USCIS Reaches Cap for H-2B Visas for the Second Half of Fiscal Year 2025

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that it has reached the cap for H-2B visas available for the second half of fiscal year 2025. As of March 5, 2025, USCIS will no longer accept new petitions subject to the statutory cap with employment start dates between April 1 and October 1, 2025.

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H-2B Visa Cap Reached

H-2B visas are designated for temporary non-agricultural workers and are subject to an annual cap set by Congress. For the second half of FY 2025, USCIS has received enough petitions to meet the regulatory limit. As a result, all new H-2B petitions received after March 5, 2025, requesting employment start dates within the specified period, will be rejected.

Supplemental Visas Available

Despite the H-2B cap being reached, USCIS has published filing dates for supplemental H-2B visas. These additional visas are made available under the temporary increase program authorized by the government. Employers interested in these supplemental visas should consult the relevant chart on the USCIS website for details on the number of additional visas and the deadlines for filing petitions.

Importance of Planning for Employers

Given the continued high demand for H-2B visas, it is essential for employers to plan ahead and stay informed about the dates and requirements set by USCIS. The availability of supplemental visas represents an opportunity for those still looking to hire temporary workers, so it is recommended to regularly check official updates and prepare documentation in advance.

To learn more about H-2B visas and application timelines, employers are encouraged to visit the official USCIS website and consult real-time updates.

From: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-reaches-h-2b-cap-for-second-half-of-fy-2025-and-filing-dates-now-available-for-supplemental 

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