Skilled Trades Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship 2026: H-2A & H-2B Complete Guide – Skilled trades and seasonal labor positions in the United States offer legitimate visa sponsorship opportunities for foreign workers through the H-2A (agricultural) and H-2B (non-agricultural) temporary worker programs.
With over 400,000 visas issued annually and documented labor shortages in construction, agriculture, landscaping, and hospitality, international workers can find genuine temporary employment in America. This comprehensive guide provides accurate, updated information about skilled trades visa sponsorship in 2026.
Understanding H-2A and H-2B Visa Programs
What Makes These Visas Unique
Key Differences from Other Work Visas:
- No bachelor’s degree required (unlike H-1B)
- Designed for temporary/seasonal work (not permanent positions)
- Established programs with clear processes (40+ years operating)
- Documented labor shortages (legitimate employer needs)
- No lottery for H-2A (unlimited agricultural visas)
- Predictable application timeline (employers plan months)
Annual Visa Issuance (2024 Data):
- H-2A (agricultural): 378,000+ visas issued
- H-2B (non-agricultural): 132,000+ visas issued (includes returning worker exemptions)
- Total: 500,000+ temporary workers annually
H-2A Agricultural Worker Visa
What H-2A Covers
Eligible Agricultural Jobs:
- Field crop workers: Planting, cultivating, harvesting fruits and vegetables
- Livestock workers: Dairy farm operations, cattle ranching, sheep herding
- Nursery workers: Greenhouse operations, plant propagation, landscaping
- Equipment operators: Tractor drivers, irrigation specialists, harvest machinery
- Forestry workers: Tree planting, timber operations, forest maintenance
- Farm supervisors: Leading work crews, quality control
Top H-2A Crops/Sectors:
- Fruits: Apples, berries, grapes, citrus, stone fruits
- Vegetables: Tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, cucumbers, onions
- Tobacco (North Carolina, Kentucky)
- Dairy operations (Wisconsin, California, New York)
- Nursery/greenhouse (Florida, California, Oregon)
H-2A Wages by State (2026)
Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWR) – Minimum Required:
Highest Paying States:
- California: $18.67/hour ($38,834/year at 40 hours/week)
- Washington: $18.41/hour ($38,293/year)
- Oregon: $18.26/hour ($37,981/year)
- Hawaii: $17.92/hour ($37,274/year)
- Massachusetts: $17.38/hour ($36,150/year)
- Connecticut: $17.21/hour ($35,797/year)
Moderate Paying States:
- Florida: $14.77/hour ($30,722/year)
- North Carolina: $15.41/hour ($32,053/year)
- Arizona: $15.83/hour ($32,926/year)
- Michigan: $16.64/hour ($34,611/year)
- Georgia: $13.87/hour ($28,850/year)
Lower Cost States:
- Arkansas: $13.92/hour ($28,954/year)
- Louisiana: $12.92/hour ($26,874/year)
- Mississippi: $12.66/hour ($26,333/year)
- Oklahoma: $13.42/hour ($27,914/year)
Important Notes:
- These are MINIMUM wages; actual pay is often higher
- Overtime at a 1.5x rate is common during harvest peaks
- Piece-rate work can earn more for fast workers
- 6-10 month contracts are typical
Also See: Secondary School Teacher Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship: Complete Guide
H-2A Benefits (Employer Must Provide)
Required by Law:
- Free housing or housing at minimal cost, meeting federal standards
- Transportation reimbursement to/from home country (after 50% contract completion)
- Daily transportation from housing tothe work site
- Tools and equipment at no cost to the worker
- Workers’ compensation insurance for injuries
- “Three-fourths guarantee” – paid for 75% of contract hours even if weather/conditions reduce work
Typical Housing:
- Dormitory-style buildings or mobile homes
- Shared rooms (2-8 workers)
- Kitchen facilities for cooking
- Bathrooms, laundry
- Must meet safety and health codes
Earnings Potential with Overtime:
- Base $16/hour × 50 hours/week = $880/week
- 40 regular + 10 overtime (1.5x rate) = $880/week
- Monthly: $3,813
- 8-month season: $30,507
- Less housing deduction if charged: $50-$150/week
H-2A Visa Process
Timeline (Employer-Driven):
4-6 Months Before Need:
- Employer begins U.S. worker recruitment
- Post job orders with state workforce agencies
- Advertises positions
75-60 Days Before:
- Employer files Temporary Labor Certification with the Department of Labor
- Includes housing inspection, wage determination, and job details
After DOL Approval (30-45 days):
- Employer files H-2A petition with USCIS
- USCIS typically approves within 7-14 days
Worker Application (2-4 Weeks):
- Worker notified of job offer
- Schedules a visa interview at the U.S. embassy
- Visa is typically approved the same day/week
- Travel to the U.S.
