STRAIGHT ANSWERS
Frequently asked questions about the H-2A.
The most common questions from people who want to work on an H-2A visa in the United States, answered objectively, with a link to the complete guide for each topic. For current official rules, always confirm with the Department of Labor, USCIS and the Department of State.
The basics of the H-2A
What is the H-2A visa?
It is the US visa for temporary or seasonal agricultural work. The employer shows the Department of Labor that it could not find enough American workers and may hire foreign workers for a set period.
What is the difference between H-2A and H-2B?
The H-2A is for agricultural work and has no annual visa cap. The H-2B is for temporary non-agricultural work (landscaping, hospitality, food processing) and has an annual numerical cap.
Who can work with an H-2A?
Citizens of countries eligible for the program who are selected by an American employer with Department of Labor certification and an approved petition. The list of eligible countries changes; confirm with USCIS.
Does the H-2A allow me to live in the US?
No. It is a temporary, seasonal visa, limited to the authorized period. There is no automatic path to permanent residence.
Jobs and applying
Where do I find official H-2A jobs?
On the Department of Labor's SeasonalJobs.dol.gov portal, where the job orders are published. H2A Works organizes this public data to make comparison easier.
How do I apply to an H-2A job?
Open the job order, check the conditions and contact, and send a short email in English with your résumé. If the employer chooses you, it handles the petition and you follow the consular instructions.
Can I get an H-2A job without experience?
Some jobs accept little or no experience, especially in harvesting; others require proven experience, such as machine operator roles. Read the requirements of each job order and never make up experience.
Do I need to speak English?
It depends on the job. Communication with the employer is usually in English and some job orders require basic English. Read the requirements and never claim a level you do not have.
What is the best time to apply?
It depends on the crop and the state. Many jobs start between August and November, but there is hiring all year. Apply early and keep track of the start dates of each job order.
Pay, costs and reimbursements
Do I have to pay to get an H-2A job?
No. Employers and their agents may not charge workers recruitment or certification fees. Be wary of anyone who sells jobs or promises guaranteed hiring.
How much does an H-2A worker earn?
It varies by state and job. The employer must pay at least the highest of the AEWR, the applicable prevailing wage and the federal, state or local minimum wage. The exact amount is in the job order.
Who pays for the ticket and visa?
The program rules provide for the employer to reimburse costs such as visa fees and the trip there, under defined conditions and deadlines, plus the return trip in certain cases. Ask for the rules in writing.
Is there overtime on the H-2A?
Most agricultural workers are exempt from the federal overtime rule, so pay for hours beyond 40 per week depends on what the job order says and on state law. Check the job.
How do I calculate what I will receive?
Multiply the hourly rate by the weekly hours and subtract deductions and taxes. You can use the H2A Works salary calculator to simulate the amount in dollars and reais.
Housing, transport and routine
Does the employer provide housing?
In H-2A job orders, the employer must provide housing at no cost to the worker when the worker does not return home the same day, within the program rules. Check the conditions of your job.
How many hours will I work?
The job order states the hours. In general, the employer must guarantee work for at least three-fourths of the hours in the contract, measured over periods defined by the program rules.
What kinds of work does the H-2A offer?
Mainly harvesting and cultivation, animal handling, operating farm machinery, nurseries and greenhouses, plus sorting and packing produce.
Which states hire the most?
In recent years, Florida, California, Georgia, Washington, Louisiana, North Carolina and Texas have been among the states with the most certified positions. See the current count of active jobs by state.
Rights and safety
What are an H-2A worker's rights?
Among others: receiving at least the required wage, pay statements, housing and tools at no cost, workers' compensation coverage and protection against retaliation. The details are in the Department of Labor's Fact Sheet #26.
How do I report abuse or incorrect pay?
To the Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division (WHD), which receives complaints from H-2A workers and offers service with interpreters. Keep receipts, your contract and conversations.
How do I know if a job is a scam?
Be wary of charges for a job, promises of a guaranteed visa, payment by PIX to an individual and a missing case number. Check the case number on SeasonalJobs.dol.gov before any payment.
About H2A Works
Does H2A Works guarantee a job or visa?
No. The platform organizes public data, résumés and applications. Hiring depends on the employer and the visa depends on United States authorities.
Is H2A Works free?
There is a free plan with 10 applications to try, no card. Pro plans unlock unlimited sends, unlimited templates and Autopilot.
Does H2A Works read my emails?
No. The Gmail connection is used only to send applications from your account. The platform does not request permission to read or sync your inbox.
Where do H2A Works jobs come from?
From public Department of Labor job orders. Always confirm the conditions in the official listing before applying.
Still have questions?
Read the complete H-2A visa guide, explore jobs by state or talk to H2A Works support.