H2B Seasonal Jobs: Your Fast Track to EU Opportunities

The H2B visa program in the United States allows employers to hire foreign workers for temporary non-agricultural jobs. While it can seem like a great opportunity, the H2B visa is subject to strict caps, complex filing procedures, and increasing demand, leading to uncertainty and potential delays. If you're seeking seasonal work, consider an alternative: Europe. With EUSEPS (Europe Seasonal Employment Program Services), you can explore a wide range of seasonal job opportunities in Europe, often with simpler visa requirements and strong worker protections.

Why Consider Europe Over the H2B Visa?

The H2B visa program faces several challenges that can make it a difficult option for both employers and prospective workers:

Visa Caps: The H2B visa has an annual cap of 66,000 visas, split into two halves of the fiscal year. The demand often exceeds the available visas, leading to a lottery system and a high chance of rejection. For example, the H2B cap for the first half of FY 2026 was reached in September 2025.
Supplemental Visa Uncertainty: While the US government sometimes approves supplemental H2B visas, these are not guaranteed and may come with restrictions. For FY 2026, only 35,000 supplemental H-2B visas will be released, a 50% reduction compared to previous years, and these are reserved for specific industries.
Strict Requirements: Employers must prove the temporary need for the position, demonstrate that there are not enough qualified US workers, and ensure that employing foreign workers will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of US employees.
High Rejection Rates: Many H2B visa applications are rejected due to weak proof of temporary need, poor recruitment documentation, and late filings.
Limited Validity: The H2B visa is typically granted for a period of up to one year, with extensions possible for a maximum total stay of three years. After three years, workers must leave the U.S. for at least three consecutive months before reapplying.

Seasonal Work in Europe: A Viable Alternative

Europe offers a diverse range of seasonal job opportunities in various sectors, including tourism, agriculture, hospitality, and more. Here's why you should consider making the switch:

Diverse Opportunities: Find jobs in tourism, agriculture, hospitality and more.
Clear Regulations: The EU Seasonal Workers Directive (2014/36/EU) ensures fair treatment and protection for seasonal workers from non-EU countries.
Fair Wages: Many European countries have minimum wage laws and regulations to protect workers' earnings. For example, Hungary's minimum wage for foreign workers is €830 per month for unskilled roles and €960 for skilled roles.
Worker Protection: EU directives ensure you are entitled to the same working conditions as national workers, including pay, health and safety, and working hours.

H2B vs. European Seasonal Work: A Comparison

Feature	H2B Visa (USA)	Seasonal Work in Europe
Visa Cap	66,000 per year (split into two halves)	Varies by country; often no strict cap
Visa Approval	Highly competitive; lottery system	Potentially higher approval rates depending on nationality and job
Processing Time	Can be lengthy due to high demand and backlogs	Varies by country; can be faster than H2B
Industries	Non-agricultural	Agriculture, tourism, hospitality, and more
Duration	Up to 1 year, extendable to 3 years	Up to 9 months in a 12-month period in many EU countries
Worker Rights	US labor laws	EU directives and national laws ensuring equal treatment

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a European seasonal work visa cost?: Visa costs vary by country. For example, Greece charges €150 for each worker. Contact the specific embassy or consulate for accurate fees.
How long does it take to get a seasonal work visa for Europe?: Processing times vary. The Czech Republic, for instance, has a legal processing time of 60 days for long-term seasonal work visas.
Do I need to speak the local language?: While not always mandatory, knowing the local language can significantly improve your job prospects and integration experience. Consider learning basic phrases before you go. See Living in Mediterranean Europe: Cost of Living, Culture, and Integration Tips for language learning resources.
Will my employer provide accommodation?: In some cases, employers provide accommodation. In Greece, employers must declare that housing will be offered to invited employees. Check the specific job offer details.

Don't let the H2B visa challenges hold you back from your seasonal work dreams. Explore the opportunities in Europe with EUSEPS and discover a faster, safer, and more rewarding path to your next adventure. How to Apply — Step by Step