The H-2B program remains one of the main pathways for temporary non-agricultural workers in the United States, but high demand makes a crucial step necessary: the **randomization** (or lottery) of applications when submissions exceed available slots. In January 2026, the Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) released the randomized list of applications submitted in the first days of the year for jobs starting April 1, 2026. Below is a breakdown of what happened, how the process works, and what it means for employers and workers.
What Is Randomization in the H-2B Program?
To ensure fairness and order when the number of applications exceeds the semi-annual cap of 33,000 visas (for the second half of the fiscal year, April to September), the DOL uses a randomization process established since 2019. This prevents first-come, first-served processing and creates equal chances for all.
- When It Happens: Mainly during peak periods, such as the "January Peak" for jobs starting April 1.
- How It Works: All applications submitted during the initial three business days (filing window) are entered into an electronic lottery. The OFLC randomizes the order and creates "Assignment Groups."
- Group A: Includes enough applications to reach the 33,000-worker-position cap. These are processed first (Notices of Deficiency or Acceptance).
- Other Groups: Remaining applications are placed in a queue or may be processed if extra slots become available (e.g., supplementals or carryovers from the first half).
What Happened in January 2026?
On January 1, 2026, the filing window opened for H-2B applications requesting work start dates of April 1, 2026 (or later). Employers had until January 3 to submit via the FLAG system.
- Total Applications: 10,062 applications submitted, covering 162,603 worker positions.
- Randomization Completed: On January 4, 2026, the OFLC finalized the randomization process.
- List Release: On January 5, 2026, the OFLC published the Assignment Groups, with Group A containing sufficient positions to fill the 33,000 visas for the second half of FY 2026.
- Notifications: Each employer (or agent) received written notice about their application's Assignment Group.
This means that, despite overwhelming demand (more than 5 times the semi-annual cap), the process was transparent and random, giving equal opportunity to all participants in the initial window.
Regular and Supplemental Cap for FY 2026
The regular annual cap remains at **66,000 visas** (33,000 per half). The first half (October 2025 to March 2026) was fully reached in September 2025 (final receipt date: September 12).
- Supplemental: On December 31, 2025, DOL and DHS announced **35,000 additional visas** for FY 2026 (a significant reduction compared to previous years), focused on critical sectors such as seafood processing, forestry, hospitality, tourism, transportation, and manufacturing.
- Next Steps: Details, eligibility criteria, and filing rules will be released soon via a Temporary Final Rule in the Federal Register.
Impact for Workers and Employers
- For Employers: If your application landed in Group A, processing moves forward quickly. Otherwise, wait for potential supplemental visas or carryovers.
- For Workers: Randomization increases the chances that selected positions reach the USCIS petition stage. Monitor official sites and trusted agencies to check if your job was approved.
- Important Tip: Avoid scams — use only the official FLAG system and verify recruiters on the DOL website.
How to Stay Updated?
- Check the official OFLC Announcements page for lists and updates.
- Follow the USCIS Cap Count for cap status.
- Explore updated job listings on platforms like HotJobsInUSA.com.
Conclusion
The release of the randomized list in January 2026 reinforces the government's commitment to a fair process in the H-2B program. With the regular cap filled quickly and supplementals limited to 35,000, competition remains high—but randomization ensures real opportunities for employers and international workers. Stay alert for upcoming rules on additional visas and prepare for the USCIS petition process!
This article is based on official DOL/OFLC and USCIS announcements released in January 2026. For the most up-to-date information, always consult official U.S. government sources.