The Trump administration’s recent decision to add up to approximately65,000 additional H-2B seasonal guest worker visas for fiscal year 2026(through September 30, 2026) offers a notable, albeit limited, opportunityfor Pakistanis seeking employment in the United States. This expansionnearly doubles the standard annual cap of 66,000 visas, targetingindustries facing severe labor shortages, such as construction, hospitality(hotels and resorts), landscaping, and seafood processing. ForPakistanis—whether already in the US as migrants or in Pakistan looking foroverseas work—this development stands out amid a broader tightening ofimmigration policies under the current administration.
A key positive change came in early 2025: The Department of HomelandSecurity (DHS) removed the requirement that H-2B workers come from apre-approved list of countries. Previously, Pakistan was rarely included,limiting access. Now, nationals from virtually any country, includingPakistan, can apply if they secure a qualifying job offer from a USemployer who proves no American workers are available (via laborcertification) and files the necessary petitions with USCIS and theDepartment of Labor.
This opens a pathway for Pakistanis to enter the US legally for temporary,non-agricultural seasonal work, typically lasting up to 9-10 months peryear (extendable in some cases to a maximum of 3 years). Workers earnprevailing wages set by the Department of Labor, often higher thanequivalent jobs in Pakistan, with employers required to covertransportation to/from the US, housing (or a stipend), and other costs inmany cases. This can provide a substantial income boost—potentiallyallowing savings to support families back home or invest in businesses uponreturn.
For those in Pakistan, the H-2B program represents one of the few realistictemporary work options in the US in 2026, especially compared to skilledvisas like H-1B, which face higher fees (including a $100,000 annual chargein some cases) and stricter scrutiny. Pakistani recruitment agencies andjob portals have begun highlighting H-2B roles, such as package handlingfor companies like UPS or seasonal landscaping/hospitality positions. Someannouncements note eligibility for applicants from Asia, includingPakistan, with basic English and no advanced education often sufficient.
Pakistanis already in the US—such as on student visas, visitor status, orother temporary categories—cannot directly switch to H-2B from within thecountry in most cases, but family members or networks might benefitindirectly if employers recruit from established communities. Returningworkers (those who held H-2B status in recent years) often get priority inallocations, which could favor those with prior US experience.
Beyond H-2B, other benefits for Pakistanis in the US include strongcommunity networks in cities like New York, Chicago, Houston, and Dallas,where Pakistani-Americans run businesses in retail, food services, andtransportation. These networks offer support for housing, culturaladjustment, remittances, and job leads. Many Pakistanis in the US enjoyhigher earning potential, access to quality education for children (if ondependent statuses), and healthcare options through employers. Remittancesfrom the US remain a lifeline for Pakistan’s economy, with workers sendingbillions annually.
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However, the overall immigration environment in 2026 presents challenges. Amajor policy effective January 21, 2026, pauses issuance of *immigrantvisas (for permanent residency) to nationals of 75 countries, includingPakistan, due to concerns over potential public benefits usage. Thisaffects family-sponsored green cards, employment-based permanent paths, anddiversity visas—but crucially, it does not* impact nonimmigrant visaslike H-2B, tourist (B), student (F), or skilled work (H-1B) visas.Temporary work programs remain viable entry points.
The H-2B expansion is pragmatic rather than expansive immigrationpolicy—driven by business needs in labor-short sectors rather than opennessto migration. Competition for these visas is intense, with demand oftenexceeding supply, and employers typically recruit from countries withestablished pipelines (e.g., Mexico, Jamaica). Pakistanis must secure alegitimate US sponsor, avoid scams promising “guaranteed” visas, andprepare for consular interviews in Islamabad or Karachi.
In summary, while broader Trump-era policies restrict long-term immigrationand emphasize self-sufficiency, the H-2B increase provides a maximumpractical benefit for Pakistanis: a legal, temporary route to earn indollars, gain international experience, support families, and potentiallybuild toward future opportunities. For job seekers in Pakistan, monitoringUSCIS/DOL announcements and connecting with verified recruiters isessential. This window, though narrow and seasonal, represents one of thebrighter spots in an otherwise restrictive landscape for Pakistani migrantsand aspiring workers in 2026.
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