On January 6, 2026, the Trump administration announced it will release only 35,000 supplemental H-2B visas for the year. This is nearly a 50% cut from the approximately 64,700 additional visas provided annually over the last three years.
- The Change: Every year, there is a “base cap” of 66,000 H-2B visas. Because this is rarely enough, recent administrations have added a “supplemental” batch of about 64,700 more. President Trump has reduced this extra batch down to 35,000.
- The Result: There will be roughly 30,000 fewer legal seasonal workers available nationwide compared to last year.
Impact on Industries
Various industries that often rely on H-2B workers may see changes in operations or ability to provide the same level of service if the reduction in visas translates to staffing shortages. These industries include hotel and hospitality, restaurants and bars, gas stations and convenience stores. Agriculture may also be affected, specifically landscaping and seafood. Field work typically relies on H-2A visas.
Impact on Business Owners
- A smaller worker pool may result in higher wages to compete, driving up service prices.
- With demand far exceeding the 35,000 cap, many businesses may struggle to fill open positions, limiting their ability to operate at full capacity.
- Stricter “irreparable harm” standards mean businesses that lose the lottery face permanent financial loss.
