H-2A Visa

The H-2A program allows U.S. employers or U.S. agents who meet certain requirements to bring foreign nationals of certain countries ("H-2A eligible countries") to the U.S. to fill temporary/seasonal agricultural jobs.  The U.S. employers or U.S. agents have to first file an I-129 petition on behalf of the prospective temporary workers.

 

H-2A eligible countries

The Department of Homeland Security publishes the list of H-2A and H-2B eligible countries annually in a Federal Register notice.  Such designation of eligible countries is valid for one year from publication.  For the most updated list, please visit: http://www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/temporary-workers/h-2a-agricultural-workers/h-2a-temporary-agricultural-workers.

An I-129 petition may be filed on behalf of a national from a country not on the list, only if the Secretary of Homeland Security determines that it is in the U.S. interest.

 

Requirements for H-2A

The U.S. employer must:

1. Offer a job that is temporary or seasonal in nature;

2. Demonstrate there are not sufficient U.S. workers who are able, willing, qualified, and available to do the temporary work; and

3. Show that the employment of H-2A workers will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers.

 

How to apply

1. First, the U.S. employer has to apply for and receive a temporary labor certification for H-2A workers from the Department of Labor (DOL).

2. Next, the U.S. employer has to file a Form I-129, Petition for Non-immigrant Worker, along with proper Supplements, temporary labor certification, and supporting documents, with USCIS.

3. Once the I-129 petition is approved, you can apply for an H-2A visa at a U.S. Embassy/Consulate.

 

Dependents

Dependents (spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of age) of H-2A workers are entitled to H-4 visas/status.  H-4 dependents may study, but cannot engage in employment in the U.S.

 

Period of stay

Generally, USCIS may approve the I-129 petition and grant H-2A classification for up to the period of time authorized on the temporary labor certification.  H-2A classification may be extended in increments of up to 1 year each.  For each extension request, a new temporary labor certification covering the requested time is needed.  The maximum period of stay in H-2A classification is 3 years.

A person who has held H-2A status for a total of 3 years must leave the U.S. and remain outside the U.S. for an uninterrupted period of 3 months before seeking readmission as an H-2A worker.  Additionally, previous time spent in other H or L classifications counts toward total H-2A time.

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