL will still enforce protections for both U.S. and foreign workers.

For Migrant Workers:

• Apply for visas outside the United States 🇺🇸: Workers must get their H-2A or H-2B visas at a U.S. consulate or embassy in their home country.
• Understand the temporary nature of the job: These visas do not provide a path to permanent residency or citizenship. Workers must return home when their visa ends.
• Follow all legal requirements: Workers must meet the eligibility rules for the visa and comply with U.S. laws while working.

For Pending Applications:

• Applications already filed: Pending H-2A and H-2B applications will be processed under the new system. The DOL aims to clear backlogs quickly, especially for urgent cases.
• New applications: Employers and workers should use the updated forms and follow the new procedures. The DOL’s Office of Immigration Policy provides help and guidance for new applicants.

Detailed Overview of the Changes

1. Creation of the Office of Immigration Policy

In June 2025, Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer announced the creation of the Office of Immigration Policy within the Department of Labor. This new office is meant to act as a central hub for all matters related to migrant worker visas, especially the H-2A and H-2B programs.

• Purpose: The office aims to cut down on paperwork and delays by providing a single place for employers to get help and submit applications.
• “Concierge service”: The office offers direct support to farmers, ranchers, and other employers, helping them move through the process more quickly and with fewer problems.
• No program expansion or amnesty: The Labor Secretary made it clear that the office is not expanding the number of visas or granting legal status to undocumented workers. The focus is on making the existing process faster and more reliable.
• Better technology: The office uses new IT systems, including online dashboards, so employers can see where their applications stand at any time.
• Faster approvals: An emergency team within the office can handle urgent cases and backlogs, helping employers get workers when they need them most.

2. H-2B Visa Program Supplemental Increase for Fiscal Year 2025

The H-2B visa program allows employers to hire temporary foreign workers for nonagricultural jobs, such as in hotels, landscaping, and seafood processing. For Fiscal Year 2025, the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Labor have announced a major increase in the number of available visas.

• Supplemental visas: An extra 64,716 H-2B visas are being added to the usual 66,000 annual cap, bringing the total to about 130,716 visas for the year.
• Four allocations: These extra visas are released in four groups throughout the year to match seasonal labor needs.
• Special allocation for certain countries: 20,000 of the supplemental visas are set aside for workers from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Haiti, Colombia, Ecuador, and Costa Rica. This helps address labor shortages and supports regional partnerships.
• Strict eligibility: Employers must show that the jobs are truly temporary or seasonal and that hiring foreign workers will not hurt U.S. workers’ wages or working conditions.
• Filing deadlines: Employers must file their petitions according to the new schedule, which is tied to when they need workers to start. Missing these deadlines can mean missing out on needed workers.
• Labor market test: Before hiring foreign workers, employers must try to recruit U.S. workers and offer fair wages.

For more information on the H-2B program and how to apply, employers and workers can visit the official USCIS H-2B page.

3. H-2A Visa Program Improvements

The H-2A visa program lets agricultural employers hire temporary foreign farmworkers. The program is now being managed entirely by the Department of Labor for better oversight and faster service.

• No expansion, just improvement: The Labor Secretary stressed that the program is not getting bigger, but it is being made faster and more affordable for employers.
• Emergency approvals: The new office can fast-track urgent cases, helping farmers who face sudden labor shortages.
• No amnesty: The program does not provide legal status or a path to citizenship for undocumented workers. It is strictly for temporary, legal employment.
• Labor protections: The DOL continues to enforce rules that protect both U.S. and foreign workers, including fair wages and safe working conditions.
• Backlog reduction: The new office is working to clear old cases and prevent delays in the future.

Employers must still complete the labor certification process, which proves that there are not enough U.S. workers available for the job and that hiring foreign workers will not lower wages. The official Department of Labor Foreign Labor Certification page provides detailed instructions and forms for both H-2A and H-2B applications.

4. Policy Context and Enforcement

The Department of Labor is making these changes in the context of broader immigration policy goals:

• Protecting workers: The DOL’s Wage and Hour Division enforces rules to make sure both U.S. and foreign workers are treated fairly.
• Regulatory relief: Some 2024 farmworker rules that were seen as too burdensome have been suspended, making it easier for employers to comply while still protecting workers.
• Clear delegation: The Labor Secretary’s June 2025 memo spells out who in the DOL is responsible for enforcing immigration laws related to labor certification and worker protections.
• Balancing needs: The administration is trying to balance border security, enforcement inside the country, and the need for legal labor to support the economy.

Implications for Pending Applications

If you have already filed an H-2A or H-2B application, your case will be handled under the new system. The DOL’s new office is working to clear backlogs and provide faster service, especially for urgent cases. Employers and workers should check the status of their applications using the new online dashboards or contact the Office of Immigration Policy for help.

