The United States Department of Homeland Security and Department of Labor have announced that an additional 35,000 H-2B work visas will be issued in 2026, creating new opportunities for Pakistani workers seeking temporary employment abroad. These visas are in addition to the annual cap of 66,000, offering some relief to US employers dependent on seasonal foreign labor.
The H-2B visa program allows US employers to hire foreign nationals for temporary, non-agricultural jobs when local labor is unavailable. Common sectors include hospitality, tourism, seafood processing, landscaping, forestry, manufacturing, transportation, and amusement parks. Workers under the H-2B program must return to their home countries once their temporary employment period ends.
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Despite this expansion, the 2026 allocation represents a decline compared to previous years. From 2023 to 2025, the US issued significantly higher numbers of supplemental H-2B visas. This reduced quota has raised concerns among industries reliant on temporary workers, as competition for these visas is expected to be intense.
Officials confirmed that the 35,000 supplemental H-2B visas in 2026 will focus on critical sectors such as hospitality, tourism, seafood processing, transportation services, forestry, and manufacturing. Pakistani workers looking to apply are advised to act swiftly due to strict deadlines and limited visa availability.
Industry experts warn that the lower number of supplemental visas could result in labor shortages, tighter application timelines, and increased uncertainty for employers and workers alike. Pakistani nationals, particularly skilled and semi-skilled workers, stand to benefit from these visa opportunities if they prepare their applications in advance.
With the H-2B visa program remaining one of the most sought-after avenues for temporary work in the US, Pakistani workers have a valuable chance to gain international work experience while contributing to critical sectors of the US economy.
