Archive · 19 Sep 2025
USCIS Reaches H-2B Visa Cap for First Half of FY2026
The US government limits the number of temporary foreign workers with H-2B visas.
This cap is split into two parts per fiscal year.
The government has received enough requests to meet the 33,000 visa limit for the first half of the 2026 fiscal year.
This means that employers who need workers for jobs starting before April 1, 2026, can no longer file new petitions unless they are exempt.
Applications were accepted until September 12, 2025.
Some workers, like those in specific industries, are exempt from the cap.
Employers must apply early to secure visas.
USCIS has reached the H-2B visa cap for the first half of fiscal year 2026.
The H-2B program allows U.S. employers to hire temporary foreign workers.
The cap for the first half of FY2026 is 33,000 workers.
September 12, 2025, was the final date to submit new petitions.
Some workers are exempt from the H-2B cap.
- Who
- USCIS and employers
- What
- H-2B visa cap reached for first half of FY2026
- When
- Petitions accepted until September 12, 2025
- Where
- United States
- Why
- Congressionally mandated cap has been met.
- Visa Program
- H-2B
- Purpose
- Temporary non-agricultural jobs
- First Half Cap
- 33,000 workers
- Deadline for Petitions
- September 12, 2025
- Exemptions
- Some workers don't count towards the cap.
