H-2A vs H-2B: Key Differences for Workers and Employers (2026)

Core Purpose: Agricultural vs. Non-Agricultural Work

The most fundamental difference between the H-2A and H-2B visa programs lies in the type of work they permit. The H-2A program is exclusively for temporary or seasonal agricultural work, while the H-2B program is for temporary non-agricultural work.

• H-2A Program: This program addresses labor shortages in the agricultural sector. It allows U.S. agricultural employers who anticipate a shortage of domestic workers to bring foreign workers to the U.S. to perform agricultural labor or services of a temporary or seasonal nature. Examples include planting, cultivating, harvesting, and other on-farm activities.
• H-2B Program: This program serves a broader range of industries outside of agriculture. It permits U.S. employers to bring foreign workers to the U.S. to fill temporary non-agricultural jobs. These jobs must be temporary, whether for a one-time occurrence, seasonal need, peakload need, or intermittent need. Common H-2B occupations include landscaping, hospitality, construction, and seafood processing.

Housing Obligations for Employers

A significant distinction between the two programs is the employer's obligation regarding worker housing. This difference reflects the unique operational environments of agricultural versus non-agricultural industries.

• H-2A Program: Employers participating in the H-2A program are generally required to provide housing to their H-2A workers at no cost to the worker. This housing must meet specific federal and state safety and health standards. Data from FY2026 (through Q2) indicates that 96% of live H-2A job orders included employer-provided housing. This requirement is a cornerstone of the H-2A program, ensuring that agricultural workers, who often work in rural areas, have access to suitable accommodation.
• H-2B Program: In contrast, employers in the H-2B program are generally not required to provide housing to their H-2B workers. While employers may assist workers in finding housing or provide information about local lodging options, there is no federal mandate for them to directly provide or pay for housing. The responsibility for securing and paying for housing typically rests with the H-2B worker.

Wage Floors and Compensation

Both H-2A and H-2B programs have specific wage requirements designed to protect both foreign and domestic workers. Employers must pay H-2A and H-2B workers at least the prevailing wage, the federal minimum wage, or the state minimum wage, whichever is highest. Additionally, specific wage rates, such as the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) for H-2A, are established to ensure that the employment of foreign workers does not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of U.S. workers similarly employed.

• H-2A Program: The median wage for H-2A workers in FY2026 (through Q2) was $15.67. For live H-2A job orders, the median wage was $15.40. These wages are often influenced by the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR), which is determined by the Department of Labor for specific agricultural occupations and regions.
• H-2B Program: The median wage for H-2B workers in FY2026 (through Q2) was $18.91. For live H-2B job orders, the median wage was $19.69. H-2B wages are typically based on prevailing wage determinations issued by the Department of Labor, which consider the average wage paid to similarly employed workers in a specific occupation and geographic area.

Seasonality and Temporary Nature of Work

A common thread between H-2A and H-2B is the requirement that the employment offered must be temporary. Both programs are designed to fill short-term labor needs, not to provide permanent employment.

• H-2A Program: Agricultural work is inherently seasonal, tied to planting, growing, and harvesting cycles. The H-2A program explicitly caters to this seasonal or temporary need, with job offers typically lasting less than one year.
• H-2B Program: Non-agricultural jobs under the H-2B program must also be temporary. This temporary need can arise from various circumstances: a one-time occurrence, a seasonal need (e.g., resort staff during peak tourist season), a peakload need (e.g., increased demand during holidays), or an intermittent need (e.g., sporadic projects). The maximum period of stay for an H-2B worker is generally three years, but individual job certifications are for temporary periods, usually less than one year.

Program Scale and Geographic Distribution

While both programs address temporary labor needs, their scale and the states where they are most utilized differ significantly, reflecting the distribution of agricultural and non-agricultural industries across the U.S.

H-2A Program Scale and Top States

As of FY2026 (through Q2), the H-2A program involved 254,306 workers across 16,675 filings. The states with the highest number of H-2A workers include:

• Florida: 30,044 workers (586 filings)
• Georgia: 28,829 workers (547 filings)
• Washington: 25,368 workers (184 filings)
• California: 23,506 workers (593 filings)
• North Carolina: 17,141 workers (437 filings)
• Texas: 12,632 workers (1,273 filings)
• Louisiana: 9,126 workers (1,137 filings)
• Michigan: 8,742 workers (377 filings)
• Arkansas: 6,084 workers (872 filings)
• Arizona: 5,918 workers (127 filings)

H-2B Program Scale and Top States

For the same period, the H-2B program involved 137,690 workers across 7,785 filings. The states with the highest number of H-2B workers include:

• Texas: 13,725 workers (664 filings)
• Florida: 9,267 workers (361 filings)
• North Carolina: 7,055 workers (304 filings)
• Ohio: 5,640 workers (428 filings)
• Pennsylvania: 5,401 workers (438 filings)
• South Carolina: 5,316 workers (250 filings)
• Louisiana: 5,147 workers (214 filings)
• Missouri: 5,143 workers (307 filings)
• Colorado: 4,957 workers (197 filings)
• New York: 4,863 workers (459 filings)

Where to See Current Openings

For both H-2A and H-2B programs, employers are required to advertise job openings to U.S. workers. These job orders are typically posted through state workforce agencies and on the Department of Labor's central online job registry.

• H-2A Job Orders: As of FY2026 (through Q2), there were 1,264 live H-2A job orders. These orders detail the specific agricultural tasks, wages, and working conditions, including information about employer-provided housing.
• H-2B Job Orders: For the same period, there were 280 live H-2B job orders. These postings outline the temporary non-agricultural work available, the required qualifications, and the offered wages.

Prospective workers can search these online platforms to find available positions, review job requirements, and understand the terms of employment before applying.

What this guide is not: This guide provides general information and estimates based on available data, not legal advice. Rules and regulations for H-2A and H-2B programs can change. Always consult the official Department of Labor resources, relevant statutes, or a qualified legal professional for specific guidance related to your situation.

Use the numbers

• H-2A jobs by state (fiscal year)
• H-2B jobs by state (fiscal year)

More guides on h-2a farm jobs:

• H-2A Housing, Meals, and Transport: What Job Orders Provide
• H-2A Wages by State: What Farms Offer in 2026
• How to Read an H-2A Job Order: Wages, Housing and Meals

All guides →