US hits H-2B visa cap for FY2026 second half, 46,226 extra slots open now

USCIS confirms cap reached for H-2B visas; additional allocations announced for seasonal jobs with filings starting March 25

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services on Tuesday confirmed that the statutory limit for H-2B work visas has been reached for the second half of the financial year 2026.

 

The programme allows US employers to recruit foreign nationals for temporary, non-agricultural roles when domestic labour supply is insufficient.

 

What sectors are affected by the cap?

 

The cap affects sectors such as hospitality and landscaping, which depend on seasonal labour during peak periods. The development comes as labour shortages continue to affect multiple industries, with agricultural employers reporting disruption linked to reduced availability of migrant workers. Supplemental visas announced to address labour shortages. The agency has outlined additional visa allocations to support employers.

   

What additional visas are available now?

 

A total of 27,736 supplemental visas are available for roles beginning between April 1 and April 30, while 18,490 visas are designated for positions starting between May 1 and September 30. These allocations are subject to eligibility conditions and must be filed within specified windows. Under existing rules, Congress sets an annual cap of 66,000 H-2B visas, split evenly across two halves of the financial year. Once the limit is reached, no further cap-subject petitions are accepted. 

 

What is the deadline for applications?

 

USCIS stated that March 10, 2026, was the final date for submitting petitions tied to employment starting between April 1 and September 30. The agency noted that any applications received after this deadline would be rejected.

 

As of 2026, Indian nationals remain excluded from the list of countries eligible for the H-2B visa programme.

 

Policy adjustments expand visa availability

 

Earlier in the year, the administration confirmed an expansion of the H-2B programme, allowing up to 64,716 additional visas for the financial year 2026. The measure, introduced in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Labor, aims to address ongoing workforce shortages in seasonal industries. Since financial year 2017, federal agencies have been authorised to release supplemental visas beyond the statutory cap when labour demand exceeds supply. Business groups have consistently called for full utilisation of this discretionary allocation to sustain operations in sectors reliant on temporary foreign workers. 

 

Next phase focuses on returning workers

 

The agency is preparing to open applications for a returning worker allocation covering April start dates. Filings will begin on March 25, 2026, for 27,736 visas reserved for individuals who have previously held H-2B status within the past three financial years. This allocation excludes new applicants and is intended to streamline hiring for employers seeking experienced seasonal workers.