US DOL Reports H-2B Visa Cap Progress: 143,235 Workers Certified, 10,335 Cases Finalized for FY 2026 Second Half
- Xavi
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 23 hours ago
WASHINGTON D.C. — July 16, 2026 — The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has released its latest H-2B visa cap report, revealing that as of July 14, 2026, a total of 10,335 cases were issued final decisions under the second half of Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 visa cap (April 1 – September 30, 2026). These certified positions were allocated for 143,235 workers.
The report also provides updated processing times for H-2B prevailing wage determinations (PWDs) and details on the July filing window for the first half of FY 2027.
Quick Facts: H-2B Visa FY 2026 Second Half
Metric | Details |
Reporting Period | Second half of FY 2026 (April 1 – September 30, 2026) |
Final Decisions Issued | 10,335 cases |
Certified Positions | 143,235 workers |
Data As Of | July 14, 2026 |
H-2B Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD) Processing Times
As of June 30, 2026, the National Prevailing Wage Center (NPWC) is processing PWD requests at the following rates:
Request Type | Processing Period |
OEWS Cases | June 2026 and earlier |
Non-OEWS Cases | May 2026 and earlier |
Understanding OEWS vs. Non-OEWS
Source Type | Description |
OEWS (Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics) | The primary source for determining prevailing wages, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data |
Non-OEWS | Other sources such as collective bargaining agreements or private wage surveys |
Remaining Requests
The DOL has almost completed processing remaining H-2B visa PWD applications:
Request Month | Remaining Requests |
May 2026 | 44 |
June 2026 | 1,526 |
Employer Guidance: The Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) encourages employers to request a PWD at least 60 days before the date the determination is needed to avoid processing delays.
July 2026 Filing Window Results
On July 8, 2026, the OFLC published the assignment groups for 2,625 H-2B applications covering 51,158 worker positions with a work start date of October 1, 2026, received during the July 3–5 filing window.
Metric | Details |
Applications Processed | 2,625 |
Worker Positions Covered | 51,158 |
Work Start Date | October 1, 2026 |
Filing Window | July 3–5, 2026 |
Employer Notifications | July 6, 2026 |
Note: Employers were provided with written notice about their assignment groups on July 6, 2026.
Key Observations and Analysis
1. Strong Demand for H-2B Visas
The 143,235 certified positions for the second half of FY 2026 demonstrate continued strong demand for seasonal and temporary non-agricultural workers across industries such as:
Landscaping and grounds maintenance
Hotels and resorts
Seafood processing
Construction
Amusement parks and recreational facilities
2. PWD Processing Backlogs Remain
While the NPWC is processing OEWS requests from June 2026, the 1,526 remaining requests from June 2026 indicate ongoing backlogs. Employers are advised to:
Submit PWD requests early (at least 60 days before the determination is needed)
Monitor OFLC announcements for updates on processing times
Plan ahead for seasonal hiring needs
3. July Filing Window Shows High Demand for FY 2027
The 2,625 applications received during the July 3–5 filing window, covering 51,158 workers, indicate strong demand for the first half of FY 2027 (October 2026 – March 2027). This is consistent with previous years, where H-2B visa demand consistently exceeds supply.
What This Means for Employers
For Employers Filing PWD Requests
Action | Why It Matters |
Submit PWD requests early | OFLC recommends at least 60 days before the determination is needed |
Monitor OEWS vs. Non-OEWS processing | OEWS cases are processing faster (June 2026 vs. May 2026 for Non-OEWS) |
Check OFLC announcements | Processing times can fluctuate; stay informed |
Plan for Q4 2026 hiring | The remaining June 2026 requests (1,526) may cause delays for July/August filings |
For Employers Who Filed in the July Window
Check your assignment group notification — employers were notified on July 6
Prepare for next steps — assignment groups determine how applications are processed
Monitor cap status — H-2B visas are capped at 66,000 per fiscal year; demand exceeds supply
H-2B Visa Program: Key Facts
The H-2B visa program allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers to fill temporary non-agricultural jobs when qualified U.S. workers are unavailable.
Feature | Details |
Annual Cap | 66,000 visas per fiscal year |
First Half (Oct 1 – Mar 31) | 33,000 visas |
Second Half (Apr 1 – Sept 30) | 33,000 visas |
Common Industries | Landscaping, hospitality, construction, seafood processing, forestry |
Key Requirement | Employer must demonstrate temporary need and recruit U.S. workers |
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