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WHAT IS H-2A?

The H-2A program is a federal visa program allowing agricultural employers who meet specific regulatory requirements to hire nonimmigrant foreign workers for seasonal jobs that are tough to fill.

H-2A workers are generally from rural communities in Central America and Mexico. They go home after the work season and return to their U.S. employer for the next one.

To qualify as an H-2A employer, agricultural businesses must:

  • Offer a temporary or seasonal job

  • Demonstrate that there are not enough U.S. workers willing to fill these positions

  • Show that employing foreign nationals will not affect the working conditions and wages of U.S. workers in similar employment

  • Submit a single valid temporary labor certification and H-2A petition to the U.S. Department of Labor

INDUSTRIES PREVIOUSLY SERVED BY MÁSLABOR

  • Nurseries & Greenhouse Growers

  • Fruit & Vegetable Farms

  • Vineyards

  • Orchards

  • Tobacco Farms

  • Hay & Grain Growers

  • Horse Farms

  • Livestock Ranches

  • Beekeepers

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Agricultural worker

TRANSPORTATION

H-2A employers are responsible for providing, paying or reimbursing travel costs for all non-local workers hired for the contract (U.S. and foreign). These costs include inbound and outbound transportation, meals and any overnight lodging while in transit. Foreign workers must also be reimbursed for all visa costs in the first workweek. másH2A provides detailed travel reimbursement guidance.

HOUSING

H-2A employers must offer free housing to all non-local workers (U.S. and foreign). All worker housing is subject to annual inspection and approval by the State Workforce Agency (SWA) or other housing authority. másH2A provides thorough guidance to help you comply with the applicable housing standards and navigate state inspection, permit and certification processes.

Ag worker picking fruit

WAGE & WORK HOURS

H-2A employers must offer full-time employment (35+ hours per week) for the duration of the H-2A contract period at a government-assigned wage rate based on occupation. Employers must also guarantee that they will offer at least 75% of the specified work hours over the life of the contract. másH2A evaluates your labor needs and provides guidance on all wage requirements.

RECRUITMENT

H-2A employers must attempt to hire local U.S. workers for the job opportunity by advertising the job online and internally at the place of business, contacting laid-off former U.S. employees, and accepting referrals from the local State Workforce Agency (SWA). másH2A ensures that you satisfy all U.S. recruitment obligations in accordance with the regulatory requirements.

WHY CHOOSE másH2A LABOR SOLUTIONS?

Ag worker collecting fruit

másLabor is a leading provider of comprehensive labor services, offering everything you need to navigate the complex, multi-stage government application process of the H-2A visa program. We'll help you get dependable, legal labor to support your seasonal needs.

We assign each client a dedicated case manager, supported by our in-house team of regulatory consultants and subject-matter experts. Your case manager works with you to define and scope your labor needs and prepare customized application materials. Upon filing, we interface with the relevant state and federal agencies to ensure timely approval. Your case manager is also available to provide comprehensive guidance on your ongoing compliance obligations.

As the top provider in the U.S. for H-2A visas, we understand the complexities of the program and are committed to following procedures the right way to make sure you're compliant. Compared to other providers, we offer more services to assist you throughout the entire process. Your case manager will:

  • Develop custom applications

  • Provide ongoing compliance support

  • Obtain government approvals

  • Assist with appeals and audits

  • Coordinate foreign recruitment

  • Assist with U.S. applicants and referrals

  • Verify each worker's experience and skills

  • Schedule consular appointments

If you require assistance with recruitment and worker logistics, másH2A works with a network of foreign worker facilitators in these countries:

  • Mexico

  • Costa Rica

  • El Salvador

  • Guatemala

  • Honduras

  • Jamaica

  • South Africa

“másLabor lives, eats, and breathes H-2A, and as our agent, they maintain an expertise that we as a grower cannot…We see a great future for our company because of the H-2A program, and trust that másLabor will be by our side every year.”

Willoway Nurseries

“The H-2A program has given us the opportunity to plan ahead and hire experienced workers when our needs are the greatest. We highly recommend másLabor for anyone with similar needs.”

Early Mountain Vineyards

Learn More About Our H-2A Services

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