What is the number of supplemental H-2B visas in 2026?

The government has approved 64,716 more visas to the standard 66,000 annual limit as a way of solving staffing issues.

Is it possible to request a seasonal work permit myself?

No. You need a valid employment invitation by an employer in the United States who will be your sponsor and submit the petition to the employer on your behalf.

What is the Returning Worker rule?

In several cases of additional visa slots, the priority is provided to persons with a previous H-2B visa over the past three fiscal years (2023, 2024, or 2025).

Seasonal Work Permits in USA 2026: Process and Opportunities

Would you like to find a temporary employment in America this year? The World Cup 2026 infrastructure project and an additional 64,716 supplemental H-2B visa program, just announced, make 2026 the official Year of Opportunity of seasonal workers.

The Permits are the main types of visas

In order to legally be employed in the U.S. seasonally, you need to qualify under one of the following non-immigrant categories:

H-2A Visa: This is set aside to Temporary Agricultural Workers. This involves farming, planting and harvesting positions. It is open ended, and that is, it does not have an annual cap on the number of individuals allowed to attend.
H-2B Visa: This is designed to cover Non Agricultural Temporary Workers. Typical industries are hospitality, construction, and landscaping.
J-1 Visa: The program referred to as the Summer Work Travel was intended to enable full time university students get to experience the U.S. culture by working.
H-4 Visa: This is a dependent visa of spouses or children of H-visa holders. Although it permits residence, it usually does not permit work authorization.
Cap-Exempt Petitions: There are positions (such as fish roe processors) or places (such as Guam) which are not taken into account in the annual visa limit, providing an entry point to applicants when the usual cap is reached.

The Application and Legal Process of 2026

The journey to U.S work permit is one that encompasses various federal agencies. In 2026, the Form I-907 Premium Processing fee is raised to 1780 dollars (effective on 1st March) and then the budgeting becomes very crucial.

Step-by-Step Workflow

Temporary Labor Certification (TLC): Before your employer can employ you under this program, he or she must demonstrate to the Department of Labor (DOL) that no U.S. workers are available to do the job.
Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD): The DOL establishes a minimum wage to secure the loyalty of local wages by making sure that foreigners are paid the prevailing market price.
Form I-129 Filing: This is an application that is filed by the employer to officially request you as a worker once certified.
Irreparable Harm Attestation: In 2026, employers who wish to be granted the so-called supplemental visas are required to demonstrate that their business will suffer irreparable harm (nauseating financial loss) without further personnel.
Form DS-160 and Consular Processing: You fill out the online visa form and have an interview at an American Embassy or Consulate in your home country.

Top Opportunities & 2026 Trends

Where are the jobs this year? Landscape of 2026 is distinctive because of significant international processes and changes in the labor market.

The “World Cup” Effect

RFID tag technology is in high demand due to the FIFA World Cup 2026 which covers 16 cities in North America since it has never been in such demand before.

Hospitality and Tourism: Hotel employees and servers at restaurants in the host cities such as New York, Los Angeles and Miami.
Event Management: Temporary security, logistical and stadium infrastructure.

Traditional Powerhouses

Landscaping & Groundskeeping: It is the biggest area that employs H-2B workers in the spring and the summer.
Seafood Processing: Alaska and gulf coast are still in high demand.
Agricultural Work: Harvesting of citrus, berries, and tobacco done all the year round.

Eligibility and compliance What You need to know

You must have a high standard of compliance requirements as stipulated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Non-immigrant Intent: You will need to show that you have ties with home (family, property, or a job) so that they can guarantee you will go back to home once your permit is over.
Priority to Western Hemisphere Nationals: In the year 2026, there will be a certain number of VISA that will be dedicated to the citizens of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Haiti.
Three-Fourths Guarantee: If you have signed a contract, the employers must provide you with employment at least three-fourths of the hours that they guaranteed in the agreement.
Maximum Stay: The maximum stay of most seasonal workers is restricted to 3 years after which they should not be seen in the U.S. again until 3 months later.

FAQs

What is the number of supplemental H-2B visas in 2026?

The government has approved 64,716 more visas to the standard 66,000 annual limit as a way of solving staffing issues.
Is it possible to request a seasonal work permit myself?

No. You need a valid employment invitation by an employer in the United States who will be your sponsor and submit the petition to the employer on your behalf.
What is the Returning Worker rule?

In several cases of additional visa slots, the priority is provided to persons with a previous H-2B visa over the past three fiscal years (2023, 2024, or 2025).

Final Thoughts

Many of 2026 seasonal work season is as strong as it has ever been. Increased supplementary visa and the approaching world cup, the window of opportunity is broad-but it comes at an alarming rate. Make sure your employer is prepared to submit his or her Temporary Labor Certification to beat the limit.

Disclosure

This paper is purely informative and educational. The advice to the readers is to confirm information with credible sources, including USCIS.gov, prior to participating in decision-making.