Farm Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship 2026: Complete Guide for International Agricultural Workers – The United States agricultural sector faces a critical labor shortage, creating legitimate opportunities for international workers through the H-2A temporary agricultural worker program. With over 370,000 H-2A visas issued in 2024 and demand continuing to grow, foreign workers can find genuine farm employment with visa sponsorship.
This comprehensive guide provides accurate, updated information about farm jobs in the USA with visa sponsorship for international workers in 2026.
Why U.S. Farms Need Foreign Workers
The Agricultural Labor Crisis
Current Situation:
- Estimated shortage: 1-2 million agricultural workers needed annually
- Domestic workforce insufficient for seasonal peaks
- Aging farmworker population (average age: 45+)
- Fewer Americans are willing to do physically demanding farm work
- Immigration enforcement reduced the undocumented workforce
Crops Most Dependent on Foreign Labor:
- Fruits and vegetables: 70-80% foreign-born workers
- Dairy operations: 50-60% foreign-born workers
- Specialty crops (berries, grapes): 85%+ foreign-born workers
- Field crops (corn, soybeans): Less dependent but growing need
Result: H-2A program growing 10-15% annually with legitimate employer sponsorship
Also See: Cleaning Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship: Complete Guide
Real Farm Worker Salaries (2026)
H-2A Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWR)
By State (Hourly Minimum for H-2A Workers):
Highest Paying:
- California: $18.67/hour
- Washington: $18.41/hour
- Oregon: $18.26/hour
- Hawaii: $17.92/hour
- Massachusetts: $17.38/hour
Moderate:
- Florida: $14.77/hour
- North Carolina: $15.41/hour
- Georgia: $13.87/hour
- Arizona: $15.83/hour
- Texas: $14.26/hour
Lower (But Still Above Federal Minimum):
- Arkansas: $13.92/hour
- Louisiana: $12.92/hour
- Mississippi: $12.66/hour
- Oklahoma: $13.42/hour
Important: These are MINIMUM wages. Actual pay is often higher, especially for skilled work.
Annual Earnings Potential
Typical H-2A Contract (6-10 months):
Example 1: California Fruit Harvester (8 months)
- Hourly wage: $18.67
- Hours per week: 50 (average during harvest)
- Weekly earnings: $933.50 (40 regular + 10 overtime at 1.5x)
- Monthly: $4,040
- 8-month contract: $32,320
Example 2: Florida Vegetable Worker (6 months)
- Hourly wage: $14.77
- Hours per week: 48
- Weekly earnings: $768.48
- Monthly: $3,330
- 6-month contract: $19,980
Example 3: Washington Apple Harvest (4 months peak)
- Hourly wage: $18.41
- Hours per week: 55 (peak season)
- Weekly earnings: $1,060.58
- Monthly: $4,595
- 4-month contract: $18,380
Piece-Rate Alternative:
- Some crops paid per unit picked (bucket, bin, pound)
- Experienced workers can earn $20-$35/hour equivalent
- Depends on speed, crop type, season
What Employers Must Provide
Required by H-2A Regulations:
Housing:
- Free or subsidized housing (cost deducted cannot exceed certain limits)
- Must meet safety and health standards
- Typically, dormitory-style, shared rooms
- Kitchen facilities, bathrooms, laundry
Transportation:
- Free transport from housing to the work site daily
- Reimbursement for travel to/from home country (after 50% contract completion)
- Local transportation for shopping (varies by employer)
Tools and Equipment:
- All work tools are provided at no cost
- Safety equipment (gloves, protective gear)
- Rain gear if working in wet conditions
Meals:
- Not always required, but some provide
- Kitchen facilities for self-cooking standard
- Cost of meals if provided: deducted at reasonable rates
Workers’ Compensation Insurance:
- Required by law
- Covers medical costs if injured on the job
The H-2A Visa Program
What H-2A Is
Official Name: Temporary Agricultural Workers
Purpose: Allow U.S. employers to bring foreign workers for seasonal agricultural work when domestic workers are unavailable
No Annual Cap: Unlike H-2B, unlimited H-2A visas are available if the employer qualifies
Duration:
- Initially: Length of approved work contract (typically 6-10 months)
- Extensions: Can extend up to 3 years total
- Return trips: Can leave and re-enter on the same visa
Countries Eligible: 89 countries (including Mexico, most Central American, Caribbean, Eastern European, and some African/Asian nations)
Employer Requirements
To Sponsor H-2A Workers, Employer Must:
- Prove Temporary/Seasonal Need
- Work is seasonal (tied to harvest, planting, etc.)
