Temporary need
H-2B
For qualifying temporary non-agricultural needs such as seasonal, peak-load, intermittent, or one-time work. Employer requirements, timing, recruitment, and caps apply.
Official DOL overviewSeasonal labor planning
H-2B + EB-3 toolkit
Understand the pathways, sketch an early cost range, and work backward from a potential date of need.
Permanent roles
EB-3
An employment-based immigrant pathway that can apply to qualifying skilled workers, professionals, and other workers. It is a different process with different timelines.
Official USCIS overview Rough cost planner
Build an early planning range.
Adjust three inputs to explore an illustrative program-level cost range before speaking with a qualified H-2B professional.
Illustrative all-in range$207,899–$232,999for 8 workers over 6 months
Estimated wages$182,899
Program, travel + professional fees$25,000–$50,100
Placeholder planning math only. Excludes many employer-specific requirements and is not a quote.
Illustrative planning calendar
66,000 statutory annual capWork backward from the date of need.
Dates below are placeholder planning markers. Always verify the current FLAG calendar and program instructions.
typically split between two halves
01
Jul–Aug 2026
Define temporary need
Confirm scope, dates, occupation, and worksite assumptions with qualified counsel or an agent.
Plan02
Early Oct 2026
Prevailing wage + registration prep
Target planning window for a spring 2027 date of need. Exact filing dates must be verified.
Prepare03
Jan 1–3, 2027
Typical filing window
Illustrative seasonal window only. Confirm the current FLAG calendar before acting.
Verify04
Apr 1, 2027
Second-half cap season begins
Illustrative date of need. Program timing and cap availability can change.
TargetFY2026 supplemental update
A January 2026 temporary rule made up to 64,716 additional H-2B visas available in three allocations. Supplemental availability is time-limited and includes specific eligibility requirements.
Read the Federal Register ruleBring these four things to an advisor.
Earliest and latest acceptable work dates
Occupation, worker count, and worksite
Facts supporting the temporary need
Prevailing wage and cost assumptions