What Is the H-2A Program?

The H-2A visa program is a federal initiative that allows agricultural employers in the United States to hire foreign workers for temporary or seasonal jobs when qualified U.S. workers are unavailable.

Most H-2A workers come from rural areas in Mexico and Latin America. They are authorized to work in the U.S. for a set season, then return to their home country — often coming back to the same farm year after year.

To participate in the H-2A program, agricultural employers must:

Offer work that is temporary or seasonal in nature
Prove that there are not enough U.S. workers available to fill the job
Show that hiring foreign workers will not negatively affect the wages or working conditions of U.S. employees in similar roles
File a valid temporary labor certification (ETA-9142A) and a USCIS petition (I-129) with supporting documentation

Program Requirements

H-2A employers are required to cover the cost of transportation for all non-local workers — both U.S. and foreign — hired under the contract. This includes inbound and outbound travel, meals, and any overnight lodging needed during the trip. Employers must also reimburse foreign workers for all visa-related costs during the first week of employment.
LaborLink provides step-by-step guidance to ensure full compliance with travel and reimbursement rules.

Housing

H-2A employers must provide free, approved housing to all non-local workers. Housing must meet safety and health standards and is subject to annual inspection by the State Workforce Agency (SWA) or other authorized agencies.
LaborLink assists with housing compliance, helping you navigate inspections, permits, and certification requirements with ease.

H-2A employers are required to offer full-time employment (35+ hours per week) at a wage rate set by the U.S. Department of Labor, based on the job and location. Employers must also guarantee at least 75% of the total contract hours over the entire work period.
LaborLink helps you understand and meet all wage-related obligations, ensuring your pay structure remains fully compliant.

Before hiring H-2A workers, employers must make a good-faith effort to recruit U.S. workers. This includes posting job ads online and at the job site, contacting eligible former workers, and working with the local State Workforce Agency (SWA).
LaborLink ensures that all domestic recruitment steps are properly completed and documented according to federal requirements.

What Is the H-2A Program?

Program Requirements

Housing

Recruitment

Wage & Work Hours

Transportation

Solutions