DHS Announces 64,716 New H-2B Visas for FY 2026 to Help Seasonal Businesses

On January 30, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in conjunction with the Department of Labor (DOL), announced the release of up to 64,716 additional H-2B nonimmigrant visas for Fiscal Year 2026. This is welcome immigration news for 2026 for seasonal businesses across the U.S., such as those in landscaping, hospitality, and seafood processing, that rely on temporary foreign workers. The supplemental visas are intended for U.S. businesses that can attest they are suffering or will suffer impending irreparable harm without these workers. A significant portion of the new visas, 46,226, are reserved for returning workers who have held an H-2B visa in one of the last three fiscal years. The remaining 18,490 visas are for any eligible H-2B worker and are designated for late-season needs with employment start dates between May 1 and September 30, 2026. The visas will be distributed in three separate allocations to accommodate different start dates throughout the fiscal year. The first allocation is available immediately for employers with start dates between January 1 and March 31, 2026.