The Smart Approach
The Guest Worker Program
The H-2A temporary agricultural program is designed to help agricultural employers who anticipate a shortage of domestic workers to bring non-immigrant foreign workers to the United States. The workers are brought in to perform agricultural labor or services of a temporary or seasonal nature.
Seasonal is defined as tied to a certain time of year by an event or pattern, such as a short annual growing cycle or a specific aspect of a longer cycle, and requires labor levels far above those necessary for ongoing operations. Temporary employment is defined as the employer’s need to fill the position with a temporary worker that, except in extraordinary circumstances, will last no longer than one year.
The process to hire foreign workers for agricultural labor involves petitioning the federal government for permission to bring in the number of workers you need, for the time period you will need them.
Once approved, workers can come in for the specific length of time requested by the farmer, usually not allowed to last more than 10 months at a time. This is normally a 4-step process that can be repeated year after year to bring in the same or new workers.
# of H-2A applications received by Department of Labor (FY 2023)
# of Applications Certified by the Department of Labor (FY 2023)
# of Positions Requested (FY 2023)
# of Positions Certified (FY 2023)
Source: dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ETA/oflc/pdfs/H-2A_Selected_Statistics_FY2023_Q3.pdf
Why H-2A Now?
In the not too distant past, our nation’s farm labor workforce was pretty stable. Workers were there when we needed them. There was little need for guest workers, so the program seemed difficult and expensive to operate with little reward.
Not so today. No longer are there sufficient willing and able workers, ready to work in the ebb and flow of the seasons. Candidates show up occasionally for recruitments, often abandoning the job before the first day is over.
Preconceived notions about expenses, government interference and risks are being cast aside as the truth comes out: the H-2A program is a great asset for farmers in need of a strong workforce.
At CITA H-2a, we are privileged to have gained the knowledge and expertise that will help farmers across this nation succeed.
We are proud to offer our services to you, the farmer who needs a personally committed associate to help strengthen his farm and make life a little easier.
Positions to Fill
Agricultural Machine Operators
Farm Equipment Mechanics
Irrigators
Pruners, Weeders & Thinners
Forklift Operators & Mechanics
Tractor Operators
Non-Milking Dairy Workers
Horse Groomers
General Farm Workers
Wrappers
International CDL Truck Drivers
Row Crop Pre-Harvest and Harvesters
Nut Tree Workers
Peach Tree Harvesters
Foremen & Supervisors
FAQs About the H-2A Program
What is the purpose of the H2-A Program?
The H-2A temporary agricultural program is designed to help agricultural employers who anticipate a shortage of domestic workers to bring nonimmigrant foreign workers to the United States. The workers are brought in to perform agricultural labor or services of a temporary or seasonal nature.
Seasonal is designed as tied to a certain time of year by an event or pattern, such as a short annual growing cycle or a specific aspect of a longer cycle, and requires labor levels far above those necessary for ongoing operations. Temporary employment is defined as the employer’s need to fill the position with a temporary worker that, except in extraordinary circumstances, will last no longer than one year.
What does the CITA H-2a Service Center provide?
Through Our Service and Resource Center We:
- Provide expert guaranteed H-2A petition services
- Deliver legal, willing and able farm workers to employers’ work sites
- Provide worker productivity, work ethic and other training opportunities
- Coach you to manage your responsibilities and compliance with the rules that govern the program
- Provide a wealth of services and information to help farmers and their workers succeed through our Members’ Resource Center
Does CITA H-2a offer consultation by phone?
Yes, you can call us for a free consultation at 928-271-2619. We look forward to assisting you with your needs, and have been helping farmers to obtain the help they need, when they need it – with willing and able farm workers.