U.S. employers looking to hire foreign workers for temporary non-agricultural positions can now submit their H-2B visa applications for jobs starting on October 1, 2025. The 72-hour filing window opened at 12:00 a.m. ET on July 3, 2025, and closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on July 5, 2025.
This is the first application window for employment beginning in the first half of FY 2026 (October 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026).
Table of Contents
What Is the H-2B Visa Program?
The H-2B visa allows U.S. businesses to hire foreign nationals for temporary non-agricultural jobs when there are not enough available U.S. workers. Common industries include:
- Hospitality
- Construction
- Landscaping
- Tourism
Program Highlights:
- Annual cap: 66,000 visas (divided equally between October–March and April–September)
- Maximum stay: Up to 36 months, after which the worker must leave the U.S. for at least 3 months before reapplying
Key Dates and Filing Deadlines
| Milestone | Date/Detail |
|---|---|
| Filing Window Opens | July 3, 2025 (12:00 a.m. ET) |
| Filing Window Closes | July 5, 2025 (11:59 p.m. ET) |
| Job Start Date | October 1, 2025 |
- Applications submitted before July 3 will be automatically rejected
- If you miss this window, you can still apply for start dates after October 1, as long as you apply 75 to 90 days before the intended start date
Who Can Apply for the H-2B Program?
The program is open to U.S. employers seeking foreign workers to meet temporary labor needs that are:
- One-time, seasonal, peak-load, or intermittent
- Clearly non-agricultural in nature
- Proven to have no available qualified U.S. workers
Application Procedure: What Employers Need to Know
Submit Within the Designated Filing Window
Only applications submitted between July 3 and July 5, 2025, will be accepted for an October 1, 2025 start date.
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For start dates beyond October 1, follow the standard filing schedule: applications must be submitted between 90 and 75 days before the desired employment start date.
Randomized Processing System
Once the filing window closes, the Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) will randomly sort and assign applications for review, as outlined in the Federal Register (March 4, 2019). This system ensures fairness under high demand.
Required Documentation
Employers must submit:
- A completed Form ETA-9142B with all required appendices
- Evidence of labor need and recruitment efforts
- Supporting documents in compliance with DOL and USCIS regulations
Duplicate applications for the same position will cause delays or denials, so only one request per job opportunity is allowed.
Expanded H-2B Visa Availability for FY 2025
To help address ongoing labor shortages, the Departments of Homeland Security and Labor have made an additional 64,716 H-2B visas available for FY 2025. While these do not affect FY 2026 directly, they reflect the increasing importance of the H-2B program for both employers and foreign workers.
Tips for Employers
- Submit your request through the National Processing Center (NPC) assigned by OFLC
- Register as an authorized H-2B employer
- Follow all timeline and documentation rules carefully
- Monitor the OFLC and USCIS websites for updates
Bottom Line
The H-2B visa program remains vital for U.S. businesses facing temporary labor shortages in non-agricultural sectors. With strict deadlines and randomized processing, timely and accurate filing is crucial. Employers are strongly advised to act promptly and consult official guidelines to ensure compliance.
