How the Government Shutdown Affects the H-2B Program
The ongoing government shutdown has arrived at a critical point in the year, a period that typically brings clarity and stability to the H-2B visa program for 2026. The Seasonal Employment Alliance has highlighted the shutdown’s impact on cap relief measures for the upcoming year, as well as its broader implications for ongoing advocacy efforts seeking a long-term, permanent solution to the program’s recurring challenges.
Will this impact the release of supplemental visas? The short answer is yes. Our visa release advocacy campaign is hampered as a result of the shutdown. The Congressional letter to DHS, for instance, will not start circulating until the shutdown ends. Also, political appointees are working but only in a limited capacity. We have continued to engage them on the visa release but we do not believe DHS has made any progress on the release. Our estimate is that it will take, at minimum, a month between the government reopens and when the visas will be released. If the shutdown is resolved soon, there is a chance the visas could be released in time for supplemental workers to arrive in December but, for planning purposes, you should not expect to receive workers from a potential supplemental visa release until 2026.
Can I file my application with DOL? No, DOL is not fee funded so therefore is shutdown. If the shutdown persists into November, employers with early February dates of need will not be able to file at the earliest possible date. This will cause the workload at DOL to mount, leading to likely delays when the government reopens.
What about USCIS and the consulates? USCIS and the consulates are fee funded. Therefore, both be processing all petitions and visa submissions as normal.
source: Seasonal Employment Alliance
Time will ultimately determine what lies ahead for the H-2B visa program in 2026. Many industry observers believe cap relief will mirror that of previous years, but the timing of any official release could delay operations for businesses that rely on seasonal workers in January and February. For now, the program remains in limbo as both sides of government work toward passing a budget—or at least a continuing resolution—to reopen federal agencies and restore normal operations.
Related Photos
Other Carnival & Fair News
-
11/10/2025
Kansas State Fair: Attendees Get Fairified With Expanded Influencer Marketing, NAME Midway & Grandstand Sell-Outs -
11/7/2025
Former Canadian Parliamentarian Takes Over CNE Days Before Welcoming 1.46 Million Fairgoers -
11/3/2025
Big Fresno Fair Shines with Record Crowds and Fresh Attractions in 2025 -
10/31/2025
Central Washington Fair Celebrates Dairy Heritage at 2025 Fair -
10/29/2025
Kissel Debuts Mascots & Theme Park Experience at Kentucky State Fair -
10/27/2025
Former Canadian Parliamentarian Takes Over CNE Days Before Welcoming 1.46 Million Fairgoers -
10/24/2025
Alameda County Fair: Great Attendance and Weather -
10/23/2025
Washington State Fair Does the Puyallup Right
Amusement Park News
-
11/11/2025
Six Flags Shuttering Several Parks and Considering Selling More -
11/4/2025
Ripley's Makes a Splash with Texas Water Park Acquisitions -
10/28/2025
Karls Brings a 'Berry' Unique Theme Park Experience to Southern California -
10/23/2025
Super Neon Glows at Mall of America While Wondra Brings New Nature Sightings to Chicago -
10/17/2025
New York's Thunder Island Water Park is on the Market for $1.5 Million -
10/15/2025
Hersheypark Takes Flight with Twizzler's Twisted Gravity -
10/13/2025
Great Wolf Lodge Expands and Renovates Across New England -
10/3/2025
Halloween Haunts & Events Draw Crowds to Amusement Parks during Fall Season
