USCIS Reaches H-2B Visa Cap for FY 2025 β What Employers Need to Know
The H-2B visa cap for the second half of the fiscal year 2025 has been reached, according to an update from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The H-2B program allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers for temporary non-agricultural jobs, such as those in construction, hospitality, and landscaping.
What Does This Mean for Employers?
As the visa cap has been met, new cap-subject petitions for this period will no longer be accepted. Employers looking to hire foreign seasonal workers must consider: β Cap-Exempt H-2B Petitions β Certain workers and employment types are not subject to the annual cap. β Returning Worker Exemption β Congress sometimes authorizes additional visas for returning H-2B workers. β Alternative Visa Options β Employers may explore H-2A, J-1, or EB-3 visas, depending on eligibility. β Future Filing Windows β The next H-2B filing period will open for FY 2026.
Key Deadlines & Next Steps
π Cap Reached: March 2025 (for second half of FY 2025) π Next Filing Window: Expected in late 2025 for FY 2026 petitions π Processing Time: Varies; premium processing available for faster adjudication
How to Stay Compliant & Plan Ahead
Employers must ensure proper documentation, meet prevailing wage requirements, and stay updated on USCIS processing changes to avoid delays. Exploring alternative visa categories can help businesses meet workforce demands.
π Read the full update and explore visa options
