Once the DOL issues the temporary labor certification, the employer must file the I-129 petition with USCIS before the certification expires. The I-129 is the primary petition form for H-2B classification, and it must include the DOL certification, supporting documentation about the employer and the positions, and the required filing fees. USCIS processes H-2B petitions subject to the statutory cap, and the mechanics of the cap make filing strategy a significant factor in whether a Fort Lauderdale landscaping company secures its workers for the upcoming season.
Premium processing is available for H-2B petitions and guarantees a USCIS decision within fifteen business days of receipt. For landscaping employers with a firm start date approaching, premium processing reduces the uncertainty of waiting for standard adjudication timelines. A landscaping worker visa lawyer in Fort Lauderdale advises employers on whether the additional cost of premium processing is warranted given the employer's specific timeline and how much lead time remains before the workers are needed on the job.
