Summer 2026 Staffing Advisory: Why Hiring International Staff Now Is Critical for Your Seasonal Business
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This summer, the world is coming to America. With the FIFA World Cup 26 igniting global excitement and America250 drawing history lovers nationwide, U.S. tourism is set for its biggest surge since before the pandemic – 85 million international visitors projected in 2026, a 10% jump from last year.
That’s great news for seasonal businesses – but it’s also pressure on your workforce.
Employers waiting to make final hiring decisions until later in the spring or relying only on last-minute local hiring risk entering their peak season short-staffed or forced to scale back operations.
And for those planning to host international staff through the BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel program, timing is even more critical. BridgeUSA participants coming to the U.S. on a J-1 visa may need time to secure visas, travel, and arrive job-ready. Waiting until spring may already be too late.
Employers who partner early with a J-1 visa sponsor – like CIEE: Council on International Educational Exchange – secure summer 2026 staffing fast and avoid costly last-minute scrambles. Delay, and the consequences are real: missed openings, strained teams, and lost revenue.
The Context: Why Summer 2026 Is Different
Many communities have been preparing for a wave of global visitors, knowing this summer could serve as a massive moment for economic recovery.
Major events are concentrated in 11 FIFA World Cup 26 host cities – from Atlanta to Seattle – and America250 celebrations in states like Colorado, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Rhode Island, and more.
In 2026, the risk isn’t a lack of interest from international participants. It’s a lack of time. Employers who move early on seasonal hiring 2026 give their international staff the opportunity to arrive on schedule. Those who don’t may spend the summer managing delays instead of serving customers.
The Challenge: Limited J-1 Visa Appointment Availability
The surge in international travel is likely to increase demand at U.S. embassies just as the J-1 visa appointment season reaches its annual peak. (In addition, travelers requesting tourist visas will also be vying for visa appointment slots.) Between January and April, tens of thousands of students apply for Summer Work Travel visas, and J-1 visa processing times and embassy appointment availability can shift week to week.
For employers, that unpredictability makes timing critical. Early planning and coordination with a designated sponsor like CIEE helps reduce risk, improve arrival timelines, and keep seasonal operations on track.
The Recommendation: Hire EarlyCIEE recommends completing your summer 2026 staffing and hiring by early February at the latest. By doing so, you’ll lessen the risk of last-minute staffing disruptions. |
How CIEE BridgeUSA is Supporting Summer 2026 Staffing Efforts
When time is short, partnering with CIEE gives you speed, support, and certainty.
The CIEE BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel team works directly with the U.S. Department of State and stays ahead of J-1 visa updates, processing timelines, and appointment availability. As one of the oldest and largest sponsors, CIEE helps employers navigate delays, fast-track placements, and connect with pre-vetted international participants – ready to work when you need them. (Plus, CIEE offers hiring services that expedite the process.)
Even if you’re behind on hiring, it’s not too late. Our team can get you matched with qualified candidates quickly and guide you through the process from start to arrival – and beyond.
Don’t let staffing delays slow your summer. The faster you act, the more control you have over your season.
Have open roles? Reach out to the CIEE BridgeUSA team today and secure your summer staff today.