# USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 2, Pt. I, Ch. 1: Purpose and Background

> Federal · Agency guidance · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/USCIS_PM_V2_PI_C1

## Section

- **Citation:** USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 2, Pt. I, Ch. 1
- **Heading:** Purpose and Background
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Agency guidance
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** USCIS Policy Manual / Volume 2 - Nonimmigrants / Part I - Temporary Agricultural and Nonagricultural Workers (H-2) / USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 2, Pt. I, Ch. 1

## Text

A. Purpose

The temporary agricultural worker (H-2A) nonimmigrant visa classification applies to an alien seeking to perform agricultural labor or services of a temporary or seasonal nature in the United States. [1]

The temporary nonagricultural worker (H-2B) nonimmigrant visa classification applies to an alien seeking to perform temporary nonagricultural labor or services in the United States if U.S. workers are not available. [2]

B. Background [Reserved]

[Reserved]

C. Legal Authorities

- INA 101(a)(15)(H) – Aliens coming temporarily to the United States to perform services

- 8 CFR 214.2(h) – Temporary employees

Footnotes

[1] USCIS defers to the U.S. Department of Labor’s determination on the temporary labor certification for H-2A employment as to whether the position qualifies as agricultural.

[2] The H-2B nonimmigrant visa classification does not apply to graduates of medical schools coming to the United States to perform services as members of the medical profession.

## Nearby sections

- [USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 2, Pt. I, Ch. 1 Purpose and Background](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/USCIS_PM_V2_PI_C1.md)
- [USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 2, Pt. I, Ch. 11 Temporary Nonagricultural Worker (H-2B) Petitions Requiring Special Handling](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/USCIS_PM_V2_PI_C11.md)

---

Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/USCIS_PM_V2_PI_C1. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.