Pabian Law Summer-Season Clients,
I hope all is well. Today, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) completed processing of the nearly 20,000 Group B cases and moved on to Group C. The DOL remains close to last year’s processing times (but is around one week behind last year’s pace).
What this means:
- The DOL is seven (7) days behind last year’s processing times. While it is good news that the processing times are not too far behind last year’s, unless we see a drastic improvement in adjudication times, we still expect that employers with applications in Group E and later will see their workers unfortunately begin work after their petition start date.
- We have linked a chart that outlines the estimates start dates for workers depending on lottery grouping and type of petition, including filing under cap relief.
- It is great news that we finally have more details about supplemental visas (cap relief)! However, because cap relief is so different this year from past years, it is difficult to estimate with any certainty which groups will be eligible.
- We have held recent webinars on the topics of DOL delays and cap relief. I strongly encourage you to watch these if you have any questions about these topics. Recordings can be watched at the following links:
- “Making Sense of the H-2B Visa Lottery and Demand.” You can watch the recording online at: https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/share/DqyyJwrc3LaML1WK49xnOEGBVeMAeM1Oir0YH2dosU2DbK5Ku8jWRWus7in-II9M.jKnX8H8H_1jBSxC1. Passcode: 10WCyW9%
- The webinar outlines DOL delays, cap relief, and recruiting strategies.
- “H-2B Visa Cap Relief (2026).” You can watch the recording online at: https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/share/BSp3S1nUJEwCP7r98dDQE2F3B81juTYNMBPkG0H-E2DkuZy8mNUPraAx8vgoqbgS.UgVg1GNjl3fz4401. Passcode: ^G42SWIk
- “Making Sense of the H-2B Visa Lottery and Demand.” You can watch the recording online at: https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/share/DqyyJwrc3LaML1WK49xnOEGBVeMAeM1Oir0YH2dosU2DbK5Ku8jWRWus7in-II9M.jKnX8H8H_1jBSxC1. Passcode: 10WCyW9%
- Please remember that in-country recruiting is the best option whenever possible, as it allows you to sidestep cap concerns entirely and avoids the uncertainty and risks associated with supplemental cap petitions (e.g., the “irreparable harm” standard and audits).
Please let us know if you have any questions. We will continue to update you as the DOL proceeds to later Groups.
Thank you,
Keith and the Pabian Law Team