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USCIS issues guidance for certain H-2B foreign workers in Guam and Northern Mariana Islands

  1. Original Date Announced

    October 1, 2018

    USCIS issues guidance implementing an NDAA provision exempting certain types of workers in Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands from the standard H-2B requirement that an employer's need for services is temporary in nature. The guidance explains how petitioners can demonstrate compliance with the exemption. [ID #524]

    USCIS Policy Memorandum (PM-602-0164): Implementing the NDAA for FY 2019 and the Exemption to the Temporary Need Requireent for H-2B Workers on Guam and in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
  2. Effective Date

    October 1, 2018
  3.  
  4. Biden Administration Action: Modified

    May 13, 2021

    5.13.21 Exemption to Temporary Need Requirement for Certain H-2B Workers

    This Biden administration policy modifies the Trump-era policy identified in this entry.

    On May 13, 2021, USCIS issued this policy memo with immediately effective guidance on the filing and adjudication of H-2B nonimmigrant visa petitions covered under Section 9502 of the National Defense Authorization Act.

    View Document
  5. Biden Administration Action: Approved/Retained

    April 11, 2024

    Extension of the Temporary Need Exemption for Certain H-2B Workers on Guam and in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

    This Biden Administration action retains the Trump Administration action identified in this entry.

    On April 11, 2024, USCIS announced that it is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to reflect the extension of the current exemption from the temporary need requirement for petitions for temporary nonagricultural (H-2B) nonimmigrant workers on Guam and in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), as provided in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY 2024 NDAA).

    View Document

Current Status

Fully in Effect

Most Recent Action

April 11, 2024 Action: Approved/Retained Extension of the Temporary Need Exemption for Certain H-2B Workers on Guam and in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
May 13, 2021
Acted on by Biden Administration
April 11, 2024
Acted on by Biden Administration

Original Trump Policy Status

Status: Final/Actual
Trump Administration Action: Agency Directive
Agencies Affected: USCIS

Pre Trump-Era Policies

  • February 15, 2018

    Prior policy is the February 15, 2018 memorandum (PM- 602-0156) that originally implemented section 1049 of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2018.

    PM- 602-0156

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