H-2B for restaurants
Seasonal restaurants and restaurants with a documented temporary peak may have an H-2B need. Difficulty hiring for a permanent position is not enough by itself.
Start with your business’s needs
Records that help
Bring monthly covers or sales, opening dates, staffing history, and the period when additional kitchen or service staff are needed.
Prepare for your consultationDetails to review together
Separate cooks, food preparation, dishwashing, and service roles. Review duties, hours, wages, tips, and deductions for each proposed position.
Your industry does not determine eligibility. We review the temporary need, job requirements, records, and timing before proposing a scope of work.
Turn your season into a documented plan.
A seasonal restaurant needs additional kitchen staff during its busiest operating months. Compare covers or sales with permanent staffing and opening hours. Budget cooks, food preparation and dishwashing as actual roles; a general kitchen-help label can hide material differences in duties and pay.
Can tips be assumed to cover part of every job’s wage?
Do not build the budget on that assumption. Cooks, dishwashers and tipped service roles need separate analysis. Review the applicable job terms and wage rules before offering compensation or making deductions.
One process, clear responsibilities
- 01
Review your seasonal need
- 02
Build the case and confirm the wage
- 03
File with DOL and recruit U.S. workers
- 04
Coordinate the petition and visa steps
- 05
Prepare for arrival and the season ahead
Check your next season
Your industry is already selected. Complete five questions and take your answers into the consultation.
Question 1 of 5
Your agent of record. Your business stays in control.
Connecting Labor USA is a consulting firm, not a law firm. We coordinate filings and the case calendar. You remain the employer and sign as the petitioner. Matters needing an attorney are handled by counsel under a separate engagement.
Explore the detailed H-2B process →Getting started questions
What should I have ready for the first call?
Your target start and end dates, approximate crew size, job roles, and worksite locations are a useful starting point. We’ll explain which business records are needed if you move forward.
Can you guarantee visas or a crew by my start date?
No. Visa availability, agency decisions, and consular processing can affect the outcome and timing. We help organize your case and explain these uncertainties before you commit.
What will I pay, and when?
$1,000 per visa, with a $3,500 minimum for crews of one to 3 workers. The estimate covers the service only; your engagement defines the final scope and billing basis. A $3,000 retainer is due at engagement and credited toward the total. The remaining service fee is due at DOL certification.
Can you help if my season is approaching?
Share your date of need and any existing wage determination or case documents. We’ll review the stage you’re at and discuss whether there is a workable path for your circumstances.
Let’s map out your next season.
Tell us when you need workers, how many you need, and where they’ll work. We’ll discuss fit, timing, costs, and the next step.