At a glance
- The quota of 15,000 for the FY 2018 supplemental cap was exceeded in the first five business days of the designated filing period.
- In the coming days, USCIS will conduct a computerized lottery to choose enough H-2B petitions to result in 15,000 approvals.
A closer look
USCIS has announced that the limit has been met for the one-time increase of 15,000 H-2B visas in fiscal year (FY) 2018 above the 66,000 annual cap. The agency should continue to accept cap filings through today but will reject any cap-subject cases received June 7 or later.
Since May 31, 2018, employers have submitted more than enough petitions to meet the quota of 15,000 additional H-2B cap numbers allowed by a temporary final rule increasing the H-2B cap through FY 2018. The numbers were made available to employers who could demonstrate that their business would be at risk of failing without additional temporary non-agricultural workers, among other requirements.
In the coming days, USCIS will run a lottery of all H-2B cap-subject petitions which the agency received between May 31, 2018 and June 6, 2018.
Employers whose petitions are selected for processing should begin to receive filing receipts within weeks after the lotteries are run. USCIS will begin premium processing for H-2B cap cases once receipting is complete.
Cases not selected in the lottery will be returned to petitioners with their filing fees, but the timing of returns is not yet known.
Further cap-subject filings will not be permitted until cap numbers for FY 2019 become available. The agency will continue to accept petitions that are not subject to the cap, including extensions, changes of employer, and amendments.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
Explore more at Fragomen
Media mentions
Manager Simon Magava and Immigration Consultant Inderjit Kaur examine sponsor licence revocations in the UK social care sector and their impact on workforce stability.
Blog post
Director Raj Mann explores how demographic change, artificial intelligence and global trade shifts are reshaping labour markets, workforce strategy and immigration policy in 2026.
Blog post
Immigration Supervisor Michael Salas Guzman explains the key eligibility requirements, documentation considerations and benefits of Costa Rica’s Pensionado residency program for retirees receiving lifetime pension income from abroad.
Media mentions
Senior Manager William Diaz outlines how US authorities evaluate prior criminal records under ESTA and what UK travellers need to know when completing their applications.
Awards
Canada Managing Partner Cosmina Morariu has received the France Canada Chamber of Commerce in Ontario (FCCCO) Women in Leadership Award, recognizing her leadership and contributions to the business and legal communities.
Media mentions
Managing Director Diogo Kloper highlights how Brazil’s new electronic visa for Chinese citizens reduces bureaucracy, lowers costs and streamlines business and tourism travel.
Blog post
Partner, Global Responsible Business Practices, Lisa Koenig, Lead Analyst Dominic Dietrich, Senior Associate Sarah Blackmore and Senior Associate Sonya Berenfeld Cole examine why climate disruptions are reshaping mobility strategy as economic loss, workforce displacement and travel risks require organizations to reassess workforce planning and operational resilience.
Media mentions
Associate Ilaria Iovieno and Immigration Consultant Sean Pearce explain how the UK’s higher English language requirement for work visas affects construction employers.
Visas
Senior Business Immigration Manager Vicente Duque outlines key immigration considerations for international visitors traveling to Mexico for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including visa eligibility, entry documentation and travel between host countries.
Video
Explore EU visa options for non-EU nationals, including Schengen, long-stay and work visas like the EU Blue Card. Find the right visa for your needs.
Media mentions
Director Gemma Hyslop examines how collaboration across the global mobility sector can help strengthen legal pathways and support for migrant women experiencing abuse.
Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini discussed immigration and duty-of-care challenges for employers amid Middle East travel disruptions.
Media mentions
Manager Simon Magava and Immigration Consultant Inderjit Kaur examine sponsor licence revocations in the UK social care sector and their impact on workforce stability.
Blog post
Director Raj Mann explores how demographic change, artificial intelligence and global trade shifts are reshaping labour markets, workforce strategy and immigration policy in 2026.
Blog post
Immigration Supervisor Michael Salas Guzman explains the key eligibility requirements, documentation considerations and benefits of Costa Rica’s Pensionado residency program for retirees receiving lifetime pension income from abroad.
Media mentions
Senior Manager William Diaz outlines how US authorities evaluate prior criminal records under ESTA and what UK travellers need to know when completing their applications.
Awards
Canada Managing Partner Cosmina Morariu has received the France Canada Chamber of Commerce in Ontario (FCCCO) Women in Leadership Award, recognizing her leadership and contributions to the business and legal communities.
Media mentions
Managing Director Diogo Kloper highlights how Brazil’s new electronic visa for Chinese citizens reduces bureaucracy, lowers costs and streamlines business and tourism travel.
Blog post
Partner, Global Responsible Business Practices, Lisa Koenig, Lead Analyst Dominic Dietrich, Senior Associate Sarah Blackmore and Senior Associate Sonya Berenfeld Cole examine why climate disruptions are reshaping mobility strategy as economic loss, workforce displacement and travel risks require organizations to reassess workforce planning and operational resilience.
Media mentions
Associate Ilaria Iovieno and Immigration Consultant Sean Pearce explain how the UK’s higher English language requirement for work visas affects construction employers.
Visas
Senior Business Immigration Manager Vicente Duque outlines key immigration considerations for international visitors traveling to Mexico for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including visa eligibility, entry documentation and travel between host countries.
Video
Explore EU visa options for non-EU nationals, including Schengen, long-stay and work visas like the EU Blue Card. Find the right visa for your needs.
Media mentions
Director Gemma Hyslop examines how collaboration across the global mobility sector can help strengthen legal pathways and support for migrant women experiencing abuse.
Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini discussed immigration and duty-of-care challenges for employers amid Middle East travel disruptions.