USCIS hits cap for first returning-worker H-2B visas for FY 2026 (Jan–Mar 2026 starts)

USCIS announced that it has reached the cap for the first allocation of “returning worker” H-2B visas for fiscal year (FY) 2026. This additional group includes 18,490 visas for workers whose H-2B start dates are between Jan. 1 and March 31, 2026.

USCIS says Feb. 6, 2026 was the final receipt date for petitions requesting these supplemental H-2B visas under the first allocation. After that date, USCIS received more petitions than the number of visas available, so not every petition could be approved for this first allocation.

To handle the overflow fairly, USCIS used a computer-generated random selection process for petitions received during the first five business days of filing (Feb. 2 through Feb. 6, 2026). USCIS also notes that it began premium processing services afterward.

For the official notice and the linked FY 2026 supplemental page, see: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/cap-reached-for-first-allocation-of-returning-worker-h-2b-visas-fy-2026