Home News USCIS Closes Second Filing Window for Returning H-2B Workers

USCIS Closes Second Filing Window for Returning H-2B Workers

Employers who missed the second H-2B filing window must wait until May 1, when the returning worker requirement no longer applies.

Written By: Caryl Espinoza Jaen |

Reviewed By: Ana Gabriela Urizar is an immigration attorney, speaker, and trusted advisor with nearly a decade of experience guiding global corporations through complex U.S. immigration processes.

Updated: 30 Apr 2026

USCIS Closes Second Filing Window for Returning H-2B Workers

On April 29, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it received enough petitions to reach the second allocation of the supplemental FY 2026 H-2B visa cap.

This announcement applies to returning H-2B workers under the current filing window. Employers had until April 21 to submit petitions under this allocation.

Those looking to sponsor H-2B employees must now wait until May 1 to file Form I-129. Petitions filed after this date are not subject to the returning worker requirement.

📖 New to the H-2B seasonal cap? Our coverage of the first filing window’s closure breaks it down.

Share this article:

About the Author

Caryl Espinoza Jaen

Staff Writer Caryl Espinoza Jaen is a Nicaraguan-born staff writer for Manifest Law. As a writer, he strives to cover complex topics like immigration policy with clarity, accuracy, and precision.

See all articles

In This Article

Badge for Manifest Law money back guarantee

Visa approved or money back

Terms apply

Learn more

18 Jun 2026

International Students Could Face Fixed Visa Limits Under DHS Rule Proposal

16 Jun 2026

USCIS Releases First Quarter Approval Data for Fiscal Year 2026

16 Jun 2026

July 2026 Visa Bulletin Released: Family-Based Categories Move Forward

14 Jun 2026

Federal Court Strikes Down $100,000 H-1B Fee Implemented by Trump Proclamation

12 Jun 2026

District Court Strikes Down Four USCIS Policies That Paused Processing of Immigration Benefits

11 Jun 2026

Nebraska Federal Court Challenges USCIS’s “Final Merits” Requirement in EB‑1A Case

Take the First Step

Please fill out your information to match with an attorney.

+93

▼

Yes I agree to receive automated text messages (reply STOP to cancel),
to Terms and Conditions.
Yes I agree to receive marketing emails from Manifest Law. You can withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the "unsubscribe" link in any email we send you or by contacting us directly. Your information will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Yes I understand that completing this quiz does not create an attorney-client relationship and that I will not rely on this quiz results to make important decisions, but will consult an attorney for legal advice.

*Submitting this form does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Manifest Law. As a result, any information you provide may not be protected by the attorney-client privilege or confidentiality. You understand that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and Manifest Law unless and until you sign a retention agreement with the firm. Your initial call may be with our intake specialists that is not an attorney and cannot provide you with legal advice.

Attorney Advertising: This website is intended for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and is no substitute for consulting a licensed attorney. Only an attorney can provide you with legal advice, and only after considering your specific facts and circumstances. You should not act on any information on this website without first seeking the advice of an attorney. Manifest Law is an association of lawyers and legal entities that have agreed to do business under a common name, which includes Manifest Legal Services LLC, Manifest Legal Solutions LLC and Manifest Law PLLC. Manifest Legal Services LLC is an Arizona ABS regulated by the Supreme Court of Arizona. The use of the name “Manifest Law” does not imply that all lawyers or legal entities within the Manifest Law family are part of a single partnership or that they are responsible for the acts or omissions of each other. Any specific attorney-client engagement, the scope of any such attorney-client relationship, and the legal responsibility for any such engagement will be set forth in the retainer agreement entered into between the client and the relevant Manifest Law attorney(s). All legal services are conducted by licensed immigration professionals. This website is regulated by the Arizona Rules of Professional Conduct.