The H2A Program Explained – Work Applicants
The H-2A program allows U.S. employers or U.S. agents who meet specific regulatory requirements to bring foreign nationals to the United States to fill temporary agricultural jobs.
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A Temporary Labour Certificate must be obtained by the employer, submitting the required paperwork to both the State Workforce Agency and the Department of Labor, before he may employ foreigners on the H2A program.
To qualify for H-2A non-immigrant classification, the petitioner (farmer/employer) must:
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Offer a job that is of a temporary or seasonal nature.
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Demonstrate that there are not enough U.S. workers who are able, willing, qualified, and available to do the temporary work.
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Show that employing H-2A workers will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our agency provides candidates in the following categories
Possible candidates include
1. Skilled Crop Farm Hands: We specialize in recruiting experienced and skilled individuals, adept at managing various crops, ensuring optimal yields and farm efficiency.
2. Cattle, Livestock and Horse Handlers: Our pool of talent includes professionals with expertise in handling and caring for livestock, contributing to the well-being of your animals.
3. Tradesmen (Electricians, Plumbers, Welders, Builders): Recognizing the diverse needs of modern farms, we offer a selection of tradesmen to address any infrastructure or maintenance requirements.
4. Semi-Truck Drivers: Our agency provides reliable and experienced semi-truck drivers to facilitate the transportation of goods, ensuring timely delivery and operational efficiency.
5. Greenhouse Workers: Skilled in greenhouse operations, our workers contribute to the success of your horticultural endeavours, maintaining a thriving and productive environment.
6. Yellow Machinery Operators: Operators proficient in the operation of heavy equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, and loaders. These operators bring a wealth of experience in earthmoving and land preparation, ensuring your agricultural projects are executed with precision and efficiency. Whether you require site grading, trenching, or other specialized tasks, our Yellow Machine Operators are well-equipped to handle the demands of modern farming operations.
7. Specialized candidates: May include seed handlers, beekeepers, manufacturers, shift managers and more.
Yes you may but the scene of the H2A program has changed dramatically with thousands of experience farmers opting to work in the USA. These experienced men, and a few women, are highly sought by the American farmers who do not have to employ people that have no experience, due to the over-supply. Our current statistics show that we place 1 in 25 applicants. Without crop farming experience, your chances are slim to none. Men and women with your background are placed when they have a friend who can introduce them to a farmer, who would then be willing to take a chance on somebody that needs to be trained.
1. Complete our online application form. Click, complete and submit. Make sure that you receive a “Submission Successful” notification after you submit. This ensures that your application is saved on our database.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf4QOd1H7pinBS_bDNZaXEYzL7UyOjtld1cEv_U56FeqFR9zg/viewform?usp=sf_link
2. Send an email to applications@joblex.co.za and supply us with a copy of your passport, your previous H2A Visa (if applicable) and a clear head and shoulders photo of yourself for your profile. Remember this is a job application and avoid shirtless photo’s or photo’s taken at social gatherings.
Employers have access to our database and will request an online interview on Zoom should they wish to meet with you. They might also ask that you call them directly. Make sure that your phone can make international calls or download the Call360 App on Google Store.
Generally, USCIS may grant H-2A classification for up to the period of time authorized on the temporary labor certification. H-2A classification may be extended for qualifying employment in increments of up to 1 year each. A new, valid temporary labor certification covering the requested time must accompany each extension request. The maximum period of stay in H-2A classification is 3 years.
A person who has held H-2A nonimmigrant status for a total of 3 years must depart and remain outside the United States for an uninterrupted period of 3 months before seeking readmission as an H-2A nonimmigrant. Additionally, previous time spent in other H or L classifications counts toward total H-2A time.
You will need permission from your employer to do so as your family will need a H-4 Visa. Most employers do not give permission for this.
An H-2A worker’s spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age may seek admission in H-4 non-immigrant classification. Family members are not eligible for employment in the United States while in H-4 status. You may only apply for this Visa once your own H2A Visa is granted.
Alternatively you may apply for a normal Visitors Visa if you are just going for a visit and do not plan to stay for the duration of the H2A Visa.
You apply for your H2A Visa
1. After you have received a valid job offer
2. After your employer has received his Temporary Labour Certificate and we have a copy of the i797b to start your VISA application.
You may arrange your own flight, but we suggest you use a competent H2A Travel Agent like who will ensure that you get the best price and arrive at the correct destination.
We endorse https://www.globalexplore.co.za/ WhatsApp Leonie on 072 041 2171
US Border control requires all H2A VISA holders to have a return ticket when they enter the US and may be deported without it.
H2A legislation stipulates that travel expenses and visa costs, must be reimbursed by the employer when you receive your first pay check. This means you will be required to pay for it upfront. Your return flight may only be reimbursed near the end of your contract.