US H2A Work Visa Process 2024 (Temporary Agriculture Visa)

The US H2A Work Visa allows U.S. Employers or agents to bring foreign workers for temporary agriculture work in the United States. Are you a worker who needs seasonal or temporary work for planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops? This post is for the employee to understand the US H2A Work Visa Process. This program helps American farmers to fill employment gaps by hiring workers from other countries.

The number of H2A Visas fluctuates each year and depends on the need. It has recently ranged from roughly 100,000 to 200,000 visas annually. There are many benefits involved for workers of the H2A Visa program such as employers will cover the cost of agent fees, Application fees, and Recruitment costs. The Duration of the H2A Visa is 1 year. Below are more details about the application process and the H2A Visa requirements.

About US H2A Temporary Agriculture Visa

Employers in the US who have farms, farming companies, corporations or need workers in agriculture sector are allowed to hire workers in agriculture related activities from foreign countries.

Benefits for Workers of H2A Program

• H-2A workers are exempt from Social Security and Medicare taxes.
• According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture: Employers will be responsible for paying the cost of Labor Certification, Non-Immigrant Worker Petition, Visa application, Transportation cost, Housing and livable fittings when hiring foreign workers.

Also Check: Belgium Seasonal Worker Permit 2024 (Visa Process)

H2A Visa Cap

There is no cap for the H-2A visas. It means that there is no limit on the number of visas to be issued annually.

Minimum Wage for H2A Visa Workers

The hourly wage depends on the type of work and state to state:

• The Highest hourly wage is: $19.75

Type of Work

Work can happen on farms, plantations, ranches, nurseries, ranges, greenhouses, orchards, or other similar locations but not limited to, planting, cultivating, or harvesting labor.

Requirements of a US H2A Work Visa

TO be eligible for the H2A Visa, you must meet the certain requirements.

• You must have a valid Job offer from U.S. Employer.
• Must be from an Eligible Country.
• Get certification from the Department of Labor (DOL)
• Submit petition to USCIS
• Apply for the H2A Visa.
• Fill in the DS-160 Visa form online.

Also Check: UK Seasonal Visa Process 2024 (Temporary Work Visa)

How to Apply for the US H2A Work Visa?

The application process for the H2A Work Visa is divided into workers and the employers.

1) Employer Petition

The U.S. employer must first file a petition with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Once the DOL approves the petition, the employer receives a temporary labor certification (TLC).

2) Worker Visa Application

When the Temporary labor certification approved, the foreign worker can apply for an H-2A visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy in their home country.

The worker must present all the documents at the embassy on the day of interview. You need to book an appointment first for the Interview.

Eligible Countries

Note: If a US Employer wants to hire an agricultural worker from a country that is not in the list. Then the employer have to File a separate petition for workers from non-eligible countries that will help in decrease delays in processing your request for H-2A workers.

US H2A Visa Proram Website