Archive · 31 Jan 2026
US Announces H-1B and H-2B Visa Updates
The US government has announced important dates for the H-1B visa registration period for the year 2027.
People who want to apply for this visa can register online from March 4 to March 19, 2026.
They need to pay a fee of $215 for each application.
The government will then select some of these applications and notify them by March 31, 2026.
Additionally, the government is adding 64,716 more seasonal worker visas to help businesses that need extra workers.
These visas are for workers who will start between January 1 and September 30, 2026.
The visas are divided into three groups, with some only for workers who have had this visa before.
Employers must apply by September 15, 2026.
The FY 2027 H-1B cap initial registration period opens at noon Eastern on March 4, 2026, and closes at noon Eastern on March 19, 2026.
A $215 registration fee is required for each beneficiary, and registrations must be submitted online through a USCIS account.
Selection notifications will be sent by March 31, 2026, to those with at least one selected registration.
The US will add 64,716 additional H-2B seasonal guest worker visas for 2026 to help employers facing labor shortages.
The H-2B visas are divided into three allocations, with specific start dates and filing deadlines for each group.
- Who
- US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Labor (DOL)
- What
- Announcement of FY 2027 H-1B registration period and additional H-2B visas
- When
- H-1B Registration: March 4-19, 2026; H-2B Filing Deadline: September 15, 2026
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To manage H-1B visa cap and address labor shortages in seasonal industries
- H-1B Registration Period
- March 4, 2026, to March 19, 2026
- H-1B Registration Fee
- $215 per beneficiary
- H-1B Selection Notifications
- By March 31, 2026
- H-1B New Fee
- $100,000 for certain petitions
- H-2B Additional Visas
- 64,716 for FY 2026
- H-2B Allocation
- 46,226 for returning workers, 18,490 for others
- H-2B Filing Deadline
- September 15, 2026
Sources
US to Add 65,000 Seasonal H-2B Guest Worker Visas for 2026
When does FY 2027 H-1B cap initial registration open? USCIS issues bulletin for new season
Trump administration to release 65,000 extra H-2B guest worker visas to ease labour shortages
What are seasonal guest worker visas? Trump admin to add 65,000 H-2B slots