Your Costs:
- Visa application fee: $190
- Medical exam: $50-$150 (varies by country)
- Photos and documents: $20-$50
- Total: $260-$390
- Travel to the U.S. is advanced by you, reimbursed by the employer after 50% contract
No Annual Cap: Unlimited H-2A visas available if the employer qualifies
H-2B Non-Agricultural Worker Visa
What H-2B Covers
Eligible Occupations:
Landscaping & Groundskeeping:
- Landscape laborers
- Tree trimmers
- Lawn maintenance workers
- Irrigation installers
- Golf course maintenance
Construction (Seasonal/Temporary):
- Carpenters
- Roofers
- Painters
- Concrete workers
- General laborers
- Framing crews
Hospitality & Tourism:
- Hotel housekeepers (seasonal resorts)
- Kitchen workers
- Banquet staff
- Resort maintenance workers
- Ski resort workers
Seafood Processing:
- Crab pickers
- Fish processors
- Oyster shuckers
- Seasonal plant workers
Other Seasonal Work:
- Amusement park workers
- Carnival operators
- Warehouse workers (seasonal peaks)
- Moving company workers (summer)
H-2B Wages by State (2026)
No Set Minimum Like H-2A – Must Pay Prevailing Wage:
Typical Wages by Occupation:
Landscaping:
- General laborer: $14-$20/hour
- Experienced worker: $16-$24/hour
- Supervisor: $20-$28/hour
Construction:
- General laborer: $15-$22/hour
- Carpenter: $18-$28/hour
- Roofer: $16-$26/hour
- Painter: $16-$24/hour
Hospitality:
- Housekeeper: $13-$18/hour
- Kitchen worker: $13-$17/hour
- Maintenance: $15-$22/hour
Seafood Processing:
- Crab picker: $12-$18/hour (often piece-rate)
- Fish processor: $13-$17/hour
Annual Earnings Examples:
Landscaper (8 months, 50 hours/week average):
- $18/hour × 40 regular = $720
- $18/hour × 10 overtime (1.5x) = $270
- Weekly: $990
- Monthly: $4,290
- 8 months: $34,320
Construction Laborer (6 months, 45 hours/week):
- $16/hour × 40 = $640
- $16/hour × 5 overtime (1.5x) = $120
- Weekly: $760
- Monthly: $3,293
- 6 months: $19,758
Also See: Housekeeping Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship: Realistic Guide
H-2B Visa Process
Timeline:
6-7 Months Before Need:
- Employer begins recruitment
- Advertises positions for 30 days
- Documents recruitment efforts
4-5 Months Before:
- Files Temporary Labor Certification with DOL
- DOL reviews (30-60 days processing)
3-4 Months Before:
- After DOL approval, files H-2B petition with USCIS
- USCIS processing: 15-60 days (faster with premium processing)
2 Months Before:
- Workers apply for a visa at the embassy
- Attend interview
- Receive visa
Work Start Date:
- Travel to the U.S.
