H-2B April 1, 2026 Start Date Processing Update

What the Latest DOL Numbers Actually Tell Employers

As of the close of business February 7, 2026, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) released updated processing data for the April 1 (second-half cap) H-2B filings.

For employers, agents, and attorneys trying to read the tea leaves of the season, this is one of the most meaningful indicators we get each year — but it is also one of the most misunderstood.

Current Status

Group B (filed January 1–3):57.9% of cases have now received a First Action

(Source: DOL FLAG Processing Times — https://flag.dol.gov/processingtimes)

“First Action” means the Chicago National Processing Center (NPC) has actively touched the case and issued either:

• a Notice of Deficiency (NOD), or

• a a Notice of Acceptance (NOA)

  
  

This is important: the number does not represent approvals only.It represents that adjudication has begun for more than half of that lottery group.

What This Actually Means

Every H-2B season, employers understandably look at processing numbers and immediately ask:

“Does this mean I’m getting workers?”

Not yet.

But it tells us something very important — and reassuring.

The DOL is processing the lottery groups in order. The H-2B filing system is built around a sequential adjudication structure. After cases are assigned to Groups A through H by the lottery, the Chicago NPC works them group-by-group. They do not randomly jump ahead to later groups.

Right now, the government is:

• more than halfway through Group B, and

• still actively issuing first actions within that group.

From a practitioner standpoint, that is actually a healthy sign for the season timeline.

Why “First Action” Matters

Many employers track certifications only. But certifications are not the earliest signal of progress — first action is.

A first action means the case has entered adjudication. Once a group begins receiving NOAs and NODs, the program pipeline has started moving. In other words, this is the point in the season where the waiting period begins to transition into the processing period.

The Key Insight Many Employers Miss

DOL certification timing is not the same thing as cap selection.

The Department of Labor does not decide who gets H-2B visas.The DOL decides whether your application is legally approvable.

Specifically, DOL evaluates whether:

• the temporary need is valid,

• the number of workers requested is justified, and

• the employer completed proper U.S. worker recruitment.

Only after certification does the case move to USCIS, where cap numbers are actually counted. Because of that, silence right now is not a negative indicator.

If You Are in Groups C–H

If you are in:

• Group C

• Group D

• or Groups E through H

…and you have not heard anything yet:

This is normal.

It does not mean:

• your application is flawed,

• your attorney missed something, or

• the government skipped your case.

It means your case is still waiting in the adjudication queue.

The DOL does not send a notification saying you are “in line.” Employers simply experience a long quiet period followed by sudden activity when their group is reached. Every season I see employers become convinced something is wrong. It does not mean there is a problem with your case. You will know more about the cap and supplemental visa availability as you draw closer to your certification and USCIS filing window.

The Hardest Part of the H-2B Season

Right now is the most difficult phase of the H-2B process psychologically for employers. By this point you have already:

• paid legal or agent fees,

• planned staffing,

• committed to contracts,

• scheduled projects,

• and built your business plan around anticipated workers.

And you are hearing … nothing.

But at this stage, silence is not bad news.It usually means only one thing: the DOL has not reached your group yet.

The Bottom Line

The current data shows the system is functioning the way it is designed to function. The government is moving sequentially through the lottery groups, and adjudication is actively underway.

If you have not heard anything yet, it is very likely not a problem with your case.

It is simply not your turn.

For now, the best takeaway for the H-2B community is this:

Hang in there. The DOL is moving through the groups, and movement early in the pipeline is the necessary first step toward certifications and ultimately worker arrivals.

More updates will follow as we see Group C begin receiving first actions.