FY 2025 Early Second Half Supplemental H-2B Visa Cap for Returning Workers Reached

Apr 24, 2025
2 min read

Updated: Apr 24, 2025

USCIS Announces H-2B Visa Limit Met for April–May 2025 Period

On April 23, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) confirmed that the supplemental quota of 19,000 H-2B visas reserved for returning workers during the early second half of Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 had been fully reached. The agency noted that the volume of petitions submitted met the maximum limit under this temporary allocation. These visas are designated for employment periods beginning April 1 to May 14, 2025, under the FY 2025 Temporary Final Rule (TFR). The agency confirmed that April 18, 2025, was the final date to submit petitions for this allocation.

FY 2025 H-2B Visa Cap Reached: Key Details About Capacity

1. Supplemental Visa Allocation Exhausted

The 19,000 visas were part of a supplemental cap increase authorized by the FY 2025 TFR to address labor shortages.
This allocation was reserved for returning workers who held H-2B status in at least one of the prior three fiscal years.

2. Implications for Employers

Petitions filed after April 18, 2025, will not be processed under this supplemental cap.
Employers needing workers with start dates after May 14, 2025, can still submit petitions under the regular H-2B visa quota or pursue any additional allocations that may be announced later.

3. Next Steps for Applicants

USCIS will reject and return petitions received after the April 18 deadline that request visas under this allocation.
Employers are encouraged to monitor the Temporary Increase in H-2B Visas for FY 2025 page for updates on remaining FY 2025 quotas.

Background on H-2B Visas

The H-2B program allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers for seasonal, non-agricultural jobs. The standard yearly limit for H-2B visas is 66,000, divided equally between the first and second halves of the fiscal year. Congress or DHS may approve supplemental visas, like the 19,000 in this TFR, to meet temporary labor demands.

Where to Find More Information

Access the official USCIS H-2B program webpage here
Review eligibility requirements for future H-2B petitions.
Subscribe to USCIS updates for real-time alerts on visa cap announcements.

This announcement underscores the high demand for seasonal labor and the importance of timely filing for employers. Stakeholders should act promptly for future allocations to secure workforce needs.