H-2A and H-2B Visa Workers Address North Dakota Labor Shortages

Key Takeaways

• 315,000 H-2A and 140,000 H-2B visas were issued nationwide in FY 2024, supporting North Dakota’s seasonal workforce.
• A temporary increase adds 64,716 H-2B visas for FY 2025, prioritizing returning workers and select countries.
• Employers report persistent labor shortages; H-2A/H-2B visa programs remain critical for agriculture and seasonal industries.

The purpose of this analysis is to provide a detailed, objective review of how H-2A and H-2B visa programs are meeting the growing labor needs in North Dakota. This review covers the scope, recent trends, policy changes, and practical implications for employers and workers. It also examines historical context, current data, and future outlook, with a focus on evidence-based findings and clear explanations for all stakeholders.

Scope:
This analysis focuses on the use of H-2A visas (for seasonal agricultural workers) and H-2B visas (for seasonal non-agricultural workers) in North Dakota, set against national trends and recent policy changes. It addresses the needs of employers, workers, and policymakers, and considers both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors.

Methodology:
The findings are based on official data from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and Department of Labor (DOL), as well as statements from industry groups and government officials. The analysis draws on the most current data available as of July 2025, including visa issuance numbers, policy updates, and stakeholder perspectives.

Key Findings Upfront:

• H-2A and H-2B visa holders are essential to North Dakota’s workforce, especially in agriculture and seasonal industries.
• In FY 2024, 315,000 H-2A visas and 140,000 H-2B visas were issued nationwide, with North Dakota relying heavily on both categories.
• A temporary increase of 64,716 H-2B visas for FY 2025 aims to address ongoing labor shortages, with special provisions for returning workers and certain countries.
• Employers in North Dakota support these programs, citing persistent labor shortages and the need for reliable seasonal workers.
• Policy changes and increased transparency, such as the H-2A Employer Data Hub, help track trends and ensure compliance.
• Future demand for H-2A and H-2B workers in North Dakota is expected to remain strong due to demographic shifts and limited domestic workforce participation in seasonal jobs.

Data Presentation and Visual Descriptions

National Visa Issuance (FY 2024-2025):

• H-2A Visas:
  • Total issued nationwide: 315,000
  • Primary use: Seasonal agricultural work (planting, cultivating, harvesting)
  • North Dakota context: Used heavily in farming and food production
• H-2B Visas:
  • Total issued nationwide: 140,000
  • Temporary increase for FY 2025: 64,716 additional visas
  • 44,716 reserved for returning workers
  • 20,000 allocated to nationals from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Haiti, Colombia, Ecuador, Costa Rica

Visual Description:
Imagine a bar chart with two main bars for FY 2024: one tall bar for H-2A visas (315,000) and a shorter bar for H-2B visas (140,000). Next to the H-2B bar, a highlighted section shows the additional 64,716 visas for FY 2025, split into two segments for returning workers and specific countries.

North Dakota Labor Needs:
– Agricultural sector: Relies on H-2A workers for labor-intensive tasks
– Non-agricultural seasonal roles: H-2B workers fill jobs in hospitality, tourism, landscaping, and food processing

Comparisons, Trends, and Patterns

Historical Context:
The H-2 visa program began in 1952, allowing U.S. businesses to hire temporary foreign workers when domestic labor was unavailable. In the 1980s, the program split into H-2A (agriculture) and H-2B (non-agriculture) categories to better address sector-specific needs.

Recent Trends:

• Rising Demand:
  • National demand for H-2B workers has increased by 46% since 2018, reflecting broader labor shortages and demographic changes.
  • North Dakota’s reliance on H-2A workers remains steady due to the state’s large agricultural sector.
  • Growth in tourism and hospitality has increased the need for H-2B workers in non-agricultural roles.
• Policy Adjustments:
  • The temporary increase in H-2B visas for FY 2025 is a direct response to employer concerns about labor shortages.
  • Special allocations for returning workers and nationals from certain countries aim to address both business needs and humanitarian considerations.

Patterns in North Dakota:

• Agriculture:
  • H-2A workers are essential for planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops.
  • Employers report ongoing difficulties finding enough domestic workers for these roles.
• Non-Agricultural Sectors:
  • H-2B workers fill gaps in hospitality, tourism, and landscaping, especially during peak seasons.
  • The state’s economic growth has increased demand for seasonal labor beyond agriculture.

Evidence-Based Conclusions

Role of H-2A and H-2B Visas in North Dakota:

• Critical Workforce Support:
  H-2A and H-2B visa holders are not just filling gaps—they are supporting the backbone of North Dakota’s seasonal industries. Without these workers, many employers would face production delays, lost revenue, and even business closures.

• Employer Perspectives:
  North Dakota employers and industry groups strongly support the expanded visa allocations. They argue that domestic labor shortages are persistent and that foreign seasonal workers are vital for maintaining production and economic growth.

• Government Position:
  DHS and DOL officials have stated that these visa programs are essential for preventing harm to U.S. businesses and keeping key industries competitive. They also stress the importance of balancing employer needs with protections for U.S. workers.

• Expert Analysis:
  Immigration experts point to demographic shifts—such as an aging population and declining interest in seasonal jobs among domestic workers—as key drivers of increased demand for H-2A and H-2B workers. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these trends are likely to continue, making the visa programs even more important in the years ahead.

Step-by-Step Process for Employers Seeking H-2B Supplemental Visas (FY 2025)

Employers in North Dakota who need additional H-2B workers for FY 2025 must follow a specific process:

1. Determine Eligibility:
   Employers must show that not having additional H-2B workers would cause serious harm to their business.

