State Department Releases H-2B Guidance, Providing Opportunity for Trainers

The State Department released guidance for the Presidential Proclamations from June 22 (P.P. 10014 & 10052) that temporarily suspended issuance of new non-immigrant visas, such as the H-2B visa used by horse trainers. The guidance provides exceptions to the suspension and gives trainers the opportunity to secure more H-2B workers if at least two of the following three indicators are present:

• The applicant was previously employed and trained by the petitioning U.S. employer.
• The applicant is traveling based on a temporary labor certification (TLC) that reflects continued need for the worker.
• Denial of the visa will cause financial hardship to the U.S. employer.

The NTRA urges trainers in need of additional labor to contact their H-2B consultant immediately for further guidance.