Get Ready Now for the 2026 Spring–Summer H-2B Visa Season. Visa
Oct 2, 2025
For informational purposes only. This is not legal advice. Always consult qualified immigration counsel.
If your business relies on seasonal workers for the spring and summer of 2026, a silent clock is already ticking. While it may feel early, the complex and competitive H-2B visa process demands that proactive employers start preparing now.
For industries like landscaping, hospitality, resorts, construction, and seafood processing, securing your workforce for next year begins today. The H-2B program operates on a strict federal calendar, and missing the initial steps can mean missing your chance to hire entirely, putting your peak season at risk.
Why You Can’t Afford to Wait
The H-2B program is capped by Congress, with only 66,000 visas issued per fiscal year. This number is split into two halves:
33,000 for jobs starting April 1 – September 30 (the spring–summer season).
The competition is intense. As of September 12, 2025, the first half of the FY 2026 cap was already filled. This means all employers needing workers for spring–summer 2026 will be competing for the same 33,000 visas. Demand will be fierce, and the margin for error is slim.
Key H-2B Timeline for Spring–Summer 2026 Hiring
To secure workers for an April–July 2026 start date, you must work backward on this critical path. Here’s your roadmap:
✅ PHASE 1: RIGHT NOW (October – December 2025)
Action: Begin your Prevailing Wage Request (PWR) with the Department of Labor (DOL).
Why It’s Critical: This step alone can take weeks or even months. Delaying your PWR is the single biggest mistake employers make, as it creates a domino effect that jeopardizes your entire application.
✅ PHASE 2: FINALIZE PLANS (January – February 2026)
Action: Finalize job descriptions, wage offers, and recruitment strategies.
Why It’s Critical: You must comply with your State Workforce Agency's requirements and prove you’ve actively recruited U.S. workers before filing.
🚨 PHASE 3: THE CRITICAL FILING WINDOW (March – April 2026)
Action: File your ETA-9142B Application with the DOL.
The Rule: You must file no more than 90 days and no fewer than 75 days before your "date of need."
Example: For a July 1 start date, your filing window is roughly April 2 – April 17.
After DOL Certification: File the H-2B Petition (Form I-129) with USCIS.
✈️ PHASE 4: ONBOARDING WORKERS (Spring–Summer 2026)
Action: After petition approval, your workers apply for visas at a U.S. consulate and travel to begin work.
Navigating the Hurdles: Competition and Compliance
Expect a Lottery
Each season, USCIS receives far more H-2B petitions than there are visas available. When the cap is exceeded, they use a lottery-style random selection process. This means even a perfectly prepared application is not guaranteed selection, making early and accurate filing your best strategic advantage.
Don’t Sacrifice Compliance for Speed
In the race against the clock, fundamental rules still apply. Violations can lead to hefty fines and future ineligibility. You must:
Offer at least the DOL-determined prevailing wage.
Maintain meticulous records of your recruitment of U.S. workers.
Pay H-2B workers as promised and on schedule.
Proactive Tips from H-2B Experts
Start Early, File Early: The #1 reason businesses miss the season is a late-filed prevailing wage request. Begin now.
Have a Backup Plan: The lottery system is unpredictable. Develop a contingency workforce plan.
Stay Informed: Regulations and timelines can change. Monitor DOL and USCIS websites for updates.
Partner with Experts: The complexity of the process means that small errors can lead to costly delays or denials. Working with experienced professionals helps you avoid preventable mistakes.
The Bottom Line: Your 2026 Season Depends on Actions Today
Spring–summer 2026 may feel distant, but in the world of H-2B visas, the filing window is just around the corner. The employers who start preparing now will be the ones with the strongest, most timely applications when it counts.
Focus on Your Business. Let Us Navigate the H-2B Process for You.
The H-2B journey is complex, but you don’t have to manage it alone. The team at Pines H-2B Solutions specializes in guiding employers through every step, from the initial prevailing wage request to the final arrival of your workers.
We help you build a robust, compliant application to maximize your chances of success, so you can focus on what you do best: running your business.
Ready to secure your 2026 workforce?
Contact Pines H-2B Solutions Today for a Consultation
Disclaimer:
This blog post is for general educational purposes only and is not legal advice. This information is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. Regulations and timelines can change; always confirm current requirements with official government sources or your qualified immigration attorney.