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H-2A Program
H-1B or H-2A: what is the difference and which is more accessible
Compare the H-1B and the H-2A: who can apply, whether a degree is required, whether there is a lottery, who pays the fees, duration and what each visa allows.
Redação H2A Works Updated on October 30, 2026 7 min read
The H-1B is for specialty occupations and requires a degree and a lottery; the H-2A is for temporary agricultural work, requires no degree and has no lottery. They are visas for different audiences, and the right question is not which is "better," but which fits your profile and what you want.
Quick answer: with a degree in the field, the H-1B opens more doors in the long run, but it depends on a lottery and a sponsoring company. Without a degree, the H-2A is usually more accessible, because an agricultural employer can hire without an annual cap on visas. It is temporary.
Direct comparison
What it is for
- H-1B: specialty occupations, such as technology, engineering, finance and health.
- H-2A: temporary or seasonal agricultural work, such as harvesting, handling animals, nurseries and operating farm machinery.
Does it require a degree?
- H-1B: generally yes, a bachelor's degree or equivalent in the job's field.
- H-2A: no. The job sets the requirements, and practical experience usually counts more.
Is there a lottery or annual cap?
- H-1B: yes. There is an annual cap and a selection. Since the 2027 season, a US government rule gives better odds to registrations with higher wages.
