USCIS Reaches H-2B Cap for Second Half of FY 2026; Supplemental Visas Now Available

USCIS has announced that it has reached the statutory cap for H-2B nonimmigrant visas for the second half of Fiscal Year 2026. The H-2B program allows U.S. employers to bring foreign nationals to the United States to fill temporary nonagricultural jobs. With the regular cap now exhausted, USCIS has opened filing dates for supplemental H-2B visa allocations. These supplemental visas are made available through annual congressional or executive action to address labor shortages beyond the standard 66,000 annual cap. While the H-2B program is distinct from the EB-3 employment-based immigrant visa category, this development is relevant context for employers and workers navigating U.S. labor-based immigration. Employers who cannot secure H-2B visas may look toward permanent labor certification (PERM) and EB-3 pathways for long-term workforce needs. EB-3 applicants and petitioners should note that high demand across employment-based visa programs continues to reflect broader labor market pressures. Employers are encouraged to consult with immigration counsel to evaluate whether temporary or permanent visa options best fit their hiring needs.