{"id":1294,"date":"2026-04-18T00:09:09","date_gmt":"2026-04-18T00:09:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/?p=1294"},"modified":"2026-04-18T00:09:09","modified_gmt":"2026-04-18T00:09:09","slug":"h2b-visa-seasonal-worker-2026-requirements-cap","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/fr\/h2b-visa-seasonal-worker-2026-requirements-cap\/","title":{"rendered":"H-2B Visa 2026: Seasonal Non-Agricultural Worker Visa Requirements and Cap"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Browse Content<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/fr\/h2b-visa-seasonal-worker-2026-requirements-cap\/#H-2B_Visa_2026_Seasonal_Non-Agricultural_Worker_Visa_Requirements_and_Cap\" >H-2B Visa 2026: Seasonal Non-Agricultural Worker Visa Requirements and Cap<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/fr\/h2b-visa-seasonal-worker-2026-requirements-cap\/#What_Is_the_H-2B_Visa_and_Who_Can_Use_It\" >What Is the H-2B Visa and Who Can Use It?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/fr\/h2b-visa-seasonal-worker-2026-requirements-cap\/#H-2B_Cap_66000_FY2026_Supplemental_Visas\" >H-2B Cap: 66,000 + FY2026 Supplemental Visas<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/fr\/h2b-visa-seasonal-worker-2026-requirements-cap\/#The_H-2B_Employer_Process_DOL_Certification_to_USCIS_Approval\" >The H-2B Employer Process: DOL Certification to USCIS Approval<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/fr\/h2b-visa-seasonal-worker-2026-requirements-cap\/#Step_1_Prevailing_Wage_Determination\" >Step 1: Prevailing Wage Determination<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/fr\/h2b-visa-seasonal-worker-2026-requirements-cap\/#Step_2_Temporary_Labor_Certification_DOL\" >Step 2: Temporary Labor Certification (DOL)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/fr\/h2b-visa-seasonal-worker-2026-requirements-cap\/#Step_3_USCIS_Filing_Form_I-129\" >Step 3: USCIS Filing (Form I-129)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/fr\/h2b-visa-seasonal-worker-2026-requirements-cap\/#Step_4_Consular_Visa_Application\" >Step 4: Consular Visa Application<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/fr\/h2b-visa-seasonal-worker-2026-requirements-cap\/#Step_5_Entry_and_Employment\" >Step 5: Entry and Employment<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/fr\/h2b-visa-seasonal-worker-2026-requirements-cap\/#H-2B_Duration_Extensions_and_the_3-Year_Maximum\" >H-2B Duration, Extensions, and the 3-Year Maximum<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/fr\/h2b-visa-seasonal-worker-2026-requirements-cap\/#Worker_Protections_and_Employer_Obligations\" >Worker Protections and Employer Obligations<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/fr\/h2b-visa-seasonal-worker-2026-requirements-cap\/#H-2B_vs_H-2A_Key_Differences\" >H-2B vs. H-2A: Key Differences<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/fr\/h2b-visa-seasonal-worker-2026-requirements-cap\/#H-2B_Visa_FAQ\" >H-2B Visa FAQ<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/fr\/h2b-visa-seasonal-worker-2026-requirements-cap\/#What_is_the_H-2B_visa_cap_for_2026\" >What is the H-2B visa cap for 2026?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/fr\/h2b-visa-seasonal-worker-2026-requirements-cap\/#What_industries_use_the_H-2B_visa\" >What industries use the H-2B visa?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/fr\/h2b-visa-seasonal-worker-2026-requirements-cap\/#How_long_can_an_H-2B_worker_stay_in_the_US\" >How long can an H-2B worker stay in the US?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/fr\/h2b-visa-seasonal-worker-2026-requirements-cap\/#Does_the_H-2B_worker_need_to_prove_nonimmigrant_intent\" >Does the H-2B worker need to prove nonimmigrant intent?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/fr\/h2b-visa-seasonal-worker-2026-requirements-cap\/#What_is_the_returning_worker_preference_for_H-2B\" >What is the returning worker preference for H-2B?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/fr\/h2b-visa-seasonal-worker-2026-requirements-cap\/#Need_Help_With_H-2B_Sponsorship\" >Need Help With H-2B Sponsorship?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@graph\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Article\",\n      \"headline\": \"H-2B Visa 2026: Seasonal Non-Agricultural Worker Visa Requirements and Cap\",\n      \"description\": \"The H-2B cap is 66,000 per year plus 64,716 supplemental visas for FY2026. Employers need DOL temporary labor certification before filing. Full 2026 guide.\",\n      \"datePublished\": \"2026-04-17\",\n      \"dateModified\": \"2026-04-17\",\n      \"author\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"name\": \"Atlas Legal Immigration Law\"},\n      \"publisher\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"name\": \"Atlas Legal Immigration Law\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.theatlaslegal.com\"},\n      \"mainEntityOfPage\": \"https:\/\/www.theatlaslegal.com\/h2b-visa-seasonal-worker-2026-requirements-cap\/\"\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n      \"mainEntity\": [\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"What is the H-2B visa cap for 2026?