How Long Does it Take from Start to Finish to Have H2-A Workers Arrive and Ready to Work?

The timeline for hiring H2-A workers and having them arrive and ready to work can vary depending on a number of factors, but generally, it takes several months to complete the process. Here is a rough outline of the steps involved and the approximate timeline:

1. Recruitment and advertising: Employers must first attempt to recruit U.S. workers before they can apply for H2-A workers. If there are not enough available U.S. workers, employers must advertise the job in local newspapers and other media outlets to show that they have made a good faith effort to find U.S. workers. This step can take several weeks or months, depending on the availability of local labor.

2. Filing the H2-A application: Once the recruitment and advertising is complete, the employer must file an H2-A application with the Department of Labor (DOL). This application includes details about the job, the wages, and the benefits that will be provided to the workers. The DOL may take several weeks or months to review the application and issue a labor certification.

3. Filing the visa application: Once the labor certification is approved, the employer must file a visa application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This step can take several weeks or months, depending on the USCIS processing times.

4. Consular processing: After the visa application is approved, the worker must go through consular processing in their home country to obtain the visa. This step can take several weeks or months, depending on the availability of appointments at the U.S. consulate or embassy.

5. Travel and orientation: Once the visa is issued, the worker can travel to the United States. The employer must provide transportation from the worker's home country to the worksite in the United States, as well as any necessary orientation or training before the work begins.

Overall, the entire process can take anywhere from three to four months or more, depending on the specific circumstances and any delays that may occur. Employers should plan ahead and allow plenty of time to complete all of the necessary steps in order to ensure that their workers arrive and are ready to work on time. Contact Head Honchos to learn more.