What is the H2A program?

Farm work for SOUTH AFRICANS in the USA

The H2A visa is a seasonal agricultural visa for non-immigrants to work in the USA. The visa is valid for maximum 10 months.  

To obtain a H2A visa, your USA employer must obtain a work permit. The permit is taken out every year for that specific season and it takes 3-4 months to finalize. You can apply for a visa once your work permit is ready.

What to expect

Your home away from  home

Payment: The H2A program states that you must at least be paid the minimum wage per hour of the State in which you work.

Housing: Under the H2A program employers are responsible for providing housing for foreign workers. The housing must meet certain health and safety standards, and must undergo a housing inspection by the US Department of Labor.

Transport to and from the housing must also be provided.

Be prepared for hard work. As with anything in life, anything worth doing is going to be difficult.

“What you plant now, you will harvest later.”

Requirements to apply

relevant Farming experience

Seasonal work opportunities include crop picking, general farm work, harvest drivers, dairy and cattle ranch hands and more.

AGE

Farmers prefer workers between 25 and 45 with combination of farming/driving/mechanical skills and recent, relevant farming employment history. 

valid south african passport

The passport must be valid until at least 6 months after your return date from the USA.

good general health
No criminal record
Enough funds to cover travel and visa cost

Once you are in the USA, the travel and visa cost will be reimbursed to you by the employer. But you need to have enough funds to initially pay for your own visa and flight ticket.

Costs involved

  • Flight Ticket
    Prices fluctuate due to various factors (such as holidays, availability and destination). Ranges from R20 000 upwards. Inbound flight cost (to the USA) will be reimbursed half way through your contract and your return flight (back to South Africa) will be reimbursed at the end of your contract.
  • Visa Application
    Depends on the exchange rate. It costs about 207 USD which you can convert to South African Rand if you want to see how much that is.
  • Travel Insurance
    Although not mandatory, we strongly recommend it. Different options and periods available for cover; including working hours or only after working hours. Only for emergencies and will not be reimbursed by the employer.
  • NO AGENT FEE SHOULD BE PAID
    The H2A legislation state that NO agent fees to ANY agent must be paid