Get the US H2A Seasonal Work Visa in 2024 if you are a foreign worker who wants to work in the US. There is a list of companies that the US Citizenship and Immigration Service approves. It lets certain US employers hire foreigners to work in agriculture-related jobs in the US. It is up to US employers to provide housing and transportation for foreign workers to and from work. It is said that a total of 298,000 H2A visas were given to foreign workers in 2022.
These numbers were checked by the US Department of Agriculture. We will tell you everything you need to know about the US H2A Work Visa Process 2024 in this post. The H-2A temporary agricultural workers program, which is also known as the H-2A visa program, helps American farms hire workers from other countries when they need to.
Detail of US H2A Seasonal Work Visa:
- Program: Work Visa
- Host Country: United States of America
- Stay Period: Minimum 1 Year, Maximum renewable to 3 years
- Visa Processing Time: 75 days
- Nationality: Non-US Citizens
- Visa Name: H2A Agriculture Visa
What is a US H2 Visa?
The H2 visa is a temporary seasonal work permit that lets U.S. companies hire foreigners to do work in agriculture. Getting a US H2 work visa usually takes 75 days from start to finish.
The H2 visa can be used for up to three years. Once you get approved, you can live and work in the US for at least one year, and your visa can be renewed for up to three years. Your company pays for all of the costs related to the visa. See the section below on employer benefits for more information.
Costs of the H-2A Visa Program
You can use this table to get a rough idea of how much it will cost you to hire and pay foreign workers through the H-2A Visa Program.
- Labor Certification Processing (sole employers):
- Application Fee: $100
- Certification Fee: $10 per certified worker (not exceeding $1,000)
- Non-Immigrant Worker Petition:
- Filing Fee: $460
- H-2A Visa Application:
- Consulate Fee: $190 per worker (to be reimbursed in the first paycheck)
- Border Stamp Fee: $6 per worker
- Agent Fees: Approximately $100 per worker
- Transportation:
- Transport from home country to work site: $400 to $650 per worker (cost varies based on the country of origin)
- Weekly travel to and from a grocery store and other incidentals: Cost varies
- Miscellaneous Costs:
- Association Fees (if applicable): $200
- Housing and Livable Fittings: Approximately $9,000 to $13,000 per worker
What are the Benefits of US Employers
- Transportation to the USA:
- Cost: $400 to $650
- Paid by Employer
- Visa Application:
- Application Fee: Covered by the employer
- Certification Fee:
- Covered by the employer
- Labor Certification Fee:
- Covered by the employer
H2A Working Industry in US
- Fishing and aquaculture
- Feeding and caring for livestock
- Planting and harvesting trees
- Milking cows and goats
- Landscaping and groundskeeping
- Processing poultry and meat
- Pruning trees and shrubs
- Picking fruits and vegetables
- Planting and transplanting crops
Benefits of US H2A Seasonal Work Visa:
For Workers:
- Legal Employment: The H-2A visa enables workers to enter and work in the United States legally for a predetermined period, thereby establishing a legitimate route to transient employment.
- Fair Wages: Workers are guaranteed equitable compensation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s guidelines, which frequently include minimum wage rates, to ensure that they are fairly compensated for their labor.
- Protections for Employment: H-2A workers are entitled to a variety of labor protections, such as housing, transportation, and secure working conditions, which are provided by the employer at no cost to the worker.
- Access to Healthcare: Employers frequently provide healthcare facilities to their employees, which guarantees that their health requirements are met during their stay in the United States.
- Opportunity for Repeat Employment: The H-2A visa allows numerous workers to establish enduring relationships with their employers and secure consistent seasonal employment by returning to the United States annually.
- Cultural Exchange: The United States offers laborers the opportunity to engage in cultural exchange, which enables them to gain insight and understanding of American culture and society.
For Employers:
- Labor Shortages: The H-2A visa program assists agricultural employers in the United States in addressing labor shortages that arise when there is a shortage of domestic labor for seasonal agricultural work.
- Legal Workforce: Employers are granted access to a temporary, legal workforce, which guarantees adherence to immigration regulations and prevents the imposition of penalties for the employment of unauthorized personnel.
- Reliable Labor Supply: Employers can depend on a consistent and experienced workforce, as many H-2A workers return seasonally, bringing their skills and knowledge of agricultural duties.
- Government Agency Support: The program is supported by U.S. government agencies, which provide a structured and regulated process for hiring international workers. This process can streamline the recruitment process.
- Enhanced Productivity: The availability of dedicated and motivated personnel can improve the efficiency and productivity of agricultural operations, thereby facilitating the achievement of production objectives and timelines.
General Benefits:
- Economic Impact: The agricultural sector, which is significantly dependent on seasonal labor to sustain productivity and profitability, is supported by the H-2A program, which contributes to the U.S. economy.
- Worker Protections and Rights: The program includes provisions to safeguard the rights and welfare of employees, including the provision of secure working conditions, access to essential amenities, and legal recourse for any grievances.
- Community and Cultural Enrichment: The presence of H-2A workers can enhance local communities by promoting cross-cultural understanding and contributing to the local economy through their spending and participation in community activities.
How to Apply For US H2A Seasonal Work Visa?
To start the process, you should look for work in farmland. Sponsorship companies like the ones listed above can help you find jobs in this field.
The next step is for your boss to send a labor certification to the US Department of Labor (DOL). As soon as the DOL gives the company a temporary work permit, they need to file Form I-129 with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
After you’ve done these things, you can apply online for the H2 Seasonal Work visa. You have to go to the interview at the office as part of the application process.
Conclusion:
Figuring out how to get a US H2A work visa in 2024 can help foreign workers who want to work in agriculture in the US. This temporary seasonal work permit lets people who are not US citizens work in several fields, such as gardening, aquaculture, landscaping, and meat processing, for up to three years. Employers are very important because they make the process easier by paying for it and making sure workers have a place to live and a way to get to work. For a smooth transfer, it’s important to know the steps for applying and the fees that go with them. Keep up with the news and take the first steps toward a great job in the US.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the US H2A Work Visa?
The US H2A Work Visa, also known as the H-2A Agriculture Visa, is a temporary seasonal work permit allowing US companies to hire foreign workers
How long does H2A visa processing take?
The H2A visa processing typically takes 75 days from start to finish.
Who is eligible for H-2A?
To qualify for the H-2A nonimmigrant classification, the petitioner must: offer a job that is of a temporary or seasonal nature. Demonstrate that there are not enough U.S. workers who are able, willing, qualified, and available to do the temporary work.
