How Long Does an H-2B Visa Application Take?

Short answer: 4–6 months minimum from start to worker arrival. There is no shortcut, and timing is not flexible.

The Basic Timeline

• PWD (Prevailing Wage) → ~2–3 months

• Labor Certification (ETA-9142B) → ~2–3 months

  • Includes lottery, recruitment, and possible NOD

• USCIS (I-129) → 15 days (premium) or 2–3 months

• Consulate & Entry → ~2–6 weeks

  
  

What Affects Timing

• Lottery selection (January filings for April starts)

• Government processing delays

• Policy shifts under different administrations

  
  

The Reality

If you need workers in April, you should be starting the process the summer before. Keep in mind new administrations and staffing do alter timelines.

Bottom Line

The H-2B process is deadline-driven. Start late, and you don’t catch up—you miss the season.