- Or temporary (under 1 year)
- Not year-round permanent positions
- Recruit U.S. Workers First
- Advertise positions extensively
- Contact former employees
- Register with the state workforce agency
- Document recruitment efforts
- File Temporary Labor Certification
- Submit to the Department of Labor 75-60 days before need
- Show housing, wages, and working conditions meet standards
- DOL review and approval (or denial)
- File H-2A Petition with USCIS
- After DOL certification
- Request a specific number of workers
- Processing time: 7-14 days, typical
- Pay Required Wages and Provide Benefits
- AEWR or higher
- Free housing
- Transportation reimbursement
- Workers’ compensation
Employer Costs Per Worker:
- Recruitment: $500-$2,000
- Legal/agent fees: $200-$1,000 per worker
- Housing provision: $50-$150/week value
- Transportation: $300-$1,500 (home country travel reimbursement)
- DOL certification fee: $100
- USCIS petition: $460
- Total: $2,000-$6,000+ per worker
Also See: Construction Laborer Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship: Complete Guide
Worker Requirements
To Qualify for H-2A:
Eligibility:
- Citizen of an H-2A eligible country
- Job offer from an approved H-2A employer
- Intend to return to the home country after the contract
- No significant U.S. immigration violations
- Pass security/background check
Physical Requirements:
- Able to perform physically demanding work
- Stand, bend, lift (25-50 lbs) for 8-10 hour shifts
- Work in outdoor conditions (heat, cold, rain)
- Pass medical exam (tuberculosis test, vaccinations)
Experience:
- Most positions require NO prior farm experience
- On-the-job training provided
- Some specialized roles (tractor operators, irrigators) prefer experience
Language:
- English NOT required for most positions
- Spanish is widely spoken in agricultural workplaces
- Basic communication skills helpful
Types of Farm Jobs Available
Crop Production
Fruit Harvesting:
- Apples: Washington, New York, Michigan (Sep-Nov)
- Berries: California, Oregon, Florida (Apr-Oct)
- Citrus: Florida, California, Texas (Oct-May)
- Grapes: California (wine and table), Washington (Aug-Oct)
- Peaches/stone fruit: Georgia, California, South Carolina (May-Aug)
Vegetable Harvesting:
- Tomatoes: Florida, California (varies by region)
- Lettuce/leafy greens: California, Arizona (year-round, peaks)
- Sweet corn: Multiple states (Jun-Sep)
- Cucumbers/squash: Florida, Georgia, North Carolina
- Peppers/chiles: California, New Mexico
Field Crops:
- Tobacco: North Carolina, Kentucky (Jun-Oct)
- Cotton: Texas, Georgia, Arkansas (Sep-Dec)
- Sugar beets: Minnesota, North Dakota (Sep-Nov)
Nursery/Greenhouse:
- Planting, potting, watering
- Year-round or seasonal
- Climate-controlled environments
- Often, better working conditions
Livestock Operations
Dairy Farms:
- Milking cows (2-3 times daily)
- Feeding, cleaning stalls
- Calf care
- Often, year-round positions (longer contracts)
- States: Wisconsin, California, New York, Pennsylvania
Cattle/Beef:
- Feeding, herding
- Fence maintenance
- Calving season assistance
- Western states primarily
Poultry:
- Chicken/turkey farms
- Egg collection
- Cleaning, feeding
- Less common for H-2A, but some operations
Sheep/Goat:
- Herding (especially Western rangeland)
- Shearing season
- Lambing/kidding assistance
Specialized Operations
Equipment Operators:
- Tractor drivers
- Irrigation system operators
- Harvest machinery operators
- Higher pay ($16-$25/hour typical)
- Requires training/experience
General Farm Labor:
- Planting, weeding, and thinning
- Irrigation maintenance
- Fence repair
- Land preparation
- Year-round or seasonal
The H-2A Application Process
Timeline (Employer-Driven)
4-6 Months Before Work Needed:
- Employer begins U.S. worker recruitment
- Advertises positions
- Contacts state workforce agency
75-60 Days Before:
- Employer files a temporary labor certification with DOL
- Includes job order, wages, and housing details
- DOL reviews for completeness and compliance
30-60 Days Before:
- DOL approves or denies certification
- If approved, the employer files Form I-129 with USCIS
2-4 Weeks Before:
- USCIS approves petition (typically within 7-14 days)
- Workers notified to apply for visas
1-2 Weeks Before:
- Workers schedule embassy appointments
- Attend visa interviews
- Receive visa approval (usually same day or week)
Work Start Date:
- Travel to the U.S.
