Federal Register #2026-06694

Update to Allowable Charges for H-2A and H-2B Worker Meals and Travel Subsistence

This notice from the Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration announces updated allowable charges and reimbursement rates for employers of H-2A and H-2B foreign workers: - Government Buyer: - Department of Labor (DOL), Employment and Training Administration (ETA) - No OEMs or commercial vendors are involved, as this is a regulatory update, not a procurement action - Key Updates: - Maximum allowable meal charge for H-2A agricultural workers (excluding herding/livestock): $16.78 per day - Travel-related subsistence reimbursements (meals, lodging) must follow standard federal per diem rates: - Meals and incidental expenses: $68.00 per day - Lodging: $110.00 per day (with receipts) - Employers must reimburse reasonable travel costs to and from the worksite, including overnight lodging when necessary - No products or services are being procured; this is a policy update affecting employer obligations under the H-2A and H-2B programs - No unique technical requirements or part numbers are specified

Description

The Employment and Training Administration (ETA) of the Department of Labor (DOL) issued a notice announcing the annual updates to allowable monetary charges that employers of H-2A workers may charge for providing three meals per day. The notice also specifies the minimum and maximum travel-related subsistence reimbursements required under the H-2A and H-2B programs, including lodging costs. Employers' obligations regarding overnight lodging and reasonable travel costs to and from the worksite are also reiterated. These updates are effective April 7, 2026.

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