USCIS Reopens FY 2015 H-2B Cap, Creating Another Opportunity for Sponsorship of Temporary Employment This Summer
June 8, 2015

In an unprecedented move, USCIS announced that it has reopened the second half of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 H-2B cap for temporary non-agricultural workers, providing employers with a new – though potentially very limited – opportunity to sponsor workers for positions with start dates through September 30, 2015. This announcement reverses the agency’s prior determination that the annual 66,000 H-2B cap was exhausted on March 26.
Why USCIS is Reopening the FY 2015 H-2B Cap
Though the H-2B cap for each FY is 66,000, USCIS accepts filings in excess of this number to account for petition withdrawals, revocations and denials, as well as cases in which employers ultimately employ fewer H-2B workers than reflected in their petitions.
This year, USCIS closed the cap after it approved 3,900 petitions for about 77,000 beneficiaries. After monitoring actual visa utilization, however, USCIS concluded that the number of H-2B visas issued to date was substantially less than initially projected. Thus, the agency is allowing employers to petition for the unspecified number of H-2B visas that remain for FY 2015.
What This Means for Employers
Employers with an immediate need for temporary non-agricultural employees should file petitions with USCIS immediately, because the remaining FY 2015 visas are likely to be exhausted quickly. Quota numbers for FY 2016 remain available for start dates of October 1, 2015 or later.
© 2015 Fragomen
Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions
Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev highlights how UK immigration must adapt to attract, retain and support the world’s top talent.

Media mentions
Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Amanda Ong highlight rising UK construction sponsor licence risks and how businesses can stay compliant.

Awards
Partner Abeer Al Husseini is recognised on the shortlist for "Women Leader of the Year" at the Gulf Business Awards 2025.

Media mentions
Co-Chair Enrique Gonzalez highlights approaches for companies navigating changes to the H-1B visa process.

Video
Learn how international graduates can stay in France for one year to find work or start a business. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps and transition options for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit.

Awards
Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp is a finalist for the 2025 National Law Journal Awards category, "DC Managing Partner of the Year."

Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper highlights that new $100K H-1B fees could affect US employers, with possible exemptions for critical roles.

Media mentions
Partner Louise Senior highlights the impact of record-breaking UK sponsor licence revocations and the steps hospitality businesses can take to manage compliance.

Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper explores the impact of H-1B visa changes on companies and their talent strategies.

Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper explains that while new H-1B fees affect future petitions, US opportunities for international talent remain highly valued.

Media mentions
Fragomen explores in an article how international recruitment can help solve Germany’s public sector staffing crisis and support the future of essential services.

Blog post
Assistant Manager Charo Medida explains the work permit requirements for employers and professionals under the UAE Golden Visa programme.

Media mentions
Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev highlights how UK immigration must adapt to attract, retain and support the world’s top talent.

Media mentions
Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Amanda Ong highlight rising UK construction sponsor licence risks and how businesses can stay compliant.

Awards
Partner Abeer Al Husseini is recognised on the shortlist for "Women Leader of the Year" at the Gulf Business Awards 2025.

Media mentions
Co-Chair Enrique Gonzalez highlights approaches for companies navigating changes to the H-1B visa process.

Video
Learn how international graduates can stay in France for one year to find work or start a business. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps and transition options for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit.

Awards
Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp is a finalist for the 2025 National Law Journal Awards category, "DC Managing Partner of the Year."

Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper highlights that new $100K H-1B fees could affect US employers, with possible exemptions for critical roles.

Media mentions
Partner Louise Senior highlights the impact of record-breaking UK sponsor licence revocations and the steps hospitality businesses can take to manage compliance.

Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper explores the impact of H-1B visa changes on companies and their talent strategies.

Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper explains that while new H-1B fees affect future petitions, US opportunities for international talent remain highly valued.

Media mentions
Fragomen explores in an article how international recruitment can help solve Germany’s public sector staffing crisis and support the future of essential services.

Blog post
Assistant Manager Charo Medida explains the work permit requirements for employers and professionals under the UAE Golden Visa programme.