Question 1

What is the H-2A program?

Accepted Answer

The H-2A program allows US agricultural employers to hire foreign workers for temporary or seasonal labor. At Youngblood & Associates, we work with operations like nursery, greenhouse, and cattle farms to secure fully compliant workforces.

Question 2

What counts as “temporary or seasonal” work?

Accepted Answer

Your work qualifies if your needs last no longer than a year or is tied directly to a season, such as planting or harvesting cycles.

Question 3

What wages do I need to pay my H-2A workers?

Accepted Answer

You must pay your H-2A employees whichever of these is the highest:
The Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) set by DOL
The federal or state minimum wage
The rate in a collective bargaining agreement

Question 4

How long can workers stay on an H-2A visa?

Accepted Answer

Workers on an H-2A visa can stay for up to three years, including extensions. After that, they must leave for at least three months before reapplying.

All wages must be paid “free and clear” at least twice per month (or more if required locally).

Question 5

Am I obligated to provide housing or transportation to my H-2A employees?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you must provide free, inspected housing that meets all federal and state standards, plus:
Transport or travel reimbursement from the worker’s home to the worksite after 50% of the contract period.
Return transport when the contract ends.
Daily transport between housing and the fields.

Question 6

What is the “Three-Fourths Guarantee?”

Accepted Answer

You must provide each H-2A worker at least 75% of the total hours promised.
For contracts over 120 days, calculate this in 12-week periods. 
For contracts under 120 days, calculate this in 6-week periods.
For example: 12 weeks x 40 hours = 480 hours; 480 x 75% = 360 guaranteed hours.

This protects them in the event that bad weather or slow markets reduce work.

Question 7

What protections do H-2A workers have?

Accepted Answer

Employers may not discriminate or retaliate against workers for asserting rights or filing complaints. H-2A employees are protected by federal and state labor laws, including WHD enforcement under 29 CFR Part 501.

Violations can lead to civil penalties or debarment from the H-2A program.

Question 8

What new rules apply to the H-2A visa program as of 2025?

Accepted Answer

The H-2 Modernization Final Rule, effective January 17, 2025, includes:
New grace periods before and after employment
Expanded whistleblower protections
Stronger penalties for fee violations
Permanent portability between H-2 employers
Clearer USCIS inspection authority

H-2A Agricultural Labor

Hire Reliable Agricultural Workers with the H-2A Visa Program

What is the H-2A Visa Program?

Our Proven H-2A Process

Step 1: Workforce Planning & Eligibility

Step 2: Application & Filing Support

Step 3: Housing & Wage Compliance

Step 4: Audit & Site Visit Preparation

Arrival & Deployment

Industries We Serve

Nurseries

Greenhouses

Cattle Farms

General Agriculture

Our Clients Don’t Miss Seasons, Here’s Why:

Agricultural Expertise

Legal Precision

Reliable Results

Ethical Practices

Ready to Build Your Seasonal Workforce?

Protect your business and secure your workforce for this season and beyond. Our team makes immigration compliance simple and stress-free.

Frequent Questions About H-2A Visas