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What Employers Need to Know
The H-2A visa does not require traditional visa sponsorship like permanent employment visas do. The H-2A visa lets U.S. farms bring in temporary agricultural workers legally. Employers must show a shortage of U.S. labor, provide housing and transportation, and pay required wages. Stay up to date with Department of Labor updates to keep compliant with current rules and rates.
Thousands of global businesses can't be wrong.
Sign up for free and explore global hiring with Playroll.
What is H-2A Visa?
The H-2A Temporary Agricultural Workers Program lets U.S. employers bring foreign nationals to fill seasonal agricultural jobs tied to planting, cultivating, or harvesting crops. It ensures employers maintain productivity during peak agricultural seasons when U.S. workers are unavailable.
Common Job Roles Sponsored Under This Visa
- Agriculture & Farming (Crop Picker, Farm Laborer, Irrigation Technician)
- Livestock & Dairy (Cattle Feeder, Milker, Herdsman)
- Harvesting Operations (Fruit Picker, Field Worker, Equipment Operator)
- Greenhouse & Horticulture (Nursery Worker, Plant Caretaker)
Employer Sponsorship Requirements for H-2A Visa
To sponsor a worker under the H-2A visa, an employer must:
- Show there are not enough U.S. workers able, willing, and qualified for the work.
- Offer only temporary or seasonal agricultural employment.
- Provide free housing that meets federal and state standards.
- Pay at least the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) or prevailing wage.
- Cover transportation costs to and from the job site.
- File a temporary labor certification with the Department of Labor and Form I-129 with USCIS.
How Much Does it Cost to Sponsor H-2A Visa?
Typical costs include:
Most employers cover these costs to comply with H-2A program obligations.
Estimated Timeline for Sponsoring H-2A Visa
Employers should expect the full process to take 2–3 months, with possible delays during peak seasons or if documentation is incomplete.
Alternative Hiring Solutions That Don't Require Visa Sponsorship
Sponsoring an H-2A visa is often complex, time-consuming, and costly. Employers must manage government approvals, provide compliant housing, and plan seasonal work schedules. For businesses expanding internationally or working remotely, relocating workers to the U.S. is not always efficient.
With Playroll’s Employer of Record (EOR) model, employers can legally hire and pay workers in over 180 countries without visa sponsorship or relocation. Playroll manages employment contracts, payroll, benefits, and taxes under local labor laws, helping businesses onboard global talent quickly and cost-effectively. This approach is faster, compliant, and more affordable than navigating the H-2A sponsorship process.
Hire Without Visa Hassles, Anywhere
01
Find Top Talent
Portugal, Italy, South Africa — hire your ideal candidate anywhere in the world.
02
Contact Playroll
No local entity? No problem. We employ on your behalf in 180+ markets.
03
Admin, Handled
From the contract to payroll and benefits, we handle it all, so you can focus on growth.
04
Hands-On Help
From onboarding to offboarding, our team provides real human support along the way.
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