H-2A Program Overview

1. H-2A ProgramOverview USER:

2. Who May Apply • An agricultural employer • May be individual, partnership, or corporation • Authorized agent

3. Where To Apply • Signed application must be filed with regional administrator in region of intended employment; and • With the State Workforce Agency (SWA) in the area of intended employment simultaneously

4. What To Submit • Application for Alien Certification (form ETA 750), part A, Offer of Employment • Agricultural and Food Processing Clearance Order (form ETA 790) • Attachments to supplement information requested

5. Recruitment • The employer must engage in positive recruitment of U.S. Workers • Active effort, including newspaper and radio ads • Must be independent of and in addition to the efforts of the SWA.

6. Wages • Same for U.S workers and H-2A workers • Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR), federal/state minimum wage, or prevailing wage rate, whichever is highest

7. Housing • Must provide free housing • Must be inspected and approved • Rental housing may be provided

8. Meals • Employer must provide 3 meals a day or furnish cooking facilities • Employer may charge for meals

9. Transportation • After 50% of work contract period, the employer must reimburse the worker for transportation and subsistence from the place of recruitment to the place of work

10. Transportation • The employer must provide free transportation between the employer’s housing and worksite • Upon completion of the work contract, the employer must pay reasonable costs for return transportation and subsistence to the place of recruitment

11. 3/4 guarantee The employer must guarantee to offer each worker employment for at least 3/4ths of the workdays in the work contract period and any extensions 50% rule The employer must hire any qualified and eligible U.S. Worker who applies for a job until 50% of the period of the work contract has elapsed. 3/4 Guarantee - 50% Rule