H-2B Cap Met for April 1st Start Dates — Here's What Comes Next

The H-2B visa cap for the second half of Fiscal Year 2025 has officially been reached for April 1st start dates. For seasonal employers who are mid-process or just getting started, this news understandably raises questions. But reaching the statutory cap does not mean the door is closed — and for LCI clients, the path forward is already in motion.

What Does "H-2B Cap Met" Actually Mean?

Each fiscal year, the H-2B program is limited to 66,000 visas, split into two semi-annual allotments of 33,000 each. The second-half allotment covers start dates from April 1st through September 30th. When USCIS announces the cap has been met, it means that the number of approved petitions has reached the statutory limit for that period, and no further standard-cap petitions will be accepted for those dates.

This is not unusual. In recent years, H-2B demand has consistently outpaced the available visa supply — which is precisely why the government has established supplemental visa allocations as a relief valve for employers. You can read more about how the cap and supplemental visas work in our overview of the H-2B visa program.

Supplemental Cap Relief Visas: The Path Forward

The good news is that the U.S. government has authorized supplemental H-2B cap relief visas for this fiscal year. These visas are issued above and beyond the standard 66,000 cap, and they represent a real opportunity for employers who did not secure workers under the initial allotment.

LCI will be eligible to begin submitting Form I-129 petitions for supplemental visas in approximately 15 days — around March 24th. Our team is already preparing all necessary documentation so we can file the moment that window opens.

For context on what the full supplemental release looks like this fiscal year, see our detailed breakdown: DHS Publishes FY26 H-2B Supplemental Visa Rule: Key Details for Employers.

What LCI Is Doing Right Now

Our team is not waiting for the filing window to open — we are actively working now. That means:

• Reviewing all pending client files to confirm documentation is complete
• Preparing Form I-129 petitions for submission on day one of the supplemental window
• Monitoring any additional guidance from USCIS and DHS that could affect filing strategy

Speed and accuracy both matter here. Supplemental visa allocations can move quickly once the window opens, and a complete, well-prepared petition is the best way to maximize your chances. We've built our process around exactly this kind of time-sensitive filing — you can see how it all fits together on our visa application timeline page.

What This Means for Employers

If you are an LCI client with April 1st start dates affected by the cap, here is what to expect:

• You do not need to take action right now. Our team is handling preparation on your behalf.
• We will reach out directly if we need any additional information or documentation from you before filing.
• Your petition will be submitted promptly when the supplemental window opens around March 24th.
• Stay informed. We will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available from USCIS and DHS.

If you have questions about your specific case or want to understand where you stand, please contact your account manager directly. You can also visit our FAQ page for answers to common questions about the H-2B process.

Why Early Preparation Is Everything in the H-2B Program

This situation is a reminder of why preparation and timing are the most critical factors in the H-2B program. The cap fills quickly, supplemental windows open and close, and employers who are ready to move fast are consistently better positioned than those who are not.

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