- Begin employment
Worker’s Role in Process
Your Steps:
1. Find H-2A Employer/Recruiter
- Work with a recruiter in the home country
- Or respond to an employer advertisement
- Verify employer is legitimate (check DOL H-2A disclosure data)
2. Receive Job Offer
- Formal offer letter with:
- Job duties
- Wage rate
- Contract length
- Housing details
- Start date
3. Gather Documents
- Valid passport (6+ months validity beyond contract)
- Birth certificate
- Police certificate (if required by embassy)
- Proof of ties to home country (property, family, etc.)
4. Complete DS-160 Form
- Online visa application
- Attach the photo meeting specifications
- Print confirmation page
5. Schedule a Visa Interview
- Pay visa fee: $190
- Book an appointment at the U.S. embassy/consulate
- Wait times vary (1-6 weeks typical)
6. Attend Interview
- Bring all documents
- Passport, DS-160 confirmation
- Job offer letter
- H-2A petition approval notice
- Answer questions about the job, intentions
7. Receive Visa
- If approved: passport returned with visa stamp (3-7 days)
- Visa valid for the duration of the petition
8. Travel to the U.S.
- Book flight
- Arrive at the designated entry point
- Present documents to the CBP officer
- Admitted as an H-2A worker
Your Costs:
- Visa application fee: $190
- Medical exam: $50-$150 (varies by country)
- Passport photos: $10-$20
- Travel to embassy: varies
- Total: $250-$500 typically
- Travel to U.S.: Advanced by you, reimbursed by employer after completing 50% of contract
Also See: Teaching Jobs in the USA with Visa Sponsorship: Complete Guide for International Educators
Finding H-2A Jobs
Recruitment Methods
H-2A Recruiting Agents:
- Licensed agents operate in eligible countries
- Connect workers with U.S. employers
- Assist with paperwork
- Warning: Beware of scams (see below)
Online Job Boards:
- H-2A Job Registry (official DOL site)
- AgCareers.com
- State workforce agency websites
- Farm-specific job boards
Direct Employer Contact:
- Large agricultural employers often recruit directly
- Company websites list H-2A opportunities
- Apply through online portals
Word of Mouth:
- Former H-2A workers are often recruited again
- Referrals from friends/family who worked H-2A
- Employers prefer known, reliable workers
Major H-2A Employers/Regions
Highest H-2A Usage (by state):
- Florida: 31,000+ workers (vegetables, citrus, nursery)
- California: 30,000+ (berries, grapes, tree fruit, vegetables)
- Georgia: 22,000+ (vegetables, timber, poultry)
- Washington: 21,000+ (apples, hops, asparagus)
- North Carolina: 20,000+ (tobacco, sweet potatoes, berries)
- Louisiana: 12,000+ (sugarcane, crawfish)
- Michigan: 11,000+ (apples, cherries, blueberries)
- New York: 9,000+ (apples, grapes, vegetables)
Large Employer Types:
- Agricultural labor contractors (supply workers to multiple farms)
- Large commercial farms (thousands of acres)
- Dairy operations (year-round needs)
- Nursery/greenhouse operations
Working Conditions and Expectations
Typical Schedule
Hours:
- 40-60 hours/week is common
- 6-7 days/week during peak harvest
- Early start times (5am-7am) to avoid midday heat
- Overtime paid at 1.5x after 40 hours
Seasons:
- Spring: Planting, early harvest (Apr-Jun)
- Summer: Peak harvest (Jun-Sep)
- Fall: Continued harvest, preparation (Sep-Nov)
- Winter: Slower (some operations close, workers return home)
Physical Demands
Expect:
- Bending, stooping, and kneeling repeatedly
- Lifting 25-50 lbs regularly
- Standing/walking 8-10 hours
- Working in heat (80-100°F common)
- Repetitive motions (picking, cutting, sorting)
- Outdoor exposure (sun, rain, cold)
Health Considerations:
- Dehydration risk (drink water constantly)
- Heat exhaustion possible
- Pesticide exposure (follow safety protocols)
- Muscle strain (proper technique important)
