H2B America - Employers

The H2B America Program provides American employers with the international labor they need to satisfy seasonal or peak load labor needs. Program length varies from four to nine months, depending on the employer’s staffing requirements.

How Does the H2B America Program Work?

Spirit’s H2B placement service makes hiring seasonal staff easy, while still allowing the employer to maintain ultimate control of the hiring process. We start with a thorough assessment of the employer’s needs through an Employer Application, which includes job descriptions, special skill requirements, housing options and the desired employment dates for each position.

Unlike J-1 visas, H2B visas require that the employer file a petition for international staff directly with the US government. After submitting the Spirit Employer Application, Spirit staff and our cooperating H2B petition professionals work together with the employer to file this necessary paperwork. This paperwork must be submitted to the appropriate US government office 120 days (approximately 4 months) before the desired program start date in order to ensure on-time worker arrival. US government filing fees and a portion of participant medical insurance costs are due upon submission of these documents. Please contact Spirit for details on current government filing fees and insurance costs.

Once the employer’s H2B petition paperwork is submitted and pending US government review, Spirit then goes to work screening potential applicants and presents profiles of qualified candidates to the employer. Once the employer approves a specific candidate, Spirit communicates the job offer to the applicant and obtains their written acceptance. Spirit then helps to coordinate the participant’s H2B visa application and arrival arrangements.

What Are the Employer’s Responsibilities?

Cooperating employers are responsible for providing international participants with full-time, paid positions lasting four to nine months and averaging at least 35 hours a week. Generally, the work offered to the participants is entry-level, but can vary according to the business’ needs and the participants’ qualifications. International employees should be compensated at the prevailing wage and treated as any American with the same qualifications and position.

Employers cooperating with Spirit on the H2B America program are also asked to identify housing that is both affordable and conveniently located to the work location or public transportation. Housing options vary from university dormitories to apartments to on-site housing at the employer, and should cost less than 40% of the participant’s expected monthly earnings. Usually, housing is shared with other international workers, which is more affordable and provides a great opportunity to socialize!

What if My Company Cannot Provide Housing?

While employers are asked to provide housing for their H2B participants, it is not a requirement that they do so. However, affordable, temporary housing must be available in the area. If the employer cannot provide housing, it is required that the employer provides detailed contact information on housing sources in the area (e.g. newspapers, rental agencies, etc). It is also recommended that information on a temporary housing facility (e.g. local motel, hostel, etc) be provided on the Employer Application to guide participants to temporary housing upon arrival.

What Distinguishes Spirit’s H2B America Program from other H2B Programs?

Spirit’s H2B America Program provides the highest level of service and support to its employers and participants. The following are just a few of the reasons to participate in Spirit’s H2B program:

Spirit is a reputable organization and is a member of World Youth Student & Educational Travel Confederation (WYSE).
Spirit provides “one stop shopping” for employers. Spirit screens all participants to find those that meet with the employer’s defined needs.
Spirit screens all non-native English-speaking applicants via standardized tests and personal interviews to obtain an objective measure of their English skills.
Spirit participants receive pre-departure orientations in their home country about what to expect upon arrival in the United States.
Spirit provides all participants with comprehensive medical and accident insurance
Spirit offers 24-hour emergency support throughout the program.

Who are H2B America Participants?

Spirit is currently recruiting H2B applicants from Jamaica and Romania, though experienced workers from other countries may be available upon request. Program applicants are international adults (18 – 40 years) from a variety of backgrounds currently interested in working in the United States. The applicants may be students in their home country, but it is not a requirement. All applicants are screened for appropriate English language fluency, ability to function in a work environment and motivation. Participants enter the USA on H2B visas, which allow them to legally work in the United States for a period of four to nine months.

When is the Application Deadline?

Spirit accepts Employer Application on a rolling basis. The US government accepts H2B petitions in two periods: summer (work start date on April 1st or after) or winter (work start date on October 1st or after). Spirit recommends that petitions be filed on the first available day, 120 days before the desired work start date. Therefore, Spirit’s deadline to receive an H2B employer application is November 1st for summer petitions and May 1st for winter petitions.

What is the Application Process?

If you are an employer that wants to apply or receive more information about the Spirit H2B America Program, please complete the Employer Application Request and we will send you a full application immediately.