USCIS has reached the cap for the second batch of extra H-2B visas for returning workers in 2026. This news affects employers who need temporary workers for non-farm jobs. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services made the announcement on April 29, 2026, after getting enough petitions for jobs starting in April.
Understanding the H-2B Visa Program
The H-2B visa lets U.S. employers hire foreign workers for short-term, non-agricultural jobs when they cannot find enough American workers. The regular yearly limit is 66,000 visas. This year, the government added up to 64,716 more visas through a temporary rule from January 30, 2026, to help with labor shortages in busy seasons.
These extra visas target industries like hotels, landscaping, and seafood processing. Workers must have a job offer and approval from the Department of Labor. The added visas come in three groups based on when the job starts.
Breakdown of the Supplemental Visa Allocations
The extra visas split into three parts to match seasonal needs.
First Allocation: January to March 2026
This group offered 18,490 visas for jobs starting from January 1 to March 31, 2026. It was only for returning workers, who had used an H-2B visa in fiscal years 2023, 2024, or 2025. Employers filed petitions early in the year, and this cap filled quickly.
Second Allocation: April 2026
USCIS set aside 27,736 visas for jobs from April 1 to April 30, 2026. Like the first group, it was limited to returning workers. The final date to file Form I-129 was April 21, 2026. USCIS hit the cap and now rejects any late petitions for this round.
Third Allocation: May to September 2026
The last group has 18,490 visas for jobs starting May 1 through September 30, 2026. Unlike the others, it is open to all eligible workers, not just returning ones. Employers can file from April 24, 2026, until September 15, 2026. Any unused visas from the first two groups will carry over to this pool.
Impact on Employers and Workers
Employers who missed the April window still have a chance with the third allocation. They must prove a real need for temporary help and get a labor certification from the Department of Labor. Petitions need to match the exact start dates for the third group.
The quick fill-up of the second cap shows high demand for seasonal labor. Returning workers get priority in early allocations because they know the job and U.S. rules. Now, with the third option open wider, more businesses can hire for summer and fall peaks.
Check the USCIS H-2B cap status page often for updates. Late filings for closed caps get rejected, not saved.
Key Filing Requirements
To apply, use Form I-129 with a valid temporary labor certification. Include proof of returning worker status if it applies, though the third allocation does not require it. Match the job start date to the right group, or the petition will not count.
Conclusion
The H-2B visa cap for the second 2026 allocation is closed, but the third one offers hope for summer jobs. This setup helps U.S. businesses fill gaps while controlling the total number of visas. Employers should act fast on open slots to secure workers before September 15, 2026.
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