- Cuts and scrapes (wear protective gear)
Housing Conditions
Typical Accommodations:
- Dormitory-style buildings
- Shared rooms (2-8 workers)
- Bunk beds
- Communal kitchen, bathrooms
- Laundry facilities
- Basic furnishings
Standards:
- Must meet safety and health codes
- Adequate space per person
- Heating and cooling
- Potable water
- Sanitation facilities
Quality Varies:
- Some employers provide excellent housing
- Others minimal compliance
- Inspect before committing if possible
Legal Rights and Protections
H-2A Worker Rights
You Are Entitled To:
- Wages at least the AEWR for your state
- Overtime pay (1.5x) for hours over 40/week
- Free or subsidized housing meeting standards
- Workers’ compensation if injured
- Safe working conditions (OSHA standards)
- Protection from discrimination and retaliation
- “Three-fourths guarantee” (paid for 75% of contract hours, even if weather/other issues reduce work)
Your Employer Must:
- Pay for H-2A petition costs (cannot charge you)
- Reimburse inbound transportation (after 50% contract)
- Pay return transportation (if you complete the contract)
- Provide tools and equipment at no charge
- Allow you to leave employment (though it may affect future H-2A eligibility)
If Problems Arise
Wage Theft or Unpaid Wages:
- Document hours worked carefully
- Contact the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division
- File complaint: 1-866-487-9243
- Cannot be deported for filing a wage complaint
Unsafe Conditions:
- Report to OSHA: 1-800-321-6742
- Employers cannot retaliate for safety complaints
Contract Violations:
- Contact DOL H-2A enforcement
- Legal aid organizations help H-2A workers
- Farmworker Justice: www.farmworkerjustice.org
Housing Issues:
- Report substandard housing to DOL
- Health department inspections possible
Avoiding H-2A Scams
Red Flags
Warning Signs of Fraud:
- Recruiter demands large upfront fees ($500-$5,000)
- Promises a guaranteed job without a formal offer letter
- No verifiable U.S. employer information
- Requests payment for “visa processing” from you
- Pressure to pay quickly
- Communication only via WhatsApp/Facebook
- Fake job offers (verify employer on DOL H-2A disclosure database)
Legitimate Process:
- Employer pays H-2A petition costs
- You pay only: visa fee ($190), medical exam, and travel to the embassy
- Formal job offer letter with specific employer details
- Recruiter fee (if used) should be reasonable ($0-$300 typical, regulated in some countries)
Verify Employer:
- Search DOL Foreign Labor Certification Data: www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/foreign-labor/performance
- Check if the employer has filed H-2A applications previously
- Google employer name + “H-2A”
- Ask for the employer’s H-2A case number
Also See: Dishwasher Jobs in the USA with Visa Sponsorship: Reality Check
After Your Contract
Returning Home
Contract Completion:
- Employer pays return transportation
- Receive final paycheck (including any owed wages)
- Keep all documentation (pay stubs, contract)
Return Transportation:
- Reimbursement for reasonable cost
- Most employers arrange group transportation
- Some provide cash reimbursement
Returning to Work Next Season
Many H-2A Workers Return Annually:
- Employers prefer experienced workers
- Process faster for returning workers
- Some maintain the same housing/work crews
- Build relationships and job security
Benefits of Returning:
- Know what to expect
- Established routine
- Potentially higher wages
- Shorter visa process
Not a Path to Permanent Residency
Important Reality:
- H-2A is a TEMPORARY visa only
- Does not lead to a green card
- Must return to the home country between contracts
- Cannot “adjust status” to permanent from H-2A
- Any permanent immigration must be through other channels (family, diversity lottery, etc.)
