The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump will add around 65,000 H-2B seasonal guest worker visas through September 30, according to a notice published in the Federal Register.
The additional visas will be made available to employers who face severe financial hardship due to shortages of U.S. workers. The move effectively doubles the annual H-2B cap, which typically allows 66,000 visas.
The expansion is expected to benefit industries that rely heavily on seasonal labour. These include construction, hospitality, landscaping, seafood processing, and hotel services.
Officials acknowledged that many employers in these sectors are struggling to fill jobs. Some construction firms have reported delays and rising costs due to a lack of available workers.
The Trump administration will add 65,000 H-2B seasonal guest worker visas to the usual cap of 66,000 through September 30.
Follow: @AFpost pic.twitter.com/8A2waFFl04
— AF Post (@AFpost) January 30, 2026US Immigration Policy Balancing Act
Since returning to the White House in 2025, Trump has launched a broad immigration crackdown. He has portrayed undocumented immigrants as a burden on communities and a threat to public safety.
His administration has also tightened several legal immigration pathways. These steps include travel restrictions and expanded reviews of refugee and asylum cases.
The number of H-2B visas has been expanded before under both Republican and Democratic administrations. Former President Joe Biden approved similar increases, as did Trump during parts of his first term from 2017 to 2021.
JUST IN: 🇺🇸 Trump administration to add 65,000 H-2B work visas through September 30.
— Remarks (@remarks) January 30, 2026Despite opposition from some anti-immigration groups, businesses continue to push for higher visa caps. Critics argue the program can suppress wages for U.S. workers.
Contrast With H-1B Restrictions
While expanding the H-2B program, the administration has taken a tougher stance on skilled worker visas. Trump has made it harder for technology firms to hire foreign staff through the H-1B program by adding a $100,000 fee. That policy has already sparked a legal challenge.
The temporary rule authorising the extra H-2B visas is scheduled for formal publication in the Federal Register on Tuesday. Once published, employers will be able to apply for the additional visas immediately.