- Begin employment
Annual Cap: 66,000 total (33,000 per half-year: Oct 1-Mar 31, Apr 1-Sep 30)
- Returning worker exemptions often add 60,000-80,000 additional visas
- Effective availability: 120,000-140,000 annually
- Cap typically reached quickly; apply early
Your Costs:
- Visa fee: $190
- Medical exam: $50-$200
- Documents: $20-$50
- Total: $260-$440
Employer Costs: $4,000-$12,000 per worker
- Recruitment: $500-$2,000
- DOL certification: $100
- USCIS petition: $460
- Legal fees: $2,000-$5,000
- Transportation: $300-$1,500 (must provide or reimburse)
- Housing (if required): Varies
Also See: Farm Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship: Complete Guide
Eligible Countries
Who Can Apply
79 Countries Eligible for H-2A and H-2B (2026):
Most Common Source Countries:
- Mexico (70-80% of all H-2 workers)
- Jamaica
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- El Salvador
Other Eligible Countries Include:
- South Africa, Philippines, Thailand, Romania, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Moldova, Poland, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Nicaragua, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, and 50+ more
Check Current List: USCIS publishes an updated eligible country list annually (usually in November)
Not Eligible (Examples):
- China, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh (for most programs)
- Some African and Asian countries
- List subject to change based on compliance rates
Finding H-2A and H-2B Jobs
How Recruitment Works
Through Licensed Recruiters:
- Agents operate in eligible countries
- Connect workers with U.S. employers
- Handle paperwork and logistics
- Warning: Verify recruiter legitimacy (see scam section below)
Employer Direct Recruitment:
- Some large employers recruit directly
- Return workers are often recruited first
- Word-of-mouth and referrals are common
Online Resources:
- DOL H-2A Job Registry: Seasonal Agricultural Services (SAS) online system
- State workforce agency websites: List H-2A/H-2B positions
- AgCareers.com: Agricultural job board
- Company websites: Large employers post openings
Major H-2 Employers by Sector
H-2A Agricultural:
- Large farms: Multi-state operations, thousands of acres
- Dairy operations: Wisconsin, California, New York
- Fruit orchards: Washington apples, California grapes/berries
- Vegetable growers: Florida, Georgia, California
- Nurseries: Florida, California, Oregon
H-2B Non-Agricultural:
Landscaping Companies:
- BrightView Landscapes
- TruGreen
- ValleyCrest
- Regional landscaping firms
Construction Contractors:
- Regional builders
- Roofing companies
- Seasonal construction firms
Hospitality:
- Marriott (seasonal resort properties)
- Hilton (ski resorts, beach resorts)
- Independent resort operators
- National park concessionaires
Seafood Processing:
- Louisiana crawfish processors
- Maryland/Virginia crab plants
- Alaska salmon processors
States with Highest H-2B Usage:
- Florida: 15,000+ (landscaping, hospitality)
- Maryland: 10,000+ (seafood, landscaping)
- Louisiana: 9,000+ (seafood, oil services)
- Virginia: 8,000+ (seafood, hospitality)
- North Carolina: 7,000+ (landscaping, forestry)
- Colorado: 6,000+ (ski resorts, landscaping)
Also See: Cleaning Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship: Complete Guide
Requirements and Qualifications
Basic Eligibility
For Both H-2A and H-2B:
- Citizen of an eligible country
- Valid passport (6+ months beyond contract)
- Clean criminal record
- Pass medical exam (tuberculosis test, vaccinations)
- Intent to return home after contract
- Physical ability to perform work
No Education Required:
- High school diploma NOT necessary
- No certifications needed (for most positions)
- Previous experience is helpful but often not required
Skills That Help:
- Previous agricultural or construction experience
- Equipment operation (tractors, machinery)
- Basic English (helpful but not required for many positions)
- Physical fitness and stamina
- Reliability and work ethic
Physical Requirements
