The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in collaboration with the Department of State (State), has added Belize to the list of countries whose nationals are eligible to apply for H-2A and H-2B visas.
The announcement, published in the Federal Register, marks a significant expansion of opportunities for Belizean workers seeking temporary employment in the United States.
The H-2A visa program caters to agricultural jobs, while the H-2B program supports nonagricultural roles. These programs allow U.S. employers to hire foreign workers to fill temporary labor needs when American workers are unavailable. With the addition of Belize, the Caribbean’s representation in the programs strengthens, as the list already includes Jamaica, Haiti, Saint Lucia, Barbados, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Belize’s inclusion underscores the growing demand for Caribbean labor in the United States, particularly in industries such as hospitality, agriculture, and construction. Other Caribbean nations eligible for H-2A and H-2B visas include Jamaica, which has long been a significant contributor to the workforce under these programs, and Haiti, which provides a critical labor pool for seasonal jobs.
In total, 87 countries are now eligible to participate in the H-2A and H-2B visa programs, with Belize being the only new addition to the list this year. Notably, no countries were removed, reflecting DHS’s assessment that all participating nations meet program requirements.
Maintaining program integrity
DHS, in consultation with the State Department, retains the authority to adjust the list of eligible countries as needed. Countries may be removed due to issues such as visa fraud, abuse, or noncompliance with program requirements. However, the 2024 update indicates no significant compliance issues among current participants.
This expansion is part of a broader effort by DHS to support U.S. employers while safeguarding workers’ rights. Eligible employers must demonstrate that they have been unable to find qualified American workers before hiring foreign labor. Meanwhile, workers benefit from protections against exploitation and abuse under strict program regulations.
Belizean workers can now join their Caribbean neighbors in seizing new opportunities through these visa programs, providing much-needed support to U.S. industries facing labor shortages.
