H-2A
H-2A visa: temporary farm work
H-2A lets U.S. farm employers hire foreign workers for temporary or seasonal farm work (harvest, planting, livestock, greenhouses). There is no yearly visa cap.
Who can apply
- No degree needed; many jobs ask for no experience.
- Since 01/17/2025 there is no country list anymore: citizens of any country may take part. Entry restrictions placed on specific countries still apply.
- The employer files: first with the Department of Labor (certification), then with USCIS (Form I-129), and finally you have the interview at the consulate.
What the employer must provide
- Free housing for workers who cannot return home the same day.
- Free daily transportation between housing and work.
- Reimbursement of inbound travel (fare and meals), and return travel for those who finish the contract.
- Pay at least the program minimum (AEWR) or the local wage, whichever is higher.
- Three-fourths guarantee: the employer must offer work for at least 75% of the hours promised in the contract.
Length of stay and family
- The visa covers the contract period, with extensions of up to 1 year, up to 3 years in a row. After that you must spend 60 days outside the U.S.
- Spouse and unmarried children under 21 may come on H-4 visas but cannot work.
- H-2A does not lead to a green card by itself.
Official links
ℹ️ Immigration rules change often. Confirm on the official links or with an immigration attorney before making decisions.
Information checked on Nov 11, 2026.