DOL Publishes H-2B Randomization Results for October 2026 Starts

The Office of Foreign Labor Certification published the randomized H-2B application results on July 8, 2026, for filings made July 3 through 5, 2026, targeting October 1, 2026 start dates. This covers 2,625 applications for 51,158 positions, with Group A containing 1,881 cases sufficient to meet the 33,000 semi-annual cap and Group B with 744 cases. Employers and their representatives received individual written notices on July 6, 2026, indicating their assignment. The publication allows the public to see the overall distribution without revealing specific employer details.

Simultaneously, the June 29, 2026 technical release provides updated OEWS prevailing wage data for the July 2026 to June 2027 period. This update incorporates the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics figures using 2018 SOC codes and adjusted O*NET Job Zones. Employers must use these new data for any prevailing wage determinations issued on or after July 1, 2026. The combination of these announcements gives a clear picture of both the application processing order and the wage standards that apply to the upcoming cycle.

Overview of July 2026 OFLC Announcements

The two primary updates from July 2026 provide essential information for employers planning H-2B certifications for October starts. The randomization results determine the order of processing for applications filed in the initial window. The wage data update ensures that prevailing wages reflect current labor market conditions for the new wage year.

These announcements help stakeholders understand the volume of demand and the tools available for wage calculations. The timing is strategic as it follows the filing period and precedes the effective date of the new wage year. The announcements are part of the standard procedure when applications exceed the cap.

Criteria for relying on this information include having submitted an application during the July 3-5 window and needing to verify wage data for new or pending cases. Employers should cross-reference their individual notices with the public report to confirm group assignment. The data is particularly useful for those preparing responses to any deficiencies or planning for the next filing windows.

Limitations of the announcements include that the public report does not contain employer-specific or personally identifiable information, so direct notices remain the primary source for individual status. The information is current as of the publication dates and employers must check the DOL website for any subsequent updates or individual case status. The 33,000 figure refers to the statutory semi-annual H-2B visa cap referenced in DOL announcements, with actual visa issuance handled by USCIS.

In a conditional example, an employer who filed multiple applications might use the public report to see the total positions randomized and estimate their place in line based on group size. A typical error is failing to update wage calculations with the new OEWS data, leading to incorrect prevailing wage determinations. Another common mistake is assuming that Group B applications will not be processed at all, when in fact they may be reviewed if additional slots become available.

H-2B Filing Window and Randomization Results

The filing window for Form ETA-9142B applications requesting an October 1, 2026 work start date ran from July 3, 2026 at 12:00 a.m. ET to July 5, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET. This represents the earliest possible filing date for the initial half of the fiscal year visa cap. Applications submitted before the window for these start dates receive denial.

The three-day period is designed to concentrate filings and then apply randomization when demand exceeds supply. This structure helps the OFLC manage the high volume efficiently. The mechanics of the filing window involve a precise opening and closing time in Eastern Time to ensure all filers have equal opportunity.

Criteria for inclusion in the randomization include submitting the application within the exact three-day window and requesting the October 1 start date. Only complete filings that meet the basic eligibility are randomized into the assignment groups. The process applies the procedures from the 2019 Federal Register when the number of applications exceeds the cap.

Limitations include that applications filed before July 3 or after July 5 for October 1 starts are denied without entering the randomization. The public Excel report lists the assignment groups without including employer-specific or personally identifiable information. Direct written notices were sent only to filers on July 6.

In a conditional example, an employer submitting on July 4, 2026, would have their application included in the 2,625 total, while one submitting on July 2 would be denied outright. A typical error is attempting to file early to gain an advantage, which results in automatic denial. Another mistake is not verifying the exact times in ET, leading to missed deadlines due to time zone confusion. OFLC Announcements detail the exact times and procedures.

Assignment Groups and Processing Implications

Assignment Group A applications enter processing ahead of Group B because they contain enough worker positions to reach the statutory semi-annual cap. Group B applications remain available for later review if additional capacity opens through other channels or adjustments. The division into groups allows the OFLC to prioritize cases that can fill the 33,000 positions first.

This approach maintains an orderly flow while respecting the visa limits. The structure is a direct result of the randomization completed on July 6, 2026. The mechanics involve sorting the randomized applications into two groups based on the cumulative positions.

Criteria for determining the groups include the total positions requested and the need to reach but not exceed the 33,000 cap in the initial assignment. Applications are assigned based on the randomization order until the cap is met in Group A. Employers can use the public Excel report to see the overall breakdown but must rely on their notice for their specific assignment.

Limitations include that Group B does not guarantee processing if the cap is fully utilized by Group A. The public report does not contain employer-specific or personally identifiable information, limiting its use for individual tracking. The 33,000 figure refers to the statutory semi-annual H-2B visa cap, with actual visa issuance handled by USCIS/DHS.

In a conditional example, an employer with 100 positions in Group A could expect their application to be among those reviewed to fill the cap, whereas one in Group B might wait for any unused slots. A typical error is misinterpreting Group B as rejected, when it is simply in a secondary assignment. Another common mistake is not responding promptly to any requests for additional information during processing, which can delay even Group A cases.

