On July 8 the Department of Labor’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) released the randomized selection list for H-2B applications filed during the July 3–5 submission window for jobs starting 1 October 2026, the first half of Fiscal Year 2027. Industry consultants published detailed guidance for selected employers on July 9. Demand once again far exceeded the 33,000 visas available, triggering a lottery. Employers whose applications appear on the selection list must now finalize recruitment documentation, respond quickly to any DOL Requests for Evidence, and file Form I-129 with USCIS as soon as labor certifications are approved. Workers cannot travel until consular interviews conclude—typically four to eight weeks before the start date. Companies whose petitions were not selected are urged to monitor forthcoming supplemental visa allocations. In FY 2026, DHS issued an additional 64,716 H-2B numbers, a precedent many expect to continue given persistent labor shortages in hospitality, landscaping and seafood processing. For mobility managers, the immediate action items are (1) confirm selection notices with counsel, (2) gather proof of U.S. worker recruitment, and (3) verify passports and documentation for foreign hires. Delays at any stage could push arrivals past peak seasonal demand, so proactive case tracking is essential.
Source: The JTP Agency Blog