Maximizing Your Experience
Financial Planning
Savings Potential:
- With housing provided, one can save 60-80% of earnings
- $10,000-$25,000 savings are typical per season
- Send money home via wire transfer (compare fees)
- Budget for off-season living in the home country
Avoid:
- Excessive spending on non-essentials
- Sending all money home (keep emergency fund)
- Lending large amounts to others
- Expensive money transfer services (use a bank or reputable services)
Skill Development
Learn:
- English basics (improves opportunities)
- Equipment operation (increases value to employer)
- Specialized agricultural techniques
- Take skills back to the home country
Health and Safety
Protect Yourself:
- Drink water constantly (dehydration serious risk)
- Wear sun protection (hat, sunscreen, long sleeves)
- Use the provided safety equipment
- Report injuries immediately
- Pace yourself (it’s a marathon, not a sprint)
- Rest on days off
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is H-2A really free visa sponsorship? A: Employer pays petition costs ($500-$1,500). You pay the visa fee ($190), medical exam, and travel to the embassy. Employer reimburses U.S. travel after completing 50% of the contract.
Q: Can I bring my family? A: Spouse and children under 21 can apply for H-4 visas, but cannot work. Most H-2A workers come alone due to the temporary nature.
Q: Do I need farm experience? A: No. Most positions require no experience. Training provided. Experience is helpful for equipment operator roles.
Q: Can I change employers? A: Technically, yes, but the new employer must file a new H-2A petition. Practically difficult. Easier to complete the contract and seek a new employer next season.
Q: What if I get sick or injured? A: Workers’ compensation covers work injuries. Health insurance for non-work illness varies (some employers provide, others don’t). Consider travel insurance.
Q: Is there really unlimited work? A: Hours vary by season and crop. Peak harvest = long hours. Slow periods = fewer hours. “Three-fourths guarantee” ensures minimum payment.
Q: Can this lead to a green card? A: No. H-2A is temporary only. Does not provide a path to permanent residency. Must pursue other immigration options separately.
DISCLAIMER
This guide provides general information current as of 2026, but does not constitute legal or immigration advice. H-2A program regulations, wage rates, and employer requirements change regularly. Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWR) are updated annually by the Department of Labor. Salary estimates based on 2026 AEWR published rates; actual earnings vary by hours worked, crop type, and individual productivity. Not all agricultural employers sponsor H-2A visas. Eligibility requirements and country participation lists are subject to change. Processing times are approximate. Working conditions vary significantly by employer. Always verify employer legitimacy through the DOL H-2A disclosure database before committing. Consult the U.S. Department of Labor (www.dol.gov) and USCIS (www.uscis.gov) for official current information. Beware of recruitment scams demanding large upfront payments.
Ready to Pursue H-2A Farm Work?
Essential Steps:
- Verify you’re from an eligible country: Check USCIS H-2A country list
- Find a legitimate recruiter or employer: Use the DOL database to verify
- Understand costs: You pay ~$200-$500, and the employer pays the petition.
- Prepare physically: Farm work is demanding
- Learn basic English: Helpful though not required
- Save documentation: Keep all papers, pay stubs, and contracts
- Plan finances: Budget for savings and off-season
The H-2A program provides legitimate, legal pathways for temporary agricultural work in the United States. With proper preparation, realistic expectations, and choosing verified employers, international workers can earn competitive wages while gaining valuable experience in American agriculture.
