Transportation and reimbursements on H-2A: travel, visa and meals

H-2A rules provide that the employer reimburses costs such as visa fees and inbound transportation (from the home country to the workplace), under the conditions and deadlines defined, and return transportation in certain cases. Confirm in your job order and keep receipts.

Quick answer: keep your ticket, visa receipts and receipts for meals on the trip. Ask in writing when and how the employer will reimburse. Always record amounts and dates.

Visa and related fees

The Department of Labor states that the employer must reimburse visa fees and other related fees, generally in the first week of work. This rule exists so you don't bear that cost. Confirm the deadline and amounts in your job and in Fact Sheet #26.

Inbound transportation

The employer must reimburse the reasonable cost of transportation and meals on the trip, from the place of recruitment to the workplace, under the planned conditions, usually when the worker completes a certain percentage of the contract. Some jobs advance the ticket; others reimburse later. Ask how it will work.