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• H-2B Cap Reached for Second Half of FY 2026
• DOL Wage Rule Proposal for H-1B and PERM Returns to Federal Review
• Panama Introduces New Residency Pathway for Highly Skilled Talent
• Markwayne Mullin Confirmed and Sworn In as DHS Secretary

H-2B Cap Reached for Second Half of FY 2026

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has confirmed that it has received enough petitions to meet the statutory H-2B cap for the second half of fiscal year 2026. As a result, March 10, 2026, marked the final receipt date for new cap-subject H-2B petitions requesting employment start dates between April 1 and September 30, 2026. Petitions received after this date will be rejected.

USCIS has also opened filing for the second and third supplemental visa allocations for FY 2026, which may provide additional opportunities for employers who were not selected under the standard cap.

Impact: Employers relying on seasonal or temporary labor should immediately assess whether their workforce needs can be met through supplemental visa allocations or alternative visa strategies. Given the speed at which the cap was reached, advance planning and early filing will remain critical in future H-2B cycles.

DOL Wage Rule Proposal for H-1B and PERM Returns to Federal Review

The Department of Labor (DOL) has resubmitted a proposed rule to the Office of Management and Budget that could significantly revise prevailing wage requirements for H-1B, H-1B1, E-3, and PERM programs. While the contents of the proposal are not yet public, it is expected to revisit structural changes to the wage system, potentially increasing required wage levels across multiple tiers.

This development follows prior efforts to overhaul the prevailing wage framework, including a 2021 rule that was ultimately withdrawn after legal challenges and administrative changes. The current proposal signals renewed interest in adjusting wage methodologies as part of broader immigration policy objectives.

Impact: If implemented, revised wage requirements could significantly increase labor costs and affect eligibility for employment-based immigration programs. Employers should monitor the rulemaking process closely and consider participating in the public comment period once the proposal is published, as changes to prevailing wage calculations could impact hiring strategies and long-term workforce planning.

Panama Introduces New Residency Pathway for Highly Skilled Talent

Panama has launched a new immigration pathway designed to attract researchers, scientists, and professionals with exceptional expertise in fields of national importance. The program offers a streamlined process and a structured path to permanent residence for qualifying individuals.

To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate significant professional achievements—such as publications, patents, or recognized contributions—and secure affiliation with a Panamanian research or academic institution. The program initially grants a two-year provisional residence permit, after which individuals may apply for permanent residence.

Additional features include:

• Centralized processing through a government innovation office
• Faster adjudication timelines (target of 30 business days)
• Flexibility to engage in broader professional activities
• Ability to apply from abroad through a representative

Impact: This new pathway enhances Panama’s competitiveness in attracting global talent, particularly in science and technology sectors. Employers with international operations may consider Panama as a viable destination for research-driven roles, given the program’s efficiency and long-term residency options.

Markwayne Mullin Confirmed and Sworn In as DHS Secretary

Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma has now been confirmed by the U.S. Senate and officially sworn in as Secretary of Homeland Security. The Senate approved his nomination in a 54–45 vote on March 23, 2026, and he was sworn into office the following day, formally assuming leadership of the Department of Homeland Security.

Mullin succeeds former Secretary Kristi Noem and now oversees key immigration and enforcement agencies, including USCIS, ICE, and CBP. His appointment comes at a time of ongoing policy focus on border security, enforcement priorities, and operational changes across DHS components.

As Secretary, Mullin will play a central role in shaping immigration policy direction, regulatory initiatives, and agency operations moving forward.

Impact: With Mullin now officially in office, attention shifts from confirmation to implementation. Leadership transitions at DHS often signal upcoming changes in enforcement priorities, adjudication trends, and regulatory activity. Employers should closely monitor early policy signals and agency actions under the new Secretary, as these developments may influence compliance requirements, processing patterns, and overall immigration strategy.