What the employer must provide
In general terms, the H-2A rules provide for:
- Inspected housing at no cost to the worker, or a housing allowance where applicable.
- Tools, equipment and supplies needed for the work, at no cost.
- Reimbursement of the ticket and round-trip transport, under the conditions set in the regulations.
- A guarantee of three-fourths of the hours in the contract.
- A written copy of the work contract before travel, in the worker's language.
Questions to ask before accepting
Ask what the lodging is like (shared rooms, kitchen, bathroom), the distance to the field, how daily transport works, whether meals are provided and what deductions exist.
Your rights and where to report
H-2A workers have labor protections and can report abuse to the Department of Labor (Wage and Hour Division), including in Portuguese on some channels. Keep your contract, pay stubs and time records.
See active seasonal jobs
H-2A jobs by state, occupation and start month, straight from the Department of Labor's public job orders.