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"The statutory H-2B cap is 66,000 visas per fiscal year \u2014 33,000 in the first half (October\u2013March) and 33,000 in the second half (April\u2013September). For FY2026, DHS released an additional 64,716 supplemental H-2B visas: 20,716 for returning workers from specific countries and 44,000 for all eligible workers regardless of country. Total FY2026 H-2B availability: approximately 130,716 workers.\"}\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"What industries use the H-2B visa?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"The H-2B visa covers non-agricultural seasonal work across many industries including landscaping and lawn care, hotel and hospitality, amusement parks and resorts, seafood processing, construction, ski resorts, housekeeping, and food service. The work must be temporary in nature \u2014 tied to a season, a peak load, an intermittent need, or a one-time occurrence. Agricultural work uses the separate H-2A visa program.\"}\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"How long can an H-2B worker stay in the US?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"H-2B status is granted for the period of the employer's temporary need, typically up to 1 year. It can be extended in 1-year increments up to a maximum of 3 years. After reaching 3 years in H-2B status, the worker must depart the US and remain outside for at least 3 months before any new H-2B petition can be filed. Spouses and minor children may accompany the H-2B worker on H-4 status but may not work.\"}\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Does the H-2B worker need to prove nonimmigrant intent?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Yes. H-2B is a nonimmigrant visa, and applicants must demonstrate they have a residence in their home country that they intend to return to upon completion of their H-2B work. Consular officers assess ties to the home country including family, property, employment history, and other connections. A prior US visa overstay or immigration violation significantly harms H-2B approval odds.\"}\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"What is the returning worker preference for H-2B?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"For FY2026, DHS reserved 20,716 supplemental H-2B visas for returning workers \u2014 those who held H-2B status at any point in the prior 3 fiscal years (FY2023, FY2024, or FY2025). This returning worker preference is not country-specific and acknowledges the efficiency and reduced screening burden for workers with proven US compliance records. Employers with returning workers should file petitions designating this status.\"}\n        }\n      ]\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"HowTo\",\n      \"name\": \"How to Obtain an H-2B Visa: Employer Process\",\n      \"step\": [\n        {\"@type\": \"HowToStep\", \"name\": \"Obtain a prevailing wage determination\", \"text\": \"Employers must request a prevailing wage determination from the Department of Labor's National Prevailing Wage Center (NPWC) for the specific job and location. H-2B workers must be paid at least the prevailing wage \u2014 underpaying H-2B workers is a serious violation with civil and criminal penalties.\"},\n        {\"@type\": \"HowToStep\", \"name\": \"File for temporary labor certification with DOL\", \"text\": \"Submit an Application for Temporary Employment Certification (Form ETA-9142B) to the Chicago National Processing Center of the Department of Labor. This must be filed no earlier than 90 days and no later than 75 days before the date of need. The job must be posted and recruitment of US workers must be documented.\"},\n        {\"@type\": \"HowToStep\", \"name\": \"File Form I-129 with USCIS\", \"text\": \"After receiving a certified ETA-9142B from DOL, file Form I-129 (Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker) with USCIS with the H-2B supplement. Include the DOL certification and required supporting documents. Premium processing is available for $2,805 (15 business days).\"},\n        {\"@type\": \"HowToStep\", \"name\": \"Workers apply for visas at US consulate\", \"text\": \"After USCIS approves the I-129, workers in visa-required countries apply for H-2B visas at the nearest US embassy or consulate. Workers apply on Form DS-160 and attend a visa interview.\"},\n        {\"@type\": \"HowToStep\", \"name\": \"Workers enter the US and begin employment\", \"text\": \"H-2B workers may enter the US up to 10 days before the employment start date. The employer must notify USCIS if the worker fails to appear for work within 5 business days of the employment start date.