H-2B Visa Update June 2026: DOL Releases Latest Processing Times for Second Half FY2026 Cap and Prevailing Wage Determinations

H-2B visa update June 2026: DOL releases processing times

Washington, D.C., June 6, 2026 — The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has published updated figures on H-2B visa processing for the second half of Fiscal Year 2026 (April 1 – September 30, 2026), providing critical insights for employers planning to hire seasonal foreign workers.

As of June 4, 2026, the DOL reported significant progress in adjudicating H-2B applications, while also highlighting current Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD) processing timelines.

H-2B Visa Cap Processing – Second Half FY2026

• Final Decisions Issued: 9,825 cases

• Certified Positions: Approved for 133,804 workers

This reflects steady processing of temporary non-agricultural worker petitions under the H-2B program, which is heavily used by industries such as landscaping, hospitality, construction, forestry, and seafood processing.

Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD) Processing Times

As of April 30, 2026, the National Prevailing Wage Center is actively processing H-2B PWD requests filed in April 2026 and earlier.

Remaining Requests:

• March 2026: 87 requests still pending

• April 2026: 2,200 requests still pending

The DOL uses two main sources for prevailing wage calculations:

• OEWS (Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics)

• Non-OEWS (collective bargaining agreements, private surveys, etc.)

Important DOL Guidance for Employers

The Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) strongly recommends that employers request a Prevailing Wage Determination at least 60 days before the date it is needed. This buffer helps avoid delays in filing the full H-2B petition.

Note that withdrawn or voided requests are excluded from the totals, which can cause slight fluctuations in previous months’ numbers.

Practical Advice for H-2B Employers in 2026

• File PWD requests as early as possible — ideally 60–90 days in advance.

• Monitor case status regularly through the FLAG system.

• Prepare strong supporting documentation to reduce the risk of delays or Requests for Information (RFIs).

• Stay updated on visa cap usage, as the second half of FY2026 is now well underway.

The H-2B program remains a vital tool for U.S. businesses facing seasonal labor shortages, but careful planning around prevailing wage and adjudication timelines is essential for success.

For the latest H-2B visa updates, prevailing wage determination timelines, cap usage data, and full 2026 guidance for employers, visit: visasupdate.com/blog/categories/usa