United States
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H-2B vs B-1/B-2
The B-1/B-2 covers business or tourism and does not authorise work; the H-2B lets you work temporarily for an employer in non-agricultural sectors such as tourism or landscaping. On a B-1 you may attend job interviews or recruiting fairs, but starting to perform services requires a work visa. The H-2B goes through a Department of Labor certification and a Form I-129 petition; the B-1/B-2 goes straight to the consulate.
These two categories differ on 8 of 10 criteria. The full table is below, but if you only have a minute, these are the differences that decide a case.
Where they part ways
What it is for
H-2B Temporary non-agricultural work
B-1/B-2 Business or tourism, no work
Needs a sponsor
H-2B Yes, an employer
B-1/B-2 No
Annual cap
H-2B 66,000, in two halves of 33,000
B-1/B-2 No cap
Lottery
H-2B No, but the cap runs out
B-1/B-2 None
Prior USCIS petition
H-2B Yes, DOL certification then I-129
B-1/B-2 No, straight to the consulate
Duration
H-2B Up to 1 year, 3 cumulative
B-1/B-2 Visa up to 10 years, 6-month stays
Spouse may work
H-2B H-4, no work permit
B-1/B-2 Not applicable, one each
Chile's position
H-2B A DHS country list renewed annually
B-1/B-2 No particular advantage
Full comparison
| Criterion | H-2B H-2B visa | B-1/B-2 B-1/B-2 visa |
|---|---|---|
| What it is for The activity the category authorises. | Temporary non-agricultural work | Business or tourism, no work |
| Needs a sponsor Whether someone else has to petition for you. | Yes, an employer | No |
| Annual cap How many are issued per fiscal year. | 66,000, in two halves of 33,000 | No cap |
| Lottery Whether access depends on a random selection. | No, but the cap runs out | None |
| Prior USCIS petition Whether a form must be approved before the consulate. | Yes, DOL certification then I-129 | No, straight to the consulate |
| Duration Initial term and cumulative ceiling. | Up to 1 year, 3 cumulative | Visa up to 10 years, 6-month stays |
| Dual intent Whether you can pursue residence without risking the status. | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Spouse may work Whether your partner is authorised to work. | H-4, no work permit | Not applicable, one each |
| Path to residence Whether it leads to a green card or is one already. | It does not lead there | It does not lead there |
| Chile's position What being Chilean changes. | A DHS country list renewed annually | No particular advantage |
Figures verified on 2026-09-11
This table is general guidance, not legal advice or an eligibility assessment.
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