Guatemala sends more workers to the United States on H-2A agricultural visas than any other country in the world — over 100,000 Guatemalan agricultural workers entered the US on H-2A visas in FY 2024 alone. Beyond farm work, Guatemalans also pursue B-2 tourist visas, TPS protections, family petitions, and the DV Lottery. This 2026 guide covers every US visa option available to Guatemalan citizens.
B-2 Tourist Visa for Guatemalans: Requirements & Wait Times
Guatemala is not part of the Visa Waiver Program. Guatemalan citizens need a B-1/B-2 visa to visit the United States. The denial rate is among the highest in Central America — consular officers are particularly scrutinizing of applicants who have family members in the US without legal status, since this is considered a strong indicator of immigrant intent.
| Factor | Details for Guatemala 2026 |
|---|---|
| Appointment wait time | 45–150 days at the US Embassy in Guatemala City |
| MRV fee | $185 (non-refundable) |
| Denial rate | High — estimated 40-55% for first-time applicants |
| Key approval factors | Property/land ownership, stable employment, savings, no undocumented relatives in US |
| 214(b) refusal | Most denials are under INA §214(b) — failure to prove nonimmigrant intent. You can reapply with stronger evidence. |
| US Embassy location | Boulevard Austriaco, Guatemala City |
H-2A Agricultural Visa: Guatemala’s #1 US Work Pathway
Guatemala is the largest source country for H-2A agricultural workers in the world. In FY2024, over 100,000 Guatemalan nationals entered the United States on H-2A temporary agricultural worker visas — surpassing Mexico for the first time. H-2A is an employer-sponsored visa with no annual cap, making it the most accessible legal work pathway for Guatemalans without a college education.
| H-2A Key Facts for Guatemalans | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual cap | None — unlimited H-2A visas available |
| Who sponsors you | US agricultural employer (farm, orchard, greenhouse, etc.) |
| Wage requirement | Employer must pay at least the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) — typically $14-18/hour depending on state |
| Duration | Up to 1 year, extendable to 3 years |
| Housing | Employer must provide free housing |
| How to find employers | US job centers, H-2A job boards, or through recruitment agencies authorized in Guatemala |
TPS, Family Petitions & DV Lottery
Temporary Protected Status (TPS): Guatemala was designated for TPS in November 2021 following the devastation of Hurricanes Eta and Iota. An estimated 10,000–20,000 Guatemalans currently hold TPS, a much smaller number than El Salvador. TPS holders receive work authorization and protection from deportation but do not automatically obtain a path to a green card.
Family-Based Immigration: The family backlog for Guatemala is severe for most preference categories. Immediate relatives of US citizens (spouses, minor children, parents) have no annual cap and can be processed in 8–18 months. However, adult children and siblings face waits of 15–20+ years due to per-country limits and high demand.
DV Lottery: Guatemala is eligible for the Diversity Visa Lottery. The registration is free and occurs each fall. DV winners and their immediate families can receive a US green card without needing a prior petition or employer sponsor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated: May 2026. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
