H-2B TO PERM STATUS
WITHOUT THE HASSLE

THE H-2B LABOR LOTTERY SURVIVAL GUIDE

GROW WITH
CONFIDENCE.

GROW WITH
CONFIDENCE.

How to Navigate the Lottery, Secure Workers, and Future-Proof Your Workforce

Unlimited Labor Solutions Helps You Build an Inspired Workforce that Grows With You. We’re a Partner You Can Trust with a Proven, Understandable Process for Company-Sponsored US Green Cards.

The H-2B Lottery & Understanding Your Results

The H-2B visa program is a vital lifeline for seasonal businesses—but it’s unpredictable. Every year, thousands of employers apply, yet many are left scrambling when their applications fall into lower randomization groups.

The H-2B Lottery & Understanding Your Results

Group A-B

Workers will likely arrive on time

Group C-D

Workers may arrive, but expect delays

Group E & Beyond

High risk of receiving workers too late

If you land in Group E or later, your business is at risk of missing out on critical labor. But you don’t have to wait and hope—there are proven strategies to protect your workforce.

Want the TL;DR version? Let’s talk about how to secure your labor supply and avoid costly shortages.

Key Timing & Regulatory Considerations

Success with H-2B visas depends on timing, regulatory compliance, and strategic planning.

Filing Windows:

  • October 1 – March 31 Start Dates → File in July

  • April 1 – September 30 Start Dates → File in January

Key H-2B Filing Steps:

  • Prevailing Wage Determination: Must be secured 35-45 days before labor certification.

  • Job Order Submission: Must be filed with the State Workforce Agency (SWA) before labor certification.

  • Labor Certification Filing: Must be submitted 75-90 days before the start date.

But even if you file on time and follow the rules, you’re still subject to the lottery. If your workers don’t get visas, you need a backup plan.

See what you can do to protect your workforce.

Immediate Contingency Strategies

1. Mexico-Only May Supplemental Cap

Each May, 5,000 additional visas are sometimes issued for Mexican workers.

How to take advantage of this:

  • Act quickly after the January lottery.

  • Monitor government announcements on visa allocations.

  • If eligible, file immediately—these visas go fast.

2. Worker Transfers from Other Employers

Some businesses end up with extra workers and are willing to transfer them.

How to secure worker transfers:

  • Identify businesses in your industry with surplus workers.

  • Use industry networks, databases, and agencies to connect with employers.

  • Cover transfer-related costs, including MRV fees and USCIS filing fees.

3. Fall Lottery Petition (October Start Date)

If April doesn’t work out, filing for an October 1 start date gives you another shot.

Benefits of an October petition:

  • The visa cap resets—so your odds improve.

  • Workers can arrive 10 days early for onboarding.

  • Helps maintain workforce continuity.

Need help securing workers quickly?

Workforce Optimization for Future Petitions

1. Adjust Start Dates for Better Eligibility

  • Moving your start date earlier (e.g., February 10 – November 30) can improve approval odds.

  • Returning worker exemptions may apply.

2. File for Multiple Countries

  • Listing two or more eligible countries reduces the risk of delays.

  • Avoids additional filing fees from post-submission country switches.

3. Geographic Branching for Multiple Petitions

  • If your company operates in multiple locations, filing separate petitions in different areas can increase your chances.

Alternative Labor Sources

1. Worker Loan Programs

 

Some employers loan workers to others for 3-6 months.

Employers must cover transportation and housing costs.

Ideal for businesses facing short-term labor shortages.

2. Supplemental & Returning Worker H-2B Visas

 

The DHS & DOL release extra visas
for workers from select countries:

Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Haiti, Colombia, Ecuador, Costa Rica

Employers must submit additional documentation to qualify.

Future-Proofing with the PERM (EB-3 Green Card) Program

If you’re tired of the lottery game, it’s time to stop gambling with your workforce and start building a permanent labor strategy.

Why Consider PERM?

  • Eliminates reliance on the H-2B lottery—no more hoping for approvals.

  • Provides long-term workforce stability—workers stay year after year.

  • Saves money over time—reduces constant hiring and training costs.

Why Consider PERM?

H-2B is expensive, unpredictable, and full of delays. But PERM gives you control.

Want To See How PERM Can Work For You?

Praise from real customers

“Approximately 70% of our H-2B workers have transitioned to the PERM program through our collaboration with Unlimited Labor. Initially, 30% had reservations, but now they’re eager to join the program. This shift has significantly reduced the seasonality in our business operations.”

—Mark Wordley, President of Caretaker, Inc

“We have been H-2B users for two decades. By partnering with ULS, we successfully transitioned our H-2B workers to green card holders, stabilizing our workforce. Notably, we haven’t lost a single employee after their transition to permanent residency.”

—Bob Grover, President of Pacific Landscape Management

What Are You Going to Do? Keep Rolling the Dice on Your Workforce?

The H-2B process is unpredictable, but you don’t have to go through it alone.

Need a better strategy for next season?

Looking to transition key workers to PERM?

Want to secure visas before it’s too late?

Talk to our team today. We’ll help you secure H-2B workers, explore visa transfers, and build a long-term workforce strategy with PERM.