Micah Jonah
January 31, 2026
The United States government will add about 65,000 H-2B seasonal guest worker visas for employers facing severe labour shortages, according to a notice published by the administration of President Donald Trump.
The additional visas will be available through September 30, effectively doubling the annual cap of 66,000 permits issued for seasonal, non-agricultural jobs. Industries expected to benefit include construction, hospitality, landscaping and seafood processing.
The move acknowledges ongoing labour gaps in sectors that rely heavily on seasonal workers. Employers in these industries have repeatedly warned that a shortage of workers could lead to financial losses and project delays.
The decision comes amid a broader immigration crackdown by the Trump administration, which has tightened both illegal and legal immigration pathways since returning to office in 2025. Measures have included travel restrictions and stricter reviews of refugee and asylum cases.
Seasonal worker visas have previously been expanded under both Democratic and Republican administrations during periods of labour demand. However, groups opposed to higher immigration levels argue that such visas can suppress wages for American workers.
A temporary rule making the additional H-2B visas available is expected to be formally published in the Federal Register in the coming days.
