Finding a U.S. employer to sponsor an H-2B visa can be a challenging process, but utilizing the H-2B Employer Data Hub can make it easier. While this tool primarily provides information on H-2B temporary non-agricultural jobs, it can also serve as a valuable resource for identifying U.S. employers who have a history of hiring foreign workers.
This post will help you leverage the H-2B Employer Data Hub effectively to locate potential employers who may be willing to sponsor an H-2B visa with its March 2025 intake opening for applications between March 7, 2025 till March 24, 2025.
Understanding the H-2B Employer Data Hub
The H-2B Employer Data Hub provides information on employers who have hired foreign nationals under the H-1B, H-2B visa program from 2015 through 2025 (Quarter 1). This tool offers access to employer-specific data, such as:
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- Employer name
- Employer location (city, state, zip code)
- Worksite state
- NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) code
- SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code
- Wage levels
- Petition status and approvals
- First adjudicative decisions on petitions
While the H-2B visa is different from the H-1B visa, employers with a history of hiring foreign workers under temporary non-agricultural visas might be more open to sponsoring long-term skilled professionals under the H-1B program.
Why Use the H-2B Employer Data Hub for H-1B Job Searches?
Even though H-2B visas are for temporary non-agricultural positions, many employers hiring under this category may also be open to hiring skilled professionals under the H-1B visa. Employers who regularly use foreign labor programs may already understand the sponsorship process and legal requirements, making them ideal candidates for potential H-1B sponsorship.
Find a US Visa Sponsor Employer Using H-2B Employer Data Hub
Follow these steps to identify potential U.S. employers eligible for H-:
Step 1: Access the H-2B Employer Data Hub
Visit the H-2B Employer Data Hub on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website https://www.uscis.gov/tools/reports-and-studies/h-2b-employer-data-hub. This database provides historical employer data, which can help you identify companies that have previously sponsored foreign workers.
Step 2: Download the Data
To extract relevant data, follow these instructions:
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- Click on “Crosstab View.”
- Select your desired filters (such as employer name, city, state, industry, etc.).
- Click on “Download to Excel” and choose Excel or CSV format.
Downloading the dataset allows you to sort and filter employers based on key criteria that align with your industry and work preferences.
Step 3: Identify Relevant Employers
Once you have the data in Excel or CSV format, use filters to:
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- Focus on companies in your desired industry (NAICS code).
- Identify employers in your preferred state or city.
- Check employers with consistent hiring records of foreign workers.
- Look for companies that may hire skilled professionals, which could indicate potential for H-2B sponsorship.
Step 4: Research the Employers
After identifying potential employers:
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- Visit their official websites to check for current job openings.
- Look for information about their past history of hiring foreign workers.
- Check their contact details to reach out directly about potential H-1B sponsorship opportunities.
- Search for these employers on LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor to gather more insights about their recruitment practices.
Step 5: Prepare Your Job Application
Once you find an employer with a history of hiring foreign workers:
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- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your skills and how they align with the company’s needs.
- Emphasize your H-1B eligibility and be upfront about your visa requirements.
- Connect with current employees on LinkedIn to get insights on company culture and hiring trends.
- Apply for jobs that match your skill set and follow up with the employer after submitting your application.
Step 6: Apply for the H-1B Visa in March 2025
Employers willing to sponsor your H-2B visa need to submit H-1B registrations in March 2025 for the upcoming H-1B lottery selection process. Once selected, the employer will need to file an H-1B petition with USCIS before the deadline of March 24, 2025.
