USCIS H-2B Cap Reached for FY 2026 Second Half – Supplemental Visa Dates Now Open

USCIS has officially announced that the H-2B nonimmigrant visa cap for the second half of fiscal year 2026 has been reached. The H-2B program allows U.S. employers to bring foreign nationals to the United States for temporary, nonagricultural work. Congress sets a statutory cap of 66,000 H-2B visas per fiscal year, divided equally between the first and second halves of the fiscal year. Following the cap being reached, USCIS has released filing dates for supplemental H-2B visa allocations. These supplemental numbers are made available through special congressional authorization and allow a limited number of additional workers to enter beyond the standard cap. Employers who have already received approved temporary labor certifications from the Department of Labor may be eligible to file under these supplemental allocations. For members of the EB-3 immigration community, this development is notable because H-2B and EB-3 unskilled worker pathways often overlap. Many H-2B workers and their employers eventually pursue permanent residency through the EB-3 category, particularly in industries such as hospitality, landscaping, seafood processing, and construction. The rapid cap exhaustion signals continued strong employer demand for foreign labor. Employers and immigration practitioners should monitor USCIS announcements closely regarding the supplemental filing window, as these numbers are limited and dates may be subject to change. Applicants currently on H-2B status who are exploring long-term residency options through EB-3 are encouraged to consult with a qualified immigration attorney to evaluate their eligibility and timing.