\"}\n      ]\n    }\n  ]\n}\n<\/script><\/p>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"H-2B_Visa_2026_Seasonal_Non-Agricultural_Worker_Visa_Requirements_and_Cap\"><\/span>H-2B Visa 2026: Seasonal Non-Agricultural Worker Visa Requirements and Cap<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<blockquote><p>\n<strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>H-2B statutory cap: <strong>66,000 per fiscal year<\/strong> (33,000 first half, 33,000 second half)<\/li>\n<li>FY2026 supplemental: <strong>64,716 additional visas<\/strong> \u2014 20,716 returning workers + 44,000 unrestricted<\/li>\n<li>Employers must obtain <strong>DOL temporary labor certification<\/strong> before filing with USCIS<\/li>\n<li>File DOL application no earlier than <strong>90 days<\/strong> and no later than <strong>75 days<\/strong> before the date of need<\/li>\n<li>Maximum stay: <strong>3 years<\/strong>, then must depart for 3+ months before a new petition<\/li>\n<li>Premium processing available: <strong>$2,805<\/strong> for 15-business-day USCIS adjudication<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>The H-2B temporary nonimmigrant worker visa program allows US employers with seasonal, peak-load, intermittent, or one-time labor needs to hire foreign workers for non-agricultural positions when there are insufficient available US workers. Industries from landscaping to hospitality to seafood processing depend on the H-2B program to staff up for seasonal demand. The statutory cap of 66,000 per fiscal year consistently exhausts early in the season, making the FY2026 supplemental allocation of 64,716 additional visas critical for employers who missed the initial cap. This guide covers the 2026 H-2B process from DOL certification through visa issuance.<\/p>\n<figure>\n<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.pexels.com\/photos\/1595104\/pexels-photo-1595104.jpeg?auto=compress&#038;cs=tinysrgb&#038;w=1200&#038;h=630&#038;fit=crop\" alt=\"Seasonal workers in landscaping reviewing H-2B work visa and employment documents\" width=\"1200\" height=\"630\" loading=\"eager\" \/><figcaption>The H-2B program brings approximately 130,000+ seasonal workers to the US in FY2026 across hospitality, landscaping, seafood, and construction industries.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_the_H-2B_Visa_and_Who_Can_Use_It\"><\/span>What Is the H-2B Visa and Who Can Use It?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The H-2B visa is a temporary nonimmigrant work visa for workers in non-agricultural industries that have a seasonal, peak-load, intermittent, or one-time need for additional labor. The employer \u2014 not the worker \u2014 drives the H-2B process. The employer must prove that not enough US workers are willing and available to fill the positions, and that hiring H-2B workers will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed US workers.<\/p>\n<p>Industries that commonly use H-2B workers include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Landscaping and lawn care<\/strong> (the single largest H-2B employer industry)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Hotels and resorts<\/strong> (housekeeping, grounds maintenance, food service)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Amusement parks and ski resorts<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Seafood and fish processing<\/strong> (particularly in Alaska, Gulf Coast)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Construction<\/strong> (for defined project-based or seasonal needs)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Golf courses<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Carnivals and traveling fairs<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Moving companies<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The H-2A visa covers agricultural workers specifically \u2014 if your need is farm labor or other agricultural operations, H-2A is the applicable program. H-2B is strictly for non-agricultural work. Unlike the H-1B which covers specialty occupation professionals, H-2B covers workers in roles that typically do not require a college degree.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"H-2B_Cap_66000_FY2026_Supplemental_Visas\"><\/span>H-2B Cap: 66,000 + FY2026 Supplemental Visas<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Congress set the H-2B statutory cap at 66,000 visas per fiscal year, split equally: 33,000 for the first half (October 1\u2013March 31) and 33,000 for the second half (April 1\u2013September 30). The cap has been reached in the first half virtually every year since 2017, creating bottlenecks for spring-season employers.