Expect:
- Lift 50+ pounds regularly
- Stand, bend, stoop for 8-10 hours
- Work outdoors in heat, cold, and rain
- Repetitive motions (picking, cutting, hammering)
- Fast-paced work to meet quotas
- Early morning starts (5am-7am common)
Health Considerations:
- Good cardiovascular health
- Strong back and joints
- Heat tolerance (summer farm work)
- Cold tolerance (winter construction, ski resorts)
Working Conditions
What to Expect
Work Hours:
- 40-60 hours/week typical
- Peak seasons may require 6-7 days/week
- Overtime paid at 1.5x rate (after 40 hours)
- Weather-dependent (agriculture, especially)
Living Conditions:
- Shared housing (dormitories, trailers, houses)
- 2-8 workers per roomis common
- Kitchen and bathroom facilities
- Rural or remote locations often
- Limited public transportation
- Basic but functional accommodations
Work Environment:
- Physically demanding
- Outdoor exposure
- Repetitive tasks
- Team-based work
- Spanish is widely spoken in many countries
- Fast pace during peak seasons
Schedule:
- Agricultural: 6-10 month contracts are typical
- Non-agricultural: 4-10 months typical
- Must return home between contracts (usually)
- Can reapply for next season
Also See: Construction Laborer Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship: Complete Guide
Legal Rights and Protections
Your Rights as an H-2 Worker
You Are Entitled To:
- Wages at or above the required minimum (AEWR for H-2A, prevailing wage for H-2B)
- Overtime pay (1.5x over 40 hours/week)
- Safe working conditions (OSHA standards)
- Free or subsidized housing meeting standards
- Transportation reimbursement (H-2A requires; H-2B often includes)
- Workers’ compensation if injured
- Protection from retaliation for complaints
Employer cannot:
- Charge you for visa petition costs
- Withhold your passport
- Threaten deportation for complaints
- Pay the required wages
- Require you to work in unsafe conditions
- Retaliate for reporting violations
If Problems Arise:
- Wage issues: Contact DOL Wage and Hour Division (1-866-487-9243)
- Unsafe conditions: Report to OSHA (1-800-321-6742)
- Contract violations: DOL H-2 enforcement
- Legal help: Farmworker Justice (farmworkerjustice.org), Legal Aid
- Cannot be deported for filing complaints
Avoiding H-2 Scams
Warning Signs of Fraud
Red Flags:
- Recruiter demands $2,000-$10,000 upfront fees
- Promises a “guaranteed” job without a formal process
- No verifiable U.S. employer information
- Requests payment for “visa processing” (employer pays petition)
- Pressure to pay quickly
- Communication only via WhatsApp/social media
- Fake job offers (not in DOL system)
Legitimate Process:
- Employer pays petition costs ($4,000-$12,000)
- You pay ONLY: Visa fee ($190), medical exam ($50-$200), travel to the embassy
- Recruiter fee (if any) should be modest ($0-$500 typical, regulated in some countries)
- Formal job offer with specific employer details
- Can verify employer through DOL disclosure databases
Verify Employer:
- DOL Foreign Labor Certification Data: www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/foreign-labor/performance
- Search the employer name and H-2A/H-2B case numbers
- Check if the company has filed applications previously
- Google employer + “H-2A” or “H-2B”
- Contact the U.S. embassy in your country if suspicious
Protect Yourself:
- Never pay large upfront fees
- Get everything in writing
- Research the employer thoroughly
- Consult the U.S. embassy before paying
- Report scams to the embassy and local authorities
After Your Contract
Returning Home
Contract Completion:
- Employers typically arrange group transportation
- Or provides reimbursement for reasonable travel costs
- Receive final paycheck (all owed wages)
- Keep pay stubs and documentation
Returning Next Season:
- Major advantage: Returning workers are often exempt from the H-2B cap
- Employers prefer experienced workers
- Faster processing
- Higher pay is possible with experience
- Build a long-term relationship with the employer
Can H-2 Lead to a Green Card?
