Labor Dept Seeks Input on Streamlining H-2B Worker Forms
Published Date: 3/17/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Labor wants to update and renew the forms used in the H-2B Foreign Labor Certification Program, which helps employers hire temporary non-agricultural workers from other countries. They plan to get rid of one form that’s no longer needed to make things easier and reduce paperwork. Employers and the public can send their thoughts by May 18, 2026, so changes can be smooth and less costly.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
H-2B Forms Renewed; Paperwork Burden Continues
The Department of Labor seeks to renew the H-2B forms including Form ETA-9142B, Appendices A-D, and the Final Determination. DOL estimates 106,925 annual respondents, 445,871 annual responses, an average time per response of 2 hours and 45 minutes, total annual burden of 128,851 hours, and total annual other costs of $1,771,920.
Appendices A–D Require Detailed Employer Disclosures
Appendix A requires disclosure of additional work sites and multiple wage offers; Appendix B requires employers to attest to compliance with H-2B terms and conditions; Appendix C requires disclosure of the identity and location of foreign labor recruiters and their agents; Appendix D requires joint employers to disclose employer-client name and contact information.
Form ETA-9155 Proposed Elimination
DOL proposes to eliminate Form ETA-9155 (H-2B Registration) because employers are not required to complete or file it; the department says an internal process issues registration numbers instead. Eliminating the form would remove the form's estimated time, recordkeeping, and cost burdens associated with that specific form.
Seafood Industry Staggering Attestation Requirement
The Form ETA-9142B Seafood Industry Attestation is proposed for a three-year renewal without change. Seafood employers who wish to stagger H-2B worker entry between 90 and 120 days after the certified start date must complete this attestation and give a copy to each H-2B worker to present to DHS upon request.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-09142 — Employment and Training Administration Program Year 2026 Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Section 167, National Farmworker Jobs Program State Allotments
The Department of Labor is setting the 2026 funding amounts for the National Farmworker Jobs Program, which helps farmworkers get job training and career services. These new allotments start July 1, 2026, and affect states that receive this support. If you want to share your thoughts, you have until May 22, 2026, to send in comments.
2026-08199 — Program Year (PY) 2026 Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Title I Allotments; PY 2026 Title III Wagner-Peyser Act Employment Service (ES) Allotments and PY 2026 Workforce Information Grants
The Department of Labor is sharing how much money states will get in 2026 to help young people, adults, and workers who lost jobs find new opportunities. This includes funds for job services and workforce info grants. If you want to suggest changes, you have until May 28, 2026, to speak up!
2026-07771 — Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) 2026 Lower Living Standard Income Level (LLSIL)
The Department of Labor just updated the 2026 Lower Living Standard Income Level (LLSIL), which helps decide who qualifies as low-income for workforce programs under WIOA. This change affects youth and adults seeking job training and support, starting April 22, 2026. It’s all about making sure help goes to those who need it most, based on the latest income and poverty guidelines.
2026-06694 — Labor Certification Process for the Temporary Employment of H-2A and H-2B Foreign Workers in the United States: Annual Update to Allowable Monetary Charges for Agricultural Workers' Meals and for Travel Subsistence Reimbursement, Including Lodging
Starting April 7, 2026, employers who hire H-2A and H-2B temporary foreign workers must follow updated rules on how much they can charge for meals and travel costs, including lodging. This affects agricultural employers (except those in herding or livestock range jobs) and ensures workers get fair treatment on meal charges and travel reimbursements. These updates keep things fair and clear for everyone involved!
2026-06595 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request; Pre-Implementation Planning Checklist for State Unemployment Insurance Information Technology Modernization Projects
The Department of Labor wants to keep using a handy checklist that helps states plan their upgrades to unemployment insurance computer systems. This checklist makes sure states are ready before they launch new tech, saving time and money. States and agencies involved in unemployment benefits should share their thoughts by June 5, 2026, to help improve the process and reduce paperwork.
2026-06270 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request; Job Corps Health Questionnaire
The Department of Labor wants to keep using the Job Corps Health Questionnaire to learn about applicants’ medical needs. They’re asking for your thoughts on this paperwork by June 1, 2026, aiming to keep things simple and clear without extra hassle. This helps make sure Job Corps can support students’ health while keeping paperwork light and easy.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-05203 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) wants your thoughts on their plan to collect info from the public. This helps make sure the questions they ask aren’t too much work and actually useful. If you have ideas or concerns, you’ve got until April 16, 2026, to speak up—no money changes yet, just a chance to improve how info is gathered.
Next: 2026-05205 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request
The National Science Foundation wants to keep using its forms for biology postdoc fellowship applications and recommendations for three more years. They’re asking the public to share thoughts within 30 days, but no changes or extra costs are planned. If you’re applying or helping applicants, this is your chance to speak up!