Prevailing Wage Data Update for July 2026–June 2027

The OEWS update released on June 29, 2026 provides new prevailing wage data effective July 1, 2026. This data comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and uses 2018 SOC codes for determinations. Prevailing wage determinations issued on or after July 1, 2026 must reflect the updated figures to ensure compliance with current labor market rates.

The update includes adjustments to O*NET Job Zones that affect how wages are calculated for different occupations. This refresh supports accurate wage determinations for the entire wage year. The mechanics of the update involve issuing technical release notes that detail changes in data sources, coding, and application rules.

Criteria for applying the new data include issuing prevailing wage determinations on or after July 1, 2026. The 2018 SOC codes must be used, and the Job Zone adjustments applied according to the rules in the release notes. Employers should consult the linked OEWS files or the FLAG system for specific rates.

Limitations include that the data applies only to determinations issued on or after July 1, 2026, and specific wage rates require consultation of the linked files. The update may not cover all possible occupations, and employers should verify with the official sources. The information is current as of the June 29 release and could be superseded by future updates.

In a conditional example, an employer preparing a filing for a position in a Job Zone 1-2 occupation would apply the consolidated rules from the new release rather than the previous separate zones. A typical error is using wage data from the prior year, which can lead to incorrect determinations and potential denials. Another mistake is not reviewing the technical release notes for the specific rules on Job Zones, resulting in misapplication of the data.

Key Filing Reminders and Best Practices

Applications for October 1, 2026 starts must have been filed within the specified three-day window to be considered. Filings outside this period for those start dates are denied under the established procedures. The randomization follows the framework published in the Federal Register on March 4, 2019.

Compliance with all form requirements helps avoid deficiencies during review. These reminders support successful navigation of the H-2B process for the semi-annual period. The mechanics of filing include submitting a single application per job and ensuring that the job order is properly attached.

Criteria for a successful filing include meeting the window dates, using the correct form, and providing complete information to minimize deficiencies. The application must request the work start date of October 1, 2026, to be eligible for this cycle. Employers should verify that the positions requested do not exceed reasonable needs for the temporary period.

Limitations include that even complete filings may face further review for compliance with program requirements beyond the initial randomization. The process does not guarantee approval, only the order of consideration. Employers must monitor for any updates to the procedures or additional guidance from OFLC.

In a conditional example, an employer filing for 30 positions would ensure the application is complete and within the window to be randomized into one of the groups. A typical error is submitting the application before the window opens, leading to denial. Another common mistake is failing to attach the job order or using an outdated form version, which can cause the application to be rejected before randomization.

Accessing Official Reports and Data Files

The public Excel report for the July 3-5, 2026 H-2B assignment groups is available on the DOL Foreign Labor Certification page. Separate files include the OEWS Technical Release Notes, Job Zones data, and Education data for the July 2026–June 2027 wage year. These resources support verification of randomization outcomes and wage data without requiring individual case inquiries beyond the provided notices.

Employers should review the materials promptly to understand their position relative to the cap and updated wage standards. The FLAG system continues to serve as the channel for case-specific status information. The mechanics of accessing the files involve visiting the announcements on the Foreign Labor Certification pages and downloading the linked Excel and document files.

Criteria for using these resources include needing to verify aggregate results or wage data for compliance purposes. The public report is useful for understanding the overall volume and group distribution. Employers should match their notice to the report structure to confirm details.

Limitations include that the public randomization report does not contain employer-specific or personally identifiable information, so it cannot replace individual notices. The data files are specific to the July 2026 through June 2027 wage year and may require updates for later periods. Employers must check the DOL website for any subsequent updates or additional files.

In a conditional example, an employer would download the Excel report to see the total applications and positions in each group to better understand the competitive landscape. A typical error is not downloading the supporting Job Zones and Education data files, leading to incomplete wage analysis. Another mistake is relying on third-party summaries instead of the official files, which may contain inaccuracies. Foreign Labor Certification page provides the direct links.

Regulatory Context for Randomization

The randomization process used by OFLC is governed by the procedures published in the Federal Register on March 4, 2019. This framework addresses situations where the number of applications exceeds the available H-2B visa cap. It establishes a transparent method for ordering review of eligible filings.

The current results for the October 1, 2026 start date cycle follow these long-standing rules exactly. The July 6, 2026 completion of randomization and subsequent July 8 publication maintain consistency with prior cycles. The mechanics of the regulatory framework involve applying a random selection process to order the applications when demand is high.

Criteria for the application of randomization include the volume of applications exceeding the semi-annual cap during the initial filing window. The process is triggered automatically when this condition is met. Employers should understand that the framework prioritizes fairness and transparency in the selection.

Limitations include that the framework is specific to periods of high demand and may not apply if applications do not exceed the cap. The information is current as of July 13, 2026, and employers must monitor the DOL site for any later changes or amendments to the procedures. The 2019 publication provides the foundation, but operational details are updated in announcements as needed.

In a conditional example, an employer reviewing the process would note that the randomization ensures their application is considered in a fair order rather than on a first-come basis. A typical error is assuming that the randomization process has changed since 2019 without checking the current announcements. Another common mistake is not understanding that the group assignment affects processing order but not the ultimate approval decision.