The filing window for certain H-2B visa petitions has opened for jobs that will begin in April 2026, with U.S. employers being advised to submit applications within the allowed period or risk rejection, according to U.S. immigration updates. The H-2B programme lets American companies hire foreign workers for temporary non-agricultural jobs.
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The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said it has already received enough petitions to meet the H-2B statutory cap for the second half of fiscal year 2026. It said March 10, 2026 was the final receipt date for new cap-subject petitions seeking an employment start date on or after April 1 and before Oct. 1, 2026. Petitions received after that date for the same work period will be rejected.
Supplemental Visas Announced
USCIS and the Department of Homeland Security have also made available supplemental H-2B visas for FY 2026. Under the temporary increase, 64,716 extra visas were added on top of the annual statutory cap of 66,000. Of these, 46,226 are reserved for returning workers, while 18,490 are for employers with late-season needs, for workers who will begin jobs between May 1 and September 30, 2026.
Where H-2B Workers Are Employed
The H-2B visa is widely used by U.S. employers in sectors such as hospitality, landscaping, tourism and other seasonal businesses that face labour shortages during busy months. The programme is capped every fiscal year, and once the limit is reached, employers must depend on any extra visa numbers announced by the government.
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Validity And Conditions
The maximum stay under H-2B status is three years, after which a worker must leave the U.S. and remain outside for three months before applying again.
Advisory For Applicants
Employers and workers should check the official filing schedule carefully, since the dates differ for regular cap petitions and supplemental visa categories.
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