20 August 2008

The US proposes changes to the non-agricultural temporary worker program

In a statement released by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) last week, the Government detailed proposed changes to the H-2B temporary non-agricultural worker program.

The H-2B temporary worker program allows foreign nationals to temporarily work for US employers in non-agricultural jobs that otherwise cannot be filled by American workers.

The proposed changes will mean more foreign nationals can work in the non-agricultural industry for US employers and remove current limitations imposed on H-2B employers.  They will also ensure the rights of workers on American temporary work visas will be prevented from fraudulent employers and abusive working conditions. 

Some changes include a reduction in the waiting time outside US borders for an H-2B visa approval, tracking down and penalising employers who enforce fees on H-2B employees to commence employment, requiring employers to notify Home Security when employees abscond or renege on their visa conditions, and changing the period of which H-2B visa holders must enter America after having their temporary visa approved.

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The American Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in American visa and immigration services.

Article by Jessica Bird, American Visa Bureau.