How the H-2B Visa Solves Seasonal Staffing Challenges for Hospitality Employers Finding and retaining a reliable workforce has become one of the biggest challenges facing the hospitality industry. Hotels, resorts, restaurants, and event venues across the U.S. are struggling with labor shortages, high turnover rates, and seasonal demand fluctuations—all of which put stress on operations and impact guest satisfaction. According to a 2024 survey from the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), nearly 76% of hoteliers are facing staffing shortages, despite many reporting efforts to increase wages, expand benefits, and provide more scheduling flexibility for employees. To bridge this workforce gap, many hospitality employers are turning to international talent for support. In fact, of the 8 million hospitality workers in the U.S., about one-third are immigrants or foreign nationals. For hospitality businesses, the H-2B visa program can be particularly beneficial, offering a scalable, reliable solution for meeting peak seasonal demand and ensuring businesses have the staff needed to maintain service excellence. So, what is the H-2B visa program, how does it work, and why is it such a strong fit for the hospitality industry? Let’s dive into the details. What Is the H-2B Visa? The H-2B visa is a temporary, non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers for seasonal, peak-load, or one-time occurrence positions in non-agricultural industries like hospitality and construction. This program is essential for businesses that experience fluctuating labor demands where seasonal staffing shortages are common. Key characteristics of the H-2B visa include: Annual Cap: The U.S. government issues 66,000 H-2B visas each fiscal year—33,000 for positions starting October 1 to March 31, and 33,000 for positions starting April 1 to September 30. If demand exceeds the cap, visas are allocated through a lottery system. NOTE: For FY 2025, an additional 20,000 supplemental visas were approved for country-specific allocations and reserved for nationals of El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Haiti, Colombia, Ecuador, and Costa Rica. Duration: Workers can typically stay in the U.S. for an initial period of up to ten months. Labor Market Protections: Employers must prove that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the roles and that hiring H-2B workers will not negatively impact U.S. wages or working conditions. Wage Requirements: Employers must offer prevailing wages set by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to ensure fair compensation. The prevailing wage rate is the average wage paid to similarly employed workers in a specific occupation in the area where the job is located. Why the H-2B Visa Is a Good Fit for Hospitality Employers With a clear understanding of the H-2B visa and its benefits, let’s explore why it is an ideal solution for hospitality employers looking to fill staffing gaps and maintain service excellence. Addresses Seasonal Staffing Challenges The hospitality industry is uniquely dependent on seasonal labor, making workforce planning a challenge for many businesses. Whether it’s a beach resort ramping up for summer tourism or a ski lodge preparing for peak winter months, employers need a flexible staffing solution that ensures they can meet guest demand without carrying excess labor costs year-round. One of the greatest advantages of the H-2B visa program is its ability to help businesses scale their workforce up or down based on their seasonal needs. Hotels, resorts, and event venues often experience dramatic fluctuations in guest volume, making it impractical to hire full-time staff for positions that are only needed part of the year. The H-2B visa allows businesses to legally and reliably recruit temporary workers, ensuring they are adequately staffed during peak seasons without long-term employment commitments. Expands the Talent Pool The hospitality industry continues to experience significant labor shortages, with many employers struggling to find and retain domestic workers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, trend data suggests the hospitality industry will see the third largest projected employment increase across all 17 major sectors (after professional services and healthcare) by 2033, and it is anticipated that 1 in every 8 jobs added to the U.S. economy in the next decade will be in the hospitality and leisure sector. However, the leisure and hospitality sector also experienced the highest employee turnover rate of any industry in early 2024, with nearly 3 million people exiting their roles in the industry between January and April alone, at a rate 204% above the national average. This indicates a persistent supply and demand issue when it comes to securing qualified talent. By hiring through the H-2B visa program, employers gain access to a broader workforce of reliable employees, often consisting of workers who return season after season. This reduces turnover rates, onboarding costs, and training expenses, helping businesses maintain continuity in their operations. Additionally, participating in a structured visa program can enhance employer branding, making it easier to attract both domestic and international talent for career opportunities. Enhances Customer Satisfaction and Operational Efficiency Understaffing leads to overworked employees, service delays, and diminished guest experiences, all of which can negatively impact customer satisfaction and business revenue. A consistent and well-trained workforce enables hospitality employers to maintain high service standards, improve employee morale, and enhance operational efficiency. Sufficient staffing levels also allow businesses to reduce overtime costs, optimize employee workloads, and ensure that guests receive top-tier hospitality experiences. Getting Started: Steps for Hospitality Employers Successfully leveraging the H-2B visa program requires careful planning and early preparation. Due to the program’s strict timelines, annual visa cap, and regulatory requirements, hospitality employers should start the process well in advance to maximize their chances of securing international talent for peak seasons. Below are key steps to ensure a smooth and efficient H-2B hiring process. Assess Workforce Needs Early The first step for hospitality employers is to identify their seasonal staffing needs and hard-to-fill roles as early as possible. This means evaluating: Peak operational periods when customer demand is expected to increase, heightening the need for talent (example: ski resorts ramping up for winter or beach resorts preparing for summer). Positions with high turnover rates that historically have been difficult to fill with domestic workers. The number of workers required to ensure consistent service levels. Hospitality businesses should collaborate with their legal, HR, and operations teams to determine the best strategy for incorporating H-2B workers into their workforce plan. Since the