If you are planning to file a new application, make sure to use the updated forms and follow the new procedures. The DOL’s website has the latest information and instructions.

Implications for Employers, Workers, and the U.S. Economy

For Employers:

• Faster processing: The new office and technology upgrades mean less waiting and more certainty about when workers will arrive.
• Better support: Employers get direct help from the Office of Immigration Policy, making it easier to solve problems and get answers.
• Clearer rules: Updated guidance and online tools help employers understand what they need to do and when.

For Migrant Workers:

• More efficient process: Workers can expect faster visa approvals and better communication about their applications.
• No path to permanent residency: These programs remain temporary. Workers must return home when their visa ends.
• Legal protections: The DOL continues to enforce rules to make sure workers are paid fairly and treated well.

For American Workers:

• Job protection: Employers must still try to hire U.S. workers first and pay fair wages.
• Wage safeguards: The DOL enforces rules to prevent wage suppression or poor working conditions.

For the U.S. Economy:

• Food security: Farmers can get the workers they need to plant and harvest crops, helping keep food supplies stable.
• Support for seasonal industries: Hotels, landscapers, and seafood processors can fill jobs that are hard to staff with local workers.
• No expansion of legal immigration: The changes focus on making the process work better, not on increasing the number of foreign workers.

Background and Historical Context

The H-2B program has received extra visas each year since 2017 to help with labor shortages in industries like hospitality and landscaping. The Fiscal Year 2025 increase continues this trend, showing that demand for temporary foreign labor remains high.

The H-2A program has often been managed by several agencies, which led to confusion and delays. By moving all management to the Department of Labor, the government hopes to make the process smoother for both employers and workers.

These programs are part of a larger debate about immigration policy in the United States 🇺🇸. Recent proposals, like the Dignity Act of 2025, aim to reduce visa backlogs and make the system more efficient, but any major changes will require action by Congress.

Expert and Stakeholder Perspectives

Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer has said these changes are important for food security and economic stability. She has made it clear that the goal is not to expand the programs or offer amnesty, but to make the process work better for everyone involved.

Farmers and business owners have welcomed the new office and faster processing, saying it will help them avoid labor shortages and keep their businesses running.

Some groups that want stricter immigration controls are watching closely to make sure the rules are followed and that there is no hidden expansion or amnesty.

Congress still plays a key role, since it sets the number of visas and can change the rules in the future.

Future Outlook

The Department of Labor plans to keep improving its technology and customer service, making it easier for employers and workers to get help and track their applications.

Congress may consider more changes to the visa programs, including raising the caps or reducing backlogs, as part of broader immigration reform.

The administration is expected to keep balancing the need for legal workers with strong enforcement of immigration laws.

Where to Find More Information

• For official updates and forms for the H-2A and H-2B programs, visit the Department of Labor Foreign Labor Certification page.
• For information on the H-2B visa process and allocations, see the USCIS H-2B page.
• For news and policy memos, check the Department of Labor Newsroom.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes represent a major step forward in making the migrant visa programs more efficient and responsive to the needs of both employers and workers, while maintaining strong protections for American jobs and wages.

Actionable Takeaways

• Employers should use the new Office of Immigration Policy for all H-2A and H-2B applications and follow the updated procedures.
• Workers should apply for visas outside the United States 🇺🇸 and make sure they meet all eligibility requirements.
• Pending applications will be processed under the new system, with faster service expected.
• Everyone involved should stay informed by checking official government websites for the latest updates and instructions.

These updates are designed to help the United States 🇺🇸 meet its labor needs while protecting both American and migrant workers. By following the new rules and using the improved systems, employers and workers can expect a smoother, faster process in the months ahead.

Learn Today

H-2A visa → Temporary visa allowing agricultural employers to hire foreign seasonal farmworkers legally in the U.S.
H-2B visa → Temporary visa for non-agricultural seasonal workers, like hospitality and landscaping industries in the U.S.
Office of Immigration Policy → New Department of Labor unit managing H-2A and H-2B visas to streamline applications and reduce delays.
Labor market test → Requirement for employers to recruit U.S. workers first before hiring foreign temporary workers under H-2 visas.
Supplemental visas → Additional visas added beyond the annual cap to meet increased temporary labor demands for Fiscal Year 2025.

This Article in a Nutshell

On July 17, 2025, the U.S. Labor Department revamped H-2A and H-2B visa programs, creating a new immigration office to speed applications and adding over 64,000 H-2B visas while maintaining worker protections. These changes help employers fill temporary jobs efficiently without expanding visa numbers or offering amnesty.
— By VisaVerge.com