USCIS Reaches H-2B Visa Cap for First Half of FY 2027

• USCIS has reached the H-2B visa cap for the first half of FY 2027, making September 4, 2026, the final filing date for new cap-subject petitions requesting employment start dates before April 1, 2027. 

H-2B Visa Cap for First Half of FY 2027 

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that it has received enough petitions to meet the congressionally mandated H-2B cap for the first half of fiscal year (FY) 2027. 

Key Dates 

• September 4, 2026, was the final receipt date for new cap-subject H-2B petitions requesting an employment start date before April 1, 2027. 
• USCIS will reject new cap-subject H-2B petitions received after September 4, 2026, if they request an employment start date before April 1, 2027. 

What This Means for Employers 

Employers seeking to hire foreign nationals under the H-2B program for temporary nonagricultural positions with start dates before April 1, 2027, can no longer file new cap-subject petitions for the first half of FY 2027. 

Organizations with workforce planning needs that rely on H-2B workers should review alternative staffing strategies and monitor USCIS announcements regarding the second half of the fiscal year and any supplemental H-2B visa allocations that may become available. 

Looking Ahead 

The H-2B program remains a critical workforce solution for U.S. employers in industries such as hospitality, landscaping, construction, seafood processing, and tourism. With the first-half cap now reached, employers should closely track future USCIS updates and filing opportunities for the remainder of FY 2027. 

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.