H-2B Visa Filing Window Opens July 3–5, 2026: Employers Must Act Fast for October 1 Start Date

H-2B visa filing window July 3–5, 2026 for October 1

Washington, D.C., June 13, 2026 — Employers planning to hire foreign seasonal or temporary non-agricultural workers for the first half of Fiscal Year 2027 have a narrow three-day window to file their H-2B Applications for Temporary Employment Certification.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), the filing period for H-2B cases requesting an October 1, 2026 work start date runs from July 3 to July 5, 2026. This is the earliest date employers can submit applications for the new semiannual visa allotment.

Why This Filing Window Matters

The H-2B visa program is capped at 66,000 visas per fiscal year, split into two allotments:

• 33,000 visas for the first half of the fiscal year (October 1 – March 31)

• 33,000 visas for the second half (April 1 – September 30)

October 1, 2026 marks the beginning of FY 2027. Because demand for H-2B visas consistently exceeds supply, especially in industries like landscaping, hospitality, construction, forestry, and seafood processing, the filing window often fills up extremely quickly.

Employers who miss this July 3–5 window may have to wait until the next available period or rely on returning worker exemptions (if available) or supplemental visa allocations later in the year.

Who Should File During This Window?

Employers should prepare to file if they need workers starting on or around:

• October 1, 2026

• Any date in the first half of FY 2027 (October 2026 – March 2027)

Key Industries Typically Affected:

• Landscaping and grounds maintenance

• Hotels and resorts

• Construction

• Seafood processing

• Amusement parks and recreational facilities

• Forestry and logging support

Step-by-Step Preparation Tips for Employers

1. Confirm Eligibility — Ensure the job qualifies as temporary non-agricultural work and that you have tested the U.S. labor market.

2. Gather Required Documents — Job description, recruitment report, supporting evidence of temporary need.

3. Work with an Attorney — H-2B filings are complex and highly regulated. Errors can lead to denial or delays.

4. Submit Early in the Window — File on July 3 if possible, as approvals are often processed on a first-come, first-served basis when the cap is reached.

5. Plan for Premium Processing (if available) — Consider using any available premium processing options to speed up DOL review.

Important Reminders

• The $750 expedite fee pilot for certain B-1/B-2 appointments (announced earlier) does not apply to H-2B processes.

• USCIS visa petition (Form I-129) filing comes after DOL certification.

• Returning worker exemptions, if authorized by Congress for FY2027, could provide additional flexibility later.

Outlook for H-2B in FY2027

Demand for H-2B visas remains extremely high. Employers are strongly encouraged to plan well in advance and consider alternative strategies such as:

• Earlier filing for later start dates

• Exploring cap-exempt options where available

• Investing in workforce retention and domestic recruitment

For the latest H-2B visa updates, filing strategies, DOL processing times, and complete 2026 H-2B employer guides, visit: visasupdate.com/blog/categories/usa