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Guide

H-2B vs H-2A: start with the actual work

H-2A covers temporary agricultural work; H-2B covers temporary non-agricultural work. The classification depends on the actual duties and circumstances, not simply the name of your business.

Connecting Labor USA · Updated · 3 min read

Describe each role separately

A business can have different kinds of work. Write down what each crew does, where, and for whom. Growing plants and installing landscapes, for example, raise different classification questions. Seek qualified advice when duties sit near the agricultural boundary.

Do not carry one program’s rules into the other

Wage, recruitment, housing, transportation, and filing requirements differ between programs. A budget or checklist prepared for H-2A is not automatically appropriate for H-2B. Review the official program guidance after the work has been classified.

Choose the appropriate service

Connecting Labor USA provides H-2B consulting and agent-of-record services. Use our program comparison as a starting point for questions. Agricultural work or a permanent role may call for another provider or legal advice rather than an H-2B engagement.

Sources and scope of this guide

General information for employers. This is not legal advice or a decision about your case. Review current official instructions before acting.

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