<\/p>\n<p>For FY2026, DHS exercised its statutory authority to release supplemental H-2B visas beyond the 66,000 cap. The FY2026 supplemental allocation totals 64,716 additional visas, structured as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>20,716 visas for returning workers:<\/strong> Available to nationals of any country who held H-2B status during FY2023, FY2024, or FY2025. This reflects the policy preference for workers with proven US compliance records.<\/li>\n<li><strong>44,000 visas for all eligible workers:<\/strong> Available to nationals of countries that are on the DHS list of eligible H-2B sending countries, regardless of prior H-2B history.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Supplemental visas are released in batches \u2014 employers should monitor <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/working-in-the-united-states\/temporary-workers\/h-2b-temporary-non-agricultural-workers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">USCIS H-2B announcements<\/a> and file promptly when registration opens. The cap fills quickly.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_H-2B_Employer_Process_DOL_Certification_to_USCIS_Approval\"><\/span>The H-2B Employer Process: DOL Certification to USCIS Approval<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>H-2B is an employer-sponsored visa with a multi-agency process. Employers who skip steps or file out of order face denial and delays that can leave them short-staffed at peak season. The process has five major stages.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_1_Prevailing_Wage_Determination\"><\/span>Step 1: Prevailing Wage Determination<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Before filing anything, the employer must obtain a prevailing wage determination from the Department of Labor&#8217;s National Prevailing Wage Center. This establishes the minimum hourly wage the employer must pay H-2B workers in the specific occupation and geographic area. The employer can submit the prevailing wage request via iCert (<a href=\"https:\/\/icert.doleta.gov\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">icert.doleta.gov<\/a>). Processing takes approximately 30-60 days \u2014 factor this into your timeline when planning the filing window.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_2_Temporary_Labor_Certification_DOL\"><\/span>Step 2: Temporary Labor Certification (DOL)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The employer must file an Application for Temporary Employment Certification (Form ETA-9142B) with the DOL&#8217;s Chicago National Processing Center. This application must be filed <strong>no earlier than 90 days and no later than 75 days before the date of need<\/strong>. Timing is strict \u2014 early or late filings are rejected. The DOL application requires:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Detailed job description with specific duties, hours, and wages<\/li>\n<li>Proof of recruitment: job postings in a newspaper of general circulation, state workforce agency postings, and the employer&#8217;s own website<\/li>\n<li>Documentation that no qualified US workers applied or that those who applied were referred and considered<\/li>\n<li>The prevailing wage determination<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>DOL reviews the application and issues either a certification or denial. Certified applications are valid for 120 days. Employers can request reconsideration of denials but this can take additional months. The Department of Labor has detailed H-2B compliance requirements \u2014 see <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dol.gov\/agencies\/whd\/h-2b\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">DOL H-2B Compliance<\/a> for current regulations.<\/p>\n<figure>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.pexels.com\/photos\/1181472\/pexels-photo-1181472.jpeg?auto=compress&#038;cs=tinysrgb&#038;w=800&#038;h=500&#038;fit=crop\" alt=\"Employer reviewing H-2B visa application documents and DOL labor certification requirements\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><figcaption>Employers must document genuine efforts to recruit US workers before DOL will certify an H-2B temporary labor certification.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_3_USCIS_Filing_Form_I-129\"><\/span>Step 3: USCIS Filing (Form I-129)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>With the certified ETA-9142B in hand, the employer files Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker) with USCIS, along with the H-2B supplement and supporting documentation. The I-129 must be filed within the cap availability window. Premium processing is available for $2,805 \u2014 USCIS will process the petition within 15 business days. For seasonal employers where timing is critical, premium processing is often essential.