H-2B Non-Agricultural Program

Preparing the Job Order – General Requirements

  • A completed job order must be submitted to the SWA at the same time the employer submits the H-2B application.
  • Employer must inform the SWA that the job order is being placed in connection with a concurrent application for H-2B workers.
  • If the anticipated worksites are located in more than one State, the employer may submit the job order to any one SWA with jurisdiction.

Employer’s job opportunity must:

  • Offer to U.S. workers no less than the same benefits, wages, and working conditions offered to H-2B workers.
  • Not impose restrictions on U.S. workers that are not imposed on H-2B workers.
  • Offer qualifications that are consistent with employers that do not use H-2B workers.
  • The CO may require documentation supporting job qualifications.
  • Many SWAs allow job orders via “self-service,” while others require staff assistance.
  • The employer must notify the SWA that the job order is tied to an H-2B application.
  • If no “H-2B” field exists, include it in an open text field or email submission.
Example showing survey results and sample size data
  • Many SWA systems do not include fields for all required content (e.g., start/end dates or number of openings).
  1. Use a free text field (e.g., job description) or contact the SWA for assistance.
  • Be aware of character limits that may prevent entering required assurances.
  1. Contact the SWA to determine acceptable minimum language.

Make sure the job order contains the minimum content requirements under 20 CFR 655.18.

Job order content requirements table
Regulatory citation table for job orders

A job order checklist with sample language is available at: H-2B Job Order Checklist

Additional job order example
Additional job order documentation example