DHS and DOL have jointly announced a temporary final rule increasing the H-2B nonimmigrant visa cap by 64,716 supplemental visas for FY 2026. The additional visas are distributed across three allocation windows to address seasonal employer demand in industries including landscaping, hospitality, seafood processing, and construction.
Allocation Schedule
First allocation (Jan–March 2026): 18,490 visas for returning workers — cap reached February 6, 2026. Second allocation (April 2026): 27,736 visas plus unused first-allocation visas, for returning workers. Petitions accepted March 25–April 23, 2026. Third allocation (May–September 2026): 18,490 visas for any qualifying workers, including non-returning workers.
Employer Compliance
Employers must file at the correct USCIS lockbox with attention line "Attn: FY2026 H-2B Supplemental Cap." Combined with increased site visits and new I-9 requirements, H-2B employers face heightened compliance obligations.