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_4_Consular_Visa_Application\"><\/span>Step 4: Consular Visa Application<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>After USCIS approves the I-129, workers in visa-required countries (most countries) apply for H-2B visas at US embassies or consulates. Workers complete Form DS-160, pay the $185 MRV fee, and attend a visa interview. H-2B workers in certain countries \u2014 including Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and others on the DHS designated country list \u2014 are eligible for the H-2B program. Workers must demonstrate nonimmigrant intent: a residence and ties in their home country to which they intend to return.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_5_Entry_and_Employment\"><\/span>Step 5: Entry and Employment<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>H-2B workers may enter the US up to 10 days before the employment start date. At the port of entry, CBP officers confirm the visa and employment details. If a worker does not report for work within 5 days of the start date, the employer must notify USCIS via the employer notification portal.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"H-2B_Duration_Extensions_and_the_3-Year_Maximum\"><\/span>H-2B Duration, Extensions, and the 3-Year Maximum<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Initial H-2B status is granted for the period of petitioned need, typically up to 1 year. Extensions of status can be granted in 1-year increments. The total maximum period in H-2B status is 3 years \u2014 after which the worker must depart the US and remain outside for at least 3 consecutive months before any new H-2B petition can be filed on their behalf.<\/p>\n<p>Workers who reach the 3-year cap are not eligible for H-2B status again until after the 3-month departure. Some employers manage this by rotating their H-2B workforce. The returning worker preference in supplemental allocations benefits workers who return after meeting the 3-month requirement.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Worker_Protections_and_Employer_Obligations\"><\/span>Worker Protections and Employer Obligations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>H-2B workers have legal protections under federal law. Employers who violate these protections face civil penalties, debarment from future H-2B filings, and criminal prosecution. Key employer obligations include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Pay at least the prevailing wage<\/strong> listed in the DOL certification for all H-2B workers in that occupation and location<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pay return transportation:<\/strong> The employer must pay for the worker&#8217;s return transportation home if the worker completes the H-2B period or is terminated before the end of the period through no fault of their own<\/li>\n<li><strong>Provide housing<\/strong> if the employer has advertised housing in the recruitment process<\/li>\n<li><strong>Reimburse visa, border crossing, and recruitment costs<\/strong> that reduce the worker&#8217;s net pay below the prevailing wage in the first workweek<\/li>\n<li><strong>Maintain records<\/strong> of hours worked, wages paid, and deductions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Workers who believe their rights have been violated can file complaints with the Department of Labor&#8217;s Wage and Hour Division at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dol.gov\/agencies\/whd\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">dol.gov\/agencies\/whd<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.pexels.com\/photos\/1031641\/pexels-photo-1031641.jpeg?auto=compress&#038;cs=tinysrgb&#038;w=800&#038;h=500&#038;fit=crop\" alt=\"H-2B seasonal workers arriving at US port of entry with temporary work visas\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><figcaption>H-2B workers may enter the US up to 10 days before their employment start date \u2014 CBP confirms visa validity and the petitioning employer.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"H-2B_vs_H-2A_Key_Differences\"><\/span>H-2B vs. H-2A: Key Differences<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Employers sometimes confuse H-2B and H-2A. Both are temporary worker programs, but they serve different industries with different rules:<\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Feature<\/th>\n<th>H-2B (Non-Agricultural)<\/th>\n<th>H-2A (Agricultural)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Industry<\/td>\n<td>Landscaping, hospitality, seafood, construction<\/td>\n<td>Farming, ranching, forestry, fish farms<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Annual cap<\/td>\n<td>66,000 (+ supplemental)<\/td>\n<td>No cap<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Employer housing obligation<\/td>\n<td>Only if advertised in recruitment<\/td>\n<td>Always required \u2014 must provide free housing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Transportation<\/td>\n<td>Return transportation required<\/td>\n<td>Inbound and return transportation required<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Prevailing wage<\/td>\n<td>DOL prevailing wage<\/td>\n<td>Adverse Effect Wage Rate (higher standard)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Family members<\/td>\n<td>H-4, cannot work<\/td>\n<td>H-4, cannot work<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>If your business involves any agricultural activity, confirm with an immigration attorney whether H-2A or H-2B applies to your specific situation.