Update on H-2B Visas: US Verifies 35,000 Additional Work Permits for 2026
For 2026, the US has confirmed 35,000 more H-2B visas. Although beneficial, the growth is far less than in previous years, which worries both companies and seasonal employees.
This is a significant shift that you should be aware of if you keep up with US work visa updates.
35,000 more H-2B visas will be issued in fiscal year 2026, according to confirmation from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Labor.
The standard annual cap of 66,000 H-2B visas is supplemented by these visas. That seems like wonderful news on paper. However, there is more to it than that.
This is a significant cut in comparison to the previous three years. The United States issued significantly more extra H-2B visas annually between 2023 and 2025. Compared to what companies had lately grown accustomed to, the 2026 increase is nearly 50% less.
That distinction is important for companies and employees that depend on this program.
The H-2B Visa: What Is It?
For non-agricultural jobs in the US, the H-2B visa is a temporary work permit.
When US firms are unable to locate enough local workers for temporary positions, it permits them to hire international workers. These positions are typically seasonal or dependent on periods of high demand.
Typical H-2B positions consist of:
Resorts and hotels
Dining establishments and travel services
Processing of seafood
Forestry and landscaping
Amusement parks
Support jobs in construction
The visa has a time limit and is sponsored by the company. After their work is done, employees have to go home.
The Significance of the H-2B Visa
This is the straightforward reality. Seasonal labor are essential to many US sectors. Some companies find it difficult to remain open during peak months without H-2B employees.
For employees, the visa provides:
Legal employment opportunities in the US
Greater pay compared to many local marketplaces
Temporary employment without long-term relocation
It closes actual gaps for employers when local hiring doesn't work.
Every modification to H-2B numbers is closely monitored because of this balance.
Who Will Receive the Additional 35,000 Visas?
DHS and DOL stated that they will focus on important industries in 2026. Priority will be given to companies in:
Food processing and seafood
Outdoor work and forestry
Tourism and hospitality
Transportation-related services
Production
These sectors are thought to be crucial to regional economies, particularly in the busiest times of year.
Not all employers will be eligible. Competition will be fierce and demand is anticipated to be high.
Why It Feels Like a Smaller Increase in 2026
Indeed, an additional 35,000 visas are helpful. However, context is important.
US firms have had access to significantly more supplemental numbers in recent years. Reducing that supply by half entails:
fewer applications that were approved
Increased demands on filing deadlines
Increased likelihood of labor shortages
This causes uncertainty for companies who make plans months in advance.
Nations Qualified for the H-2B Visa
H-2B visas are only available to citizens of authorized nations. DHS updates the list on a regular basis. Among the principal qualifying nations are:
Argentina
Australia and Armenia
Barbados
Belize
Brazil
Chile
The Costa Rican
Republic of the Dominican
Ecuador
El Salvador
The Guatemalan
The Haitian
Ireland and Honduras
The Jamaican
Japan
Mexico
Moldova
Nicaragua
The New Zealand
Norway
Panama
New Guinea's Papua
Peru
Philippines
Poland
Switzerland and South Korea
Thailand and Taiwan
Turkey
United Kingdom, with the exception of Northern Ireland
Uruguay
It is important to note that due to high fraud risks or over-application, nations like China, India, and portions of Africa are frequently left off the list. Caps also apply per nation.
Employees must fulfill job-specific standards and be citizens of an eligible nation.
What This Signifies for Employees and Companies
Faster application deadlines and more competition are the results of fewer additional visas for foreign workers. Early planning is now required for employers. A season could be lost if filing windows are missed.
For many companies, the H-2B program is still essential. However, compared to previous years, access will be more restricted in 2026.
You cannot afford to overlook this update if you are searching for seasonal employment prospects in the United States.
