U.S. employers looking to hire foreign workers for temporary non-agricultural jobs can now submit their H-2B visa applications for jobs starting on October 1, 2025. The three-day filing window opened at midnight. ET on July 3, 2025, will close at 11:59 p.m. ET on July 5, 2025.

This three-day window is the first chance to apply for jobs that begin on October 1, 2025—the kickoff of the first half of Fiscal Year 2026 (October 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026).

What Is the H-2B Visa Program?

The H-2B visa allows US businesses to fill temporary nonagricultural positions, including roles in hospitality, landscaping, construction, and tourism, when there are not enough American workers available.

The program is especially popular for seasonal and peak-load needs, helping employers meet fluctuating labor demands.

• Annual Cap: 66,000 visas, split evenly between October–March and April–September.
• Maximum Stay: Up to three years, after which workers must leave the US for at least three months before reapplying

Important Dates and Deadlines

• Filing window: July 3–5, 2025
• Work start date: October 1, 2025
• Filing early? Don’t. Applications submitted before July 3 at midnight will be denied.
• Missed the window? You can still apply for start dates after October 1, as long as you file between 90 and 75 calendar days before your intended employment start date.

Who Can Apply for the H-2B Program?

The H-2B visa program allows U.S. employers to temporarily hire foreign workers for non-agricultural labor or services. These roles typically meet one-time, seasonal, peak-load, or intermittent needs.

To qualify:

• The job must be temporary.
• The employer must demonstrate a lack of available U.S. workers.
• The role must be non-agricultural (e.g., hospitality, landscaping, construction).

Application Process: What Employers Need to Know

1. Submit Your Application During the Window

• USCIS will accept only applications filed between July 3 and July 5, 2025, for an October 1 start date.
• Applications for start dates after October 1 must follow standard timing rules, file no more than 90 days and no less than 75 days before the intended start date.

2. Randomized Processing

After the window closes, the Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) will randomly order all applications received for review and processing, ensuring fairness in the high-demand system.

3. One Application Per Job Opportunity

Employers must file only one application per job opportunity to avoid delays and duplicate submissions.

4. Required Documentation

Submit a completed Form ETA-9142B with all necessary appendices. Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements to avoid rejection or processing delays.

Application Review Process

After the filing window closes, the Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) will use a randomized selection process to assign applications to analysts for review. This method was established in the Federal Register on March 4, 2019, to ensure fairness and transparency.

Expanded Visa Availability for FY 2025

In response to ongoing labor shortages, the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Labor have extended the availability of 64,716 additional H-2B visas for Fiscal Year 2025. This move offers more opportunities for employers and foreign workers alike

Key H-2B Program Limits and Conditions

• Annual Cap: 66,000 visas
  • 33,000 for October 1–March 31
  • 33,000 for April 1–September 30
• Supplemental Visas: For FY 2025, an additional 64,716 visas were made available by DHS and DOL in November 2024.
• Maximum Stay: H-2B workers can stay in the U.S. for up to three years. After that, they must leave for at least three months before reapplying.

Application Tips for Employers

• Only one application per job opportunity should be filed to avoid duplication and delays.
• Applications must be submitted through the National Processing Center (NPC) designated by the OFLC.
• Ensure you’re registered as an H-2B employer and comply with all regulatory and timeliness requirements.

Final Thoughts

For U.S. employers with seasonal or short-term staffing needs, the H-2B visa program is a vital tool. However, strict deadlines and filing rules apply. Employers are encouraged to act promptly, follow procedures carefully, and consult official resources when in doubt.