2. Complete New Attestation Form:
   Employers must fill out a new form that explains the harm and why the workers are needed. The official form and instructions can be found on the USCIS H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers page.

3. Submit Petition:
   The petition, along with the attestation form, must be sent to the USCIS Texas Service Center by September 15, 2025.

4. Wait for Adjudication:
   USCIS will review the petition and decide if the employer qualifies for the additional visas.

5. Visa Issuance:
   If approved, the workers can receive their H-2B visas and begin employment in the United States 🇺🇸.

6. Compliance:
   Employers must follow all rules about wages, working conditions, and reporting.

Note: Employers can track their petitions and see detailed data through the USCIS H-2A Employer Data Hub.

Policy Changes and Practical Implications

Temporary Final Rule for H-2B Visa Increase (Dec 2024):

• The DHS and DOL published a rule to increase the H-2B visa cap by 64,716 for FY 2025.
• This rule is especially important for North Dakota employers who struggle to find enough seasonal workers.
• The rule gives priority to returning workers and nationals from specific countries, making it easier for employers to hire experienced workers and support humanitarian goals.

Petition Process:

• Employers must submit petitions by September 15, 2025, and use the new attestation form.
• The process is designed to be transparent and fair, with clear rules about who qualifies for the extra visas.

Transparency and Data:

• The H-2A Employer Data Hub provides detailed information about employers, petitions, and visa approvals.
• This helps employers, workers, and policymakers track trends and ensure that the programs are being used correctly.

Stakeholder Perspectives

Employers and Industry Groups:

• North Dakota’s agricultural producers and seasonal employers have voiced strong support for the H-2A and H-2B programs.
• They say that without these workers, they would not be able to plant, harvest, or process crops on time, and many seasonal businesses would struggle to stay open.

Government Officials:

• DHS and DOL leaders have emphasized that these visa programs are necessary to prevent harm to U.S. businesses.
• They also highlight the need for careful regulation to protect both U.S. and foreign workers.

Advocacy and Expert Analysis:

• Immigration policy experts note that the rising demand for H-2B workers is part of a larger trend of labor shortages in seasonal industries.
• The H-2A program remains vital for agriculture, with steady petition approvals and strong employer participation.

Limitations

Temporary Nature of Policy Changes:

• The increase in H-2B visas for FY 2025 is a temporary measure. There is no guarantee that similar increases will happen in future years.
• Employers and workers must plan for possible changes in visa availability.

Legislative Uncertainty:

• Ongoing discussions in Congress and among federal agencies could lead to changes in how the H-2A and H-2B programs are run.
• Possible reforms may affect eligibility, worker protections, and the number of visas available.

Data Gaps:

• While the H-2A Employer Data Hub and other resources provide valuable information, there may be delays in reporting or gaps in data, especially at the state level.

Future Outlook and Anticipated Developments

Continued Labor Shortages:

• North Dakota and the United States 🇺🇸 as a whole are likely to continue facing labor shortages in agriculture and seasonal industries.
• The demand for H-2A and H-2B workers is expected to remain high or even grow.

Potential for Permanent Policy Changes:

• Stakeholders are watching for legislative or regulatory changes that could make temporary visa increases permanent or expand the programs.
• Future policy discussions may focus on making the petition process easier, improving protections for workers, and balancing employer needs with the interests of U.S. workers.

Technological and Demographic Shifts:

• Advances in technology may change the types of jobs available, but many seasonal roles in agriculture and hospitality will still require human workers.
• Demographic trends, such as an aging workforce and declining interest in seasonal jobs among U.S. workers, will likely keep demand for H-2A and H-2B visas strong.

Actionable Takeaways for Employers and Stakeholders

• Employers in North Dakota should review the latest rules and deadlines for H-2A and H-2B visa petitions, especially the September 15, 2025, deadline for supplemental H-2B visas.
• Use official resources like the USCIS H-2A Employer Data Hub to track trends and ensure compliance.
• Stay informed about possible policy changes that could affect visa availability and program requirements.
• Advocate for reforms that balance the needs of employers, workers, and the broader economy.

Official Resources

For the most up-to-date information on H-2A and H-2B visa programs, including forms and instructions, visit the USCIS H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers page.

In summary, H-2A and H-2B visas are essential tools for meeting North Dakota’s seasonal labor needs. Recent policy changes, including the temporary increase in H-2B visas, reflect ongoing efforts to address labor shortages and support key industries. Employers, workers, and policymakers must continue to monitor trends, use official resources, and prepare for possible changes in the future. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the role of these visa programs is likely to grow as demographic and economic trends shape the labor market in North Dakota and across the United States 🇺🇸.

Learn Today

H-2A Visa → A temporary visa allowing foreign workers to perform seasonal agricultural labor in the United States.
H-2B Visa → A temporary visa enabling foreign workers to perform seasonal non-agricultural jobs in the United States.
USCIS → U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency managing immigration and visa applications.
Attestation Form → A form employers submit detailing the need for additional H-2B workers and harm without them.
Temporary Final Rule → A DHS and DOL rule temporarily increasing H-2B visa caps for FY 2025 to address labor shortages.

This Article in a Nutshell

H-2A and H-2B visas are vital for North Dakota’s seasonal labor, addressing shortages in agriculture and hospitality sectors. Recent policy increases expand H-2B visas for 2025, reflecting growing demand. Employers rely on these workers to sustain economic growth amid demographic changes and labor market challenges across the state.
— By VisaVerge.com