H-2B Visa
H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visa — cap announcements, supplemental allocations, employer petition requirements, returning worker exemptions, and seasonal industry compliance guidance.
Top questions about H-2B Visa
Answers from VisaVerge guidesHow are H-2B supplemental visas allocated for FY2025?
H-2B supplemental visas for FY2025 were reserved for returning workers and nationals of specific countries with caps reached for the first two tranches.
Read: US Corporate Immigration Under Strain: Policy Hurdles and EnforcementWhen did USCIS reach the cap for the second H-2B visa allocation in 2026?
USCIS reached the cap for the second H-2B visa allocation for returning workers on April 29, 2026.
Read: USCIS Hits Cap for Second H-2B Visa Allocation for Returning Workers in 2026When did USCIS reach the H-2B visa cap for the first supplemental allocation of FY 2026?
USCIS reached the H-2B visa cap for the first supplemental allocation of fiscal year 2026 during the initial filing period, which ended on February 6, 2026.
Read: Uscis Hits H-2B Visa Cap for First Supplemental AllocationWhat are the recent updates on H-2B nonimmigrant visas for fiscal year 2025?
USCIS announced an increase in H-2B nonimmigrant visas for fiscal year 2025 to address workforce shortages.
Read: Will Cutting Hours or Pay Affect Your Work Visa Status?Why did USCIS reach the H-2B visa cap in September 2024?
USCIS reached the H-2B visa cap because it had received enough petitions to meet the cap for the first half of fiscal year 2025 as of September 18, 2024.
Read: H-2B Visa Cap Reached: No Petitions Before April 2025
Labor Secretary Marty Walsh Removes Annual Cap on Temporary Agricultural Work Visas
The H-2A visa program undergoes major modernization and operational updates in 2026, including new grace periods and a debate on year-round expansion.
USCIS Hits Cap for Second H-2B Visa Allocation for Returning Workers in 2026
USCIS hits the second supplemental H-2B visa cap for April 2026; third allocation for summer jobs remains open…
USCIS Hits H-2B Visa Cap for FY26 Second Half, Adds 46,000 Supplemental Visas
USCIS hit the FY 2026 H-2B visa cap on March 10. Supplemental visas remain available for employers, with…
$100,000 Supplemental Fee Looms as Wage-Weighted H-1B Lottery Replaces Random Draw
USCIS reaches FY 2027 H-1B cap as of March 31, 2026. The new wage-weighted lottery system favors high-salary…
U.S. USCIS Hits H-2B Cap, Supplemental H-2B Visas Filings Due After March 10, 2026
USCIS reaches the FY 2026 second-half H-2B cap. Supplemental visas remain available for employers meeting specific eligibility and…
Labor Department, Office of Immigration Policy Struggle to Launch H-2A Joint Portal
Internal emails show the Labor Department struggling to build a 'one-stop shop' for H-2A visas due to lack…
H-2B Seasonal Worker Visa Cap Eases with Supplemental Visas for Returning Workers
The FY 2027 H-1B cap registration opens March 2026. Employers must prepare for the beneficiary-centric lottery, strict fee…
Uscis Hits H-2B Visa Cap for First Supplemental Allocation
USCIS confirmed it reached the first supplemental H-2B visa cap for FY 2026 after a lottery. This tranche…
Trump Administration Adds 65,000 H-2B Guest Worker Visas for Fiscal Year 2026
The Trump administration announced on January 30, 2026, that it will add approximately 65,000 H-2B seasonal guest worker…
U.S. Confirms Seasonal Work Permits H-2B Program Under Deliberation
The U.S. government has authorized 35,000 supplemental H-2B visas for FY 2026, a 50% reduction from prior years.…