How H-2A works
From first call to crew on the farm
H-2A lets farms hire workers from other countries for seasonal jobs when there are not enough U.S. workers. Here is how a season comes together, step by step.
Plan your season
About 4 months before your start dateWe sit down with you to set your start and end dates, how many workers you need, the jobs they will do, and where they will live. If you used H-2A last year, we start from that file.
File the job order with your state
60 to 75 days before your start dateThe job order describes the work, the pay and the housing. We file it with your state workforce agency, which posts the job so U.S. workers can apply first. Your state also inspects the housing, and we help keep that moving.
Apply to the Department of Labor
At least 45 days before your start dateWe file your application in the Department of Labor's online system and keep a record of the effort to hire U.S. workers. If the Department sends questions back, we answer them. A decision is due about 30 days before your start date.
Petition USCIS
After the Department of Labor approvesWith the approval in hand, we file a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (Form I-129). This is the request to bring in your named or unnamed workers.
Consulate visits in Mexico
After USCIS approvesWe coordinate your crew's consulate appointments with our partner company in Mexico, which assists your workers with their visa forms there. Timing depends on the consulate, so we watch it closely and keep you posted.
Travel and arrival
Right before your start dateWe coordinate your crew's travel to your farm with our partner company in Mexico, usually flights for small groups. You see every travel charge on your invoice, so there are no surprises. Once your crew arrives, housing and daily transportation at the farm are yours to provide.
During the season
Start date to end dateYou pay at least the wage in your job order, keep good pay records, and provide the housing and transportation you promised. We send you a compliance packet that spells this out, and we help if the Department of Labor visits or audits your farm.
Common questions
How early should I start?
About four months before you need your crew. The state and federal deadlines run back from your start date, so starting early is the best way to get workers on time.
Do I have to provide housing?
Yes. H-2A workers get housing at no cost to them, and it has to pass a state inspection before the season. We help you understand what is required.
Can you help me find workers?
Most of our farms bring back workers they already know. We don't recruit workers ourselves, but we've built relationships with reputable companies that do, and we'll introduce you.
What if I already use another agency?
Switching is simple. We can usually start from your last season's paperwork. The best time to switch is a few months before your next start date.