Honest Answer: No Direct Path
H-2A and H-2B Are Temporary:
- Not dual intent visas
- Do not lead to permanent residency
- Must demonstrate intent to return home
Theoretical Possibilities (Very Rare):
- Employer sponsors EB-3 green card after years of exceptional service (uncommon)
- Marry a U.S. citizen (legal but unrelated to employment)
- Win diversity lottery (if eligible country)
- Family-based immigration (if you have qualifying relatives)
Reality: 99%+ of H-2 workers return home after contracts. This is a temporary work program, not an immigration pathway.
Financial Planning
Maximizing Earnings
Typical Savings (After Expenses):
- Housing provided/minimal cost
- Food costs: $200-$400/month
- Personal expenses: $100-$200/month
- Potential savings: 60-80% of earnings
Example Budget (8-month H-2A contract, $16/hour):
- Gross earnings: $30,500
- Taxes (approx 15%): -$4,575
- Net: $25,925
- Living expenses: -$2,400 ($300/month × 8)
- Savings potential: $23,525
Money Transfer:
- Bank wire transfers
- Western Union, MoneyGram
- Remitly, Xoom (lower fees)
- Compare fees (2-5% typical)
Tax Considerations:
- Federal and state income taxes withheld
- Social Security and Medicare taxes (may not benefit)
- Must file tax return
- Some may get a refund
- Keep all pay stubs
Also See: Teaching Jobs in the USA with Visa Sponsorship: Complete Guide for International Educators
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need experience? A: Not usually. Most positions provide on-the-job training. Previous agricultural or construction experience is helpful but not required for entry-level.
Q: Do I need English? A: Basic English is helpful but not required. Many work crews speak Spanish. Safety instructions are provided in multiple languages.
Q: How much can I save? A: With housing provided and modest expenses, workers typically save $15,000-$25,000 per season (6-10 months).
Q: Can I bring family? A: No. H-2A and H-2B do not allow dependent visas. Workers come alone.
Q: What if I get injured? A: Workers’ compensation insurance covers work injuries – medical costs and partial wage replacement. All legitimate employers are required to carry this.
Q: Can I extend my stay? A: H-2A up to 3 years total. H-2B up to 3 years total. Must leave and reapply for subsequent seasons.
Q: Is housing really free? A: H-2A requires free or subsidized housing. H-2B sometimes includes housing. Small deductions ($50-$150/week) possible if charged.
Q: What if the job ends early? A: H-2A “three-fourths guarantee” means paid for 75% of the contract even if weather/conditions reduce work. H-2B has less protection.
DISCLAIMER
This guide provides general information current as of 2026, but does not constitute legal or immigration advice. H-2A and H-2B regulations, wage rates, caps, and eligible countries change regularly. Adverse Effect Wage Rates are updated annually. Not all employers sponsor H-2 visas. Recruitment scams are common – verify all opportunities through official channels. Working conditions vary significantly by employer. Always verify the employer through DOL databases before committing or paying money. Consult the U.S. Department of Labor (www.dol.gov) and USCIS (www.uscis.gov) for current official information. This information does not guarantee employment or visa approval. Salary estimates based on 2026 wage data; actual earnings vary by hours worked, productivity, and specific employment terms.
Ready to Pursue H-2 Seasonal Work?
Essential Steps:
- Verify eligible country status: Check USCIS H-2 country list
- Find a legitimate recruiter or employer: Use the DOL database verification
- Understand costs: You pay ~$260-$440; employer pays petition ($4,000-$12,000)
- Prepare physically: Work is demanding
- Get documents ready: Passport, police certificate, medical records
- Apply early: H-2B cap-subject; H-2A unlimited but early application better
- Plan financially: Budget for savings, money transfer home
H-2A and H-2B programs provide legitimate temporary work opportunities in the United States for workers from eligible countries. With proper preparation, verified employers, and realistic expectations, international workers can earn competitive wages in agricultural, construction, landscaping, and hospitality sectors through these established visa programs in 2026.
