U.S. State Department releases H2B visa guidance

Posted: Aug. 13, 2020

The U.S. State Department has released guidance for the June 22 Presidential Proclamations (numbers 10014 and 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 National Thoroughbred Racing Association urges trainers in need of additional labor to contact their H-2B consultant immediately for further guidance. Further information from the State Department is available here.

(Photo courtesy of Colonial Downs)