U.S. Publishes 2026 Allowable Meal Charges and Updated Travel Subsistence Rates for H‑2A and H‑2B Programs

Key Point  

• The Office of Foreign Labor Certification has released the 2026 allowable meal charges for H‑2A workers and updated the travel subsistence reimbursement rates, including lodging, for both H‑2A and H‑2B programs. 

Allowable Meal Charges and Travel Subsistence  

On April 7, 2026, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) published its annual update to the Allowable Charges for Agricultural Workers’ Meals under the H‑2A program, along with revised travel subsistence reimbursement rates applicable to both H‑2A and H‑2B workers. 

 These updates establish the maximum amounts employers may charge workers for meals and the minimum reimbursement amounts required for travel‑related expenses, including lodging, when workers travel to and from their worksites. 

The updated rates apply to all 2026 H‑2A and H‑2B filings. Employers must use these rates when preparing job orders, recruitment and worker reimbursement policies.

Employer Impact 

• Employers must use the 2026 meal charge rate in all H‑2A job orders and worker agreements.
• Updated travel subsistence and lodging reimbursement rates must be applied for both H‑2A and H‑2B workers.
• Employers should review their reimbursement practices to ensure compliance with the new federal thresholds.

Don’t Miss an Update

At Envoy Global, we combine smart, friendly legal teams with smart, friendly technology to facilitate immigration for companies and the global talent they depend on. Our holistic, proactive immigration services are built for accuracy and efficiency, always putting people first.

Reach out today to learn how we can support your company’s immigration needs.