The US will issue over 65,000 H-2B seasonal work visas in 2026, nearly doubling the usual allotment. The visas will support businesses facing severe labor shortages, officials said. Hotels, construction, landscaping, and seafood processing sectors are expected to benefit most from the new permits.
President Donald Trump’s administration stated the visas aim to help employers at risk of financial hardship due to worker scarcity. The temporary program will run through September 30 and be formally published in the Federal Register. Seasonal businesses, especially hotels and construction companies, have urged the government for more visas amid staffing challenges.
Read more: Trump administration adds 65,000 H–2B seasonal worker visas
Critics of higher immigration levels argue that increasing visas may lower wages for US workers. Groups favoring strict immigration controls have opposed the move, claiming it could harm domestic employment opportunities. Meanwhile, businesses struggling to hire legally have welcomed the additional visas as essential to maintain operations.
The H-2B program supplements the broader immigration system, which Trump tightened in 2025 with travel bans and strict asylum rules. Previous administrations, including Biden and Trump’s earlier term, also expanded H-2B visas during periods of labor shortages. Experts note that these seasonal visas are critical for industries that rely on temporary workers.
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A temporary rule will allow employers to request the extra visas immediately after publication in the Federal Register. Industry leaders hope the measure will prevent operational disruptions and financial losses. The new issuance highlights ongoing tensions between economic needs and immigration policy debates in the US.