
American companies seeking to hire foreign nationals for temporary non-agricultural jobs can begin filing H-2B visa applications on January 1, 2026, for work starting April 1, 2026. The Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) will process applications filed during the first three days of January using randomization procedures. The H-2B visa allows a maximum three-year stay, requiring a three-month departure before reapplying. Employers must avoid duplicate filings to prevent application rejection.