H-2A / H-2B

H-2A / H-2B US Temporary Worker Visa for Kazakhstan Citizens 2026

The H-2 visa is a non-immigrant U.S. visa for temporary workers. It is divided into two categories:
H-2A for temporary agricultural workers and H-2B for temporary non-agricultural workers.
This visa is intended for Kazakhstan citizens who have received a temporary job offer from a U.S. employer for work that cannot be filled by U.S. workers.
The H-2 visa remains available in 2026.

Difference between H-2A and H-2B

H-2A (Agricultural workers):

• Seasonal or temporary farm work

• Planting, harvesting, livestock-related jobs

• No annual quota

H-2B (Non-agricultural workers):

• Seasonal or peak-load work outside agriculture

• Construction, landscaping, hospitality, food processing, maintenance

• Subject to an annual quota

Both categories are strictly temporary.

What the H-2 visa allows

• Legal temporary employment in the United States

• Work only for the sponsoring employer and job listed in the petition

• Residence in the U.S. for the duration of approved employment

• Re-entry during the visa validity period

Employment must end when the approved job ends.

What the H-2 visa does NOT allow

• Permanent or long-term employment

• Working for another employer

• Self-employment

• Academic study

• Immigration or permanent residence

Any unauthorized work is a serious violation.

Who can apply from Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan citizens can apply for an H-2 visa if they:

• Have a confirmed temporary job offer from a U.S. employer

• Are hired for seasonal, peak-load, or temporary work

• Meet basic job and health requirements

• Intend to return to Kazakhstan after employment ends

This visa is evaluated strictly as temporary labor.

What visa officers really check

Authorities evaluate:

• Whether the job is truly temporary

• Employer authorization and compliance

• Consistency between job offer and petition

• Applicant’s intent to return home

• Previous immigration or visa history

The employer’s documentation is critical.

Validity and stay rules

• Initial stay: based on job duration, usually up to 12 months

• Extensions possible in increments, up to a maximum of 3 years total

• Entry type: multiple

• Mandatory departure after reaching the maximum stay

Overstaying or job violations lead to bans.

Petition and employer responsibilities

• The employer files the H-2 petition

• Employer must prove labor shortage

• Employer must meet wage and housing obligations (especially H-2A)

• Approval is required before visa application

The applicant cannot self-petition.

Common reasons for refusal or denial

Most problems occur due to:

• Invalid or weak employer petition

• Job not qualifying as temporary

• Inconsistent job details

• Previous immigration violations

• Suspected intent to overstay

A compliant employer is essential.

How to apply

The process includes:

• Employer files and receives petition approval

• Completing the DS-160 form

• Attending a visa interview

• Receiving a decision

Timing depends on employer preparation.

Important note for 2026

• H-2A and H-2B visas are available for Kazakhstan citizens in 2026

• H-2B visas are subject to annual caps

• H-2 visas do not allow dual intent

Unsure if this visa fits your situation?

Before applying, it is recommended to assess your job offer and employer eligibility.
A proper evaluation helps avoid refusals and wasted time.

Additional conditions

Employment is allowed only for the sponsoring employer and approved job.

H-2 visas are strictly temporary and require departure after the authorized stay.

An interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate is mandatory for almost all applicants from Kazakhstan.