Additional H-2B Visas for FY 2026: Great News for Seasonal Employers (64,716 Supplemental Visas)

If your business relies on seasonal or temporary labor, this is very good news: USCIS has announced a temporary increase in H-2B visas for FY 2026, making up to 64,716 supplemental H-2B visas available beyond the regular annual cap.

Official source: USCIS – Temporary Increase in H-2B Nonimmigrant Visas for FY 2026

Quick Takeaways for Employers

• Up to 64,716 additional H-2B visas are available for FY 2026 (supplemental to the normal cap).
• Visas are split into three allocations based on your requested start date of need.
• The first two allocations are limited to returning workers; the late-season allocation includes a returning-worker exemption.
• Timing is everything: filing windows can open and close quickly once USCIS begins accepting petitions.

How the FY 2026 Supplemental H-2B Visas Are Allocated

USCIS/DHS are distributing the supplemental visas in three groups based on start date of need:

• 18,490 visas for employers with a start date between January 1 – March 31, 2026 (limited to returning workers).
• 27,736 visas for employers with a start date between April 1 – April 30, 2026 (limited to returning workers; filing opens on a timeline tied to the second-half cap being reached).
• 18,490 visas for employers with a start date between May 1 – September 30, 2026, plus any unused visas from earlier allocations (and this allocation is exempt from the returning-worker requirement).

What Is a “Returning Worker”?

For FY 2026, “returning workers” generally means individuals who were issued an H-2B visa or otherwise granted H-2B status in FY 2023, FY 2024, or FY 2025.

Why This Matters (and Why You Should Act Now)

In many industries—landscaping, hospitality, tourism, construction, seafood processing, forestry, and more—labor shortages can cause lost contracts, reduced operating hours, and missed revenue.

These additional FY 2026 H-2B visas can be a game-changer—but only for employers who prepare early, file correctly, and hit the right filing window.

How Our Office Helps H-2B Employers

• Case strategy: seasonal need, peakload/intermittent/one-time occurrence analysis
• DOL Temporary Labor Certification (TLC) planning and timelines
• USCIS petition filing (Form I-129) and compliance documentation
• Audit-ready file building and risk reduction
• Fast action plans when new visa numbers open

FAQ: FY 2026 Additional H-2B Visas

Do these additional visas apply to new employers too?

Potentially, yes. The “returning worker” limitation affects many cases, but the late-season allocation includes a returning-worker exemption. The best approach depends on your start date of need and workforce history.

How fast do these visas get used up?

Historically, supplemental H-2B numbers can move quickly. The practical takeaway: plan early and be ready to file as soon as your window opens.

What should I do right now?

1. Confirm your start date of need and number of workers.
2. Map your timeline for TLC + USCIS filing.
3. Schedule a quick strategy call to confirm eligibility under the FY 2026 supplemental rules.

Call to Action: Talk With an H-2B Attorney

Want to know whether your business can benefit from the FY 2026 additional H-2B visas—or whether you should launch a new H-2B case right now?

Contact our office today to review your start dates, staffing needs, and the best filing strategy.

Disclaimer: This post is for general information only and is not legal advice. Every case is unique.