Visa Sponsorship Jobs
Peri & Sons Farms
The United States’ vast and productive agricultural sector, crucial to the national economy and global food supply, relies on a substantial workforce, including skilled foreign workers, especially during peak seasons. To legally employ foreign workers, many U.S. agricultural employers offer visa sponsorship through the H-2A program. This job post explores farm jobs in the USA with visa sponsorship, top employers, salary ranges, and guidance on pursuing these opportunities.
Job Details and Describtion – Agricultural Workers
The demand for agricultural workers in the USA is driven by several factors that make foreign labor essential for the industry’s success.
Key Reasons for the Demand:
- Seasonal Labor Shortages:
- Many agricultural jobs are seasonal, with high demand during planting and harvesting periods.
- Local labor forces are often insufficient to meet these seasonal spikes in demand.
- Declining Domestic Workforce:
- Fewer Americans are pursuing agricultural work due to its physically demanding nature and rural settings.
- An aging domestic workforce increases the need for younger, able-bodied workers from abroad.
- Large-Scale Operations:
- The extensive size of U.S. farms, especially in states like California and Texas, requires a substantial workforce to maintain productivity.
- Specialized Skill Requirements:
- Certain agricultural tasks require specific skills and experience that may not be readily available domestically.
- Economic Efficiency:
- Hiring foreign workers through visa programs allows employers to plan and budget labor costs effectively, ensuring crops are planted and harvested on time.
Understanding Visa Sponsorship for Agricultural Workers
The H-2A program is the main pathway for foreign nationals to work in U.S. agriculture, allowing employers to fill temporary or seasonal agricultural jobs.
Key Features of the H-2A Visa Program:
- Temporary Employment: Allows foreign workers to stay in the U.S. for up to 10 months, depending on the job’s duration, with the possibility of extensions.
- Employer Responsibilities:
- Provide free housing that meets safety standards.
- Offer transportation to and from the workplace.
- Guarantee a minimum number of work hours.
- Pay workers a wage that meets or exceeds the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR).
- Provide or reimburse inbound and outbound transportation costs.
- Offer meals or kitchen facilities for workers to prepare their own meals.
- Worker Eligibility:
- Must be from eligible countries designated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
- Should possess relevant experience or ability to perform agricultural work.
- Application Process:
- Employers must demonstrate that there are not enough U.S. workers available and that employing foreign workers will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of domestic workers.
- Workers apply for the visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country after receiving a job offer.
Top Hiring Employers for Agricultural Farm Jobs in the USA
Several employers across the United States actively hire foreign workers through the H-2A visa program. Below are some of the top employers known for offering visa-sponsored agricultural jobs.
1. Fresh Harvest, Inc.
Location: Salinas Valley, California
Overview:
Fresh Harvest, a major California labor contractor, specializes in harvesting fruits and vegetables like lettuce, broccoli, and strawberries, employing H-2A workers during peak seasons.
Common Roles:
- Crop Harvesters
- Field Workers
- Equipment Operators
Typical Salaries:
- Hourly Wage: $14.77 – $18.00 (depending on the specific task and region)
Benefits:
- Visa sponsorship through H-2A program
- Free, employer-provided housing
- Transportation to and from work sites
- Access to medical facilities and emergency care
2. North Carolina Growers Association (NCGA)
Location: Various locations across North Carolina
Overview:
NCGA is a cooperative in North Carolina that recruits and provides H-2A workers for agricultural operations like tobacco, sweet potatoes, and Christmas tree farming.
Common Roles:
- General Farm Workers
- Planting and Harvesting Laborers
- Nursery Workers
Typical Salaries:
- Hourly Wage: $13.15 – $14.50
Benefits:
- Visa sponsorship through H-2A program
- Free housing compliant with safety standards
- Transportation provided between housing and work sites
- Assistance with obtaining necessary work documentation
3. Washington Farm Labor Association (WAFLA)
Location: Various locations across Washington State
Overview:
WAFLA supports farmers by recruiting and managing a legal, stable workforce through the H-2A program, serving farms like apple orchards, cherry farms, and hop producers.
Common Roles:
- Fruit Pickers
- Pruners and Planters
- Packing House Workers
Typical Salaries:
- Hourly Wage: $15.83 – $17.00
Benefits:
- Visa sponsorship through H-2A program
- Free, quality housing accommodations
- Transportation to work sites and shopping areas
- Access to healthcare services and worker support programs
4. Peri & Sons Farms
Location: Yerington, Nevada
Overview:
Peri & Sons Farms, a family-owned onion producer, annually employs a significant number of H-2A workers for planting, harvesting, and packing.
Common Roles:
- Field Laborers
- Harvest Workers
- Packing and Processing Workers
Typical Salaries:
- Hourly Wage: $12.71 – $14.00
Benefits:
- Visa sponsorship through H-2A program
- Free housing and utilities
- Transportation services
- Meal provisions or access to cooking facilities
5. Overlook Harvesting Company
Location: Florida and Georgia
Overview:
Overlook Harvesting, focused on citrus, blueberries, and melons, provides labor solutions for southeastern U.S. farms, with extensive experience in recruiting and managing H-2A workers.
Common Roles:
- Fruit and Vegetable Pickers
- Field Supervisors
- Equipment Operators
Typical Salaries:
- Hourly Wage: $11.29 – $13.00
- Piece Rate: Depending on crop and quantity harvested
Benefits:
- Visa sponsorship through H-2A program
- Free, employer-provided housing
- Transportation to and from work locations
- Safety training and protective equipment
How to Apply for Agricultural Farm Jobs in the USA with Visa Sponsorship
Securing an agricultural job in the USA with visa sponsorship involves several steps, including research, application, and coordination with employers and government agencies.
Steps to Apply:
- Identify Potential Employers:
- Research farms and agricultural companies that participate in the H-2A program.
- Utilize resources such as the U.S. Department of Labor’s job listings, agricultural worker advocacy groups, and online job portals specializing in farm work.
- Prepare Your Application Materials:
- Resume/CV: Highlight relevant agricultural experience, physical stamina, and any specialized skills.
- References: Provide contacts who can attest to your work ethic and experience.
- Identification Documents: Ensure your passport and other identification are valid and up to date.
- Submit Applications:
- Apply directly through employer websites or via recruitment agencies that specialize in agricultural placements.
- Attend job fairs or recruitment events, either in person or virtually, when available.
- Interview Process:
- Be prepared for interviews conducted via phone or video conferencing.
- Demonstrate knowledge of agricultural work and express willingness to work under various conditions.
- Receive Job Offer and Contract:
- Carefully review the job offer, ensuring all terms, conditions, wages, and benefits are clearly stated.
- Confirm details about housing, transportation, and other support services.
- Visa Application Process:
- Employer’s Role:
- The employer files a temporary labor certification application with the Department of Labor.
- Once approved, they file a petition (Form I-129) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Worker’s Role:
- After petition approval, schedule a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.
- Prepare necessary documentation, including job offer letter, passport, and visa application forms.
- Pay applicable visa fees and attend the interview.
- Employer’s Role:
- Travel and Arrival in the USA:
- Employers often assist with arranging travel to the U.S. and provide transportation from the arrival point to the worksite.
- Upon arrival, attend orientation sessions covering job duties, safety protocols, and worker rights.