H-2A

Nonimmigrant visa

Temporary Agricultural Workers

Agricultural workers, Seasonal farm workers, Horticultural employees, Forestry workers, Dairy farm workers, Orchard workers

• The employment must be of a temporary or seasonal nature.

• Employers must prove there are no available U.S. workers who are willing, qualified, and able to perform the temporary work.

• Employers must certify that hiring H-2A workers will not adversely impact the wages and working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers.

• Provides a legal pathway for foreign agricultural workers to work in the U.S.

• Addresses critical labor shortages in the agricultural sector.

• Allows for seasonal employment flexibility, matching crop harvest cycles.

• Limited exclusively to agricultural work and subject to seasonal demands.

• No pathway to permanent residency or long-term employment.

• Spouses and dependents do not receive work authorization.

• Employers must undergo a rigorous certification process.

• Requires employer sponsorship and a specific job offer.

Required

Duration of labor certification, up to 1 year, renewable twice in 1-year increments for a total of 3 years.

Twice in 1-year increments for a total of 3 years.

1-3 months¹

15 business days

No

¹Varies based on processing center workload and employer need; fee applicability uncertain.