United States: Quota for First of Three Supplemental H-2B Visa Allocations Is Reached for FY 2026
February 18, 2026
USCIS has received enough petitions to reach the 18,490 cap for first allocation of supplemental H-2B visas for returning workers with employment start dates from January 1 to March 31, 2026, according to an agency announcement. February 6 was the final receipt date for petitions requesting a supplemental H-2B visa number under this allocation.
Because more petitions were filed than needed to meet the first allocation of visas for returning H-2B workers, USCIS used a computerized lottery to select the winning petitions received between February 2 through February 6, 2026, the first five days of the filing period.
The additional visas are the result of DHS and DOL exercising their authority to issue up to 64,716 H-2B visas for a fiscal year to supplement the 66,000 H-2B visas available by statute. A second allocation of 27,736 H-2B visas will be available for returning H-2B workers with a start date of between April 1 and April 30, 2026. A third allocation of 18,490 visas will be available for workers, regardless of whether they are returning workers, with employment start dates between May 1 and September 30, 2026.
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
Video
Partner Rick Lamanna, Senior Associate Jake Paul Minster and Senior Manager Sergio Flores discuss Canada’s entry requirements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including visa-required and visa-exempt nationals, visitor entry rules and key planning considerations for fans, teams, media and volunteers.
Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner discusses the DOL’s proposed H-1B wage rule and its potential to add significant unplanned costs for US employers.
Media mentions
Video
Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler highlights key pathways to German citizenship, including descent-based eligibility and standard naturalization requirements and outlines important considerations for individuals exploring their options.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Louise Senior outlines key compliance considerations for UK hospitality sponsors as regulatory expectations continue to evolve.
Media mentions
Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler said proposed H-1B and PERM wage increases could raise hiring costs and apply only to new and pending applications.
Work authorization
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit explores the latest UK immigration fee increases and their wider implications for migration trends, labour supply and workforce planning.
Video
Partner Karine Wenger outlines US visa considerations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including the FIFA Pass priority scheduling system and the importance of early planning.
Media mentions
Video
Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler highlights key considerations for managing outbound assignments from Germany, including planning, visa requirements and coordinated global support.
Video
Partner Jack Kim discusses one of many immigration pathways for staying in Canada post-graduation, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
Blog post
Senior Client Services Manager Caroline Kanzara-Obinwa explores how global talent shortages and workforce mobility are shaping the future of critical minerals and the energy transition.
Video
Partner Rick Lamanna, Senior Associate Jake Paul Minster and Senior Manager Sergio Flores discuss Canada’s entry requirements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including visa-required and visa-exempt nationals, visitor entry rules and key planning considerations for fans, teams, media and volunteers.
Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner discusses the DOL’s proposed H-1B wage rule and its potential to add significant unplanned costs for US employers.
Media mentions
Video
Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler highlights key pathways to German citizenship, including descent-based eligibility and standard naturalization requirements and outlines important considerations for individuals exploring their options.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Louise Senior outlines key compliance considerations for UK hospitality sponsors as regulatory expectations continue to evolve.
Media mentions
Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler said proposed H-1B and PERM wage increases could raise hiring costs and apply only to new and pending applications.
Work authorization
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit explores the latest UK immigration fee increases and their wider implications for migration trends, labour supply and workforce planning.
Video
Partner Karine Wenger outlines US visa considerations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including the FIFA Pass priority scheduling system and the importance of early planning.
Media mentions
Video
Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler highlights key considerations for managing outbound assignments from Germany, including planning, visa requirements and coordinated global support.
Video
Partner Jack Kim discusses one of many immigration pathways for staying in Canada post-graduation, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
Blog post
Senior Client Services Manager Caroline Kanzara-Obinwa explores how global talent shortages and workforce mobility are shaping the future of critical minerals and the energy transition.