Written by John McMahon, CEO of ALCC

On December 31, the U.S. Departments of Labor (DOL) and Homeland Security (DHS) formally announced that they will supplement the H-2B cap with 35,000 additional visas for Fiscal Year 2026, in addition to the 66,000 congressionally mandated H-2B visas available each fiscal year.

These supplemental visas are being issued under the time-limited authority enacted by Congress for FY 2026 and are intended to assist American businesses with seasonal and temporary workforce needs in critical sectors of the U.S. economy, including:

• Hospitality and tourism
• Landscaping and other seasonal services
• Seafood and forestry
• Transportation
• Manufacturing

It is important for employers to note that this represents nearly a 50% reduction in the number of supplemental visas compared to FY 2023–2025 levels. As a result, competition for these visas is expected to be significant.

DOL and DHS indicated that the specific eligibility criteria, allocation structure, and filing requirements will be released in the coming weeks through a Temporary Final Rule published in the Federal Register.

ALCC is working closely with NALP and our national H-2B partners to review the forthcoming rule immediately upon release and will provide clear, timely guidance to members as soon as details are available.

While this announcement provides important confirmation that supplemental visas are coming, employers should continue to plan conservatively and be prepared to act quickly once the rule is published.

We will remain fully engaged with federal agencies and our national partners and will keep you informed as additional information becomes available.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement.

Sincerely,

John McMahon | Chief Executive Officer

Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado