The United States has announced the issuance of nearly 65,000 additional H-2B temporary guest worker visas by the end of September to tackle acute labor shortages across multiple industries, according to a news agency report.
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in coordination with the Department of Labor (DOL), confirmed that for fiscal year 2026, a total of 64,716 extra H-2B visas will be made available to help employers facing the risk of serious financial harm due to a lack of local workers.
These visas are aimed at supporting sectors heavily impacted by workforce shortages, including construction, hospitality and hotel services, landscaping, and seafood processing.
Under the distribution plan, 46,226 visas will be reserved for workers who have previously held H-2B status during the past three years, while the remaining 18,490 visas will be allocated to new workers entering the program.
Authorities said applications for these additional visas can be submitted until September 15, 2026.
The DHS emphasized that the move is intended to balance the needs of US employers while ensuring protections for American workers.
Employers and applicants have been advised to follow official updates through the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website for further guidance.
