Nonimmigrant visa

Nonimmigrant visa

Temporary Agricultural Workers

Members of Internationally Recognized Entertainment Groups

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

Band members, Orchestra members, Circus performers, Dance troupes

• 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.

• The group must be internationally recognized in its field.

• At least 75% of the group’s members must have been with the group for a minimum of one year.

• The purpose of the visit to the U.S. must be to perform as a group.

• 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.

• Allows internationally recognized entertainment groups to perform in the U.S.

• Simplifies the process with a single petition for the entire group.

• Adjusts the stay duration based on the group’s engagement schedule.

• Flexible sponsorship options, including sponsorship by an agent—an individual or entity designated to act on your behalf—instead of a single payroll employer. This allows you to work for multiple employers.

• Visas are available for essential support personnel, such as sound and lighting technicians.

• 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.

• Stay is limited to one-year increments, which is shorter than other visa categories.

• Requires proof of international recognition (not just national), setting a higher eligibility standard compared to some other visas.

• Spouses and dependents do not receive work authorization.

• Renewal requires evidence of ongoing performance engagements.

Required

Required

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

Duration of the event, up to 1 year, renewable in 1-year increments

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

1-year increments

1-3 months¹

3-6 months

15 business days

15 business days

No

No

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

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