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"H-2B_Visa_FAQ\"><\/span>H-2B Visa FAQ<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_H-2B_visa_cap_for_2026\"><\/span>What is the H-2B visa cap for 2026?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The statutory H-2B cap is 66,000 per fiscal year \u2014 33,000 in the first half and 33,000 in the second half. For FY2026, DHS released an additional 64,716 supplemental visas (20,716 returning workers + 44,000 unrestricted), bringing total FY2026 H-2B availability to approximately 130,716.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_industries_use_the_H-2B_visa\"><\/span>What industries use the H-2B visa?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The H-2B visa covers non-agricultural seasonal work including landscaping, hotels and resorts, seafood processing, amusement parks, ski resorts, housekeeping, golf courses, and seasonal construction. The work must be temporary in nature \u2014 tied to a season, a peak load, or a one-time occurrence. Agricultural work uses the H-2A visa program.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_can_an_H-2B_worker_stay_in_the_US\"><\/span>How long can an H-2B worker stay in the US?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Up to 3 years total in H-2B status (in 1-year increments). After reaching 3 years, the worker must depart and remain outside the US for at least 3 consecutive months before a new H-2B petition can be filed. Spouses and children may accompany on H-4 status but cannot work.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_the_H-2B_worker_need_to_prove_nonimmigrant_intent\"><\/span>Does the H-2B worker need to prove nonimmigrant intent?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes. H-2B applicants must demonstrate a foreign residence they intend to return to after completing US employment. Consular officers assess home-country ties including family, property, employment history, and community connections. Prior US overstays significantly harm H-2B approval odds.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_returning_worker_preference_for_H-2B\"><\/span>What is the returning worker preference for H-2B?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>For FY2026, DHS reserved 20,716 supplemental H-2B visas for workers who held H-2B status at any point in FY2023, FY2024, or FY2025. These returning workers are preferred because they have demonstrated compliance with prior H-2B terms and require less vetting than first-time applicants.<\/p>\n<div style=\"background:#f0f7ff;border-left:4px solid #1a56db;padding:20px 24px;margin:32px 0;border-radius:4px;\">\n<h3 style=\"margin-top:0;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Need_Help_With_H-2B_Sponsorship\"><\/span>Need Help With H-2B Sponsorship?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Atlas Legal assists employers with the full H-2B process \u2014 from prevailing wage requests and DOL certification to USCIS filing and consular coordination. We also advise H-2B workers on status maintenance, extensions, and transitions to other visa categories. Contact us to get started.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"\/contact\/\">Schedule an H-2B consultation with Atlas Legal.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The H-2B statutory cap is 66,000 per fiscal year plus 64,716 supplemental visas for FY2026. Employers need DOL temporary labor certification before filing. Full 2026 guide for employers and workers.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1293,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[210,207,209,211,206,208,212],"class_list":["post-1294","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-employment-visas","tag-dol-labor-certification-h-2b","tag-h-2b-cap-2026","tag-h-2b-requirements","tag-h-2b-supplemental-visas","tag-h-2b-visa-2026","tag-seasonal-worker-visa-usa","tag-temporary-non-agricultural-worker"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1294","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1294"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1294\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1295,"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1294\/revisions\/1295"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1293"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1294"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1294"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1294"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}