What is the Cost of H2A Visas for the United States

What is the Cost of H2A Visas for the United States?

In the world of American agriculture, the need for seasonal labor is more pressing than ever. As domestic labor shortages continue to affect farms across the country, the H2A visa program has become a critical lifeline for U.S. agricultural employers. But for farmers and business owners considering this route, one crucial question arises: What are the actual H2A visa costs?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the complete agricultural visa costs for the U.S., including H2A recruitment costs, government filing fees, transportation expenses, housing requirements, and more. Whether you’re a farm owner new to the program or looking to optimize your labor strategy, understanding the full financial picture is essential.

What is the H2A Visa?

The H2A visa is a temporary work visa that allows U.S. agricultural employers to legally hire foreign nationals for seasonal jobs. It is a non-immigrant visa, meaning the workers are expected to return to their home country once their work is complete.

The program ensures that American farms have access to reliable labor while maintaining strict guidelines to protect both domestic and foreign workers. But compliance comes at a cost, both in terms of time and money.

Understanding H2A Visa Costs in 2025

So, what exactly goes into the H2A visa costs? It’s important to realize that expenses associated with hiring through the H2A program are not just limited to visa filing fees. Employers are responsible for a wide range of costs, which can include legal fees, transportation, housing, meals, and more.

Let’s explore the major categories of US visa costs for agricultural workers:

1. Recruitment and Advertising Costs

H2A recruitment costs are among the most variable and complex parts of the process. U.S. employers must first demonstrate that there are no willing or qualified domestic workers available by advertising the job in local and national outlets.

These advertisements must meet strict Department of Labor (DOL) standards and be posted for a set period before H2A workers can be hired.

Typical costs:

• Job ad placements (print & online): $200–$1,000+
  
• Recruitment agency fees (optional): $500–$1,500 per worker
  

While it is possible to handle this internally, most employers rely on H2A recruitment agencies that specialize in sourcing and placing workers from countries like Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras.

2. Filing Fees and Government Charges

Here’s a breakdown of the direct visa and government filing fees:

• DOL Temporary Labor Certification (ETA 9142A): Free
  
• USCIS Form I-129 Filing Fee: $460 per petition
  
• Visa Application Fee (DS-160): $190 per worker
  
• SEVIS Fee (not required for H2A): $0
  

Note: While the DOL doesn’t charge a fee for the labor certification, preparing and submitting the paperwork often requires legal or consulting assistance, which adds to agricultural visa costs for the US.

3. Travel and Transportation Expenses

One of the unique aspects of the H2A program is that employers are required to pay for workers’ transportation:

• From the worker’s home country to the U.S.
  
• From the worksite back home after the job ends

These costs can include:

• Airfare/bus tickets: $300–$600 per worker (round-trip)
  
• Local transportation (shuttles, pickups): varies
  

Employers must reimburse inbound travel costs after 50% of the contract is complete and cover outbound travel in full upon successful completion.

4. Housing and Meals

Another legal requirement is that H2A workers receive free housing that meets OSHA or local health standards.

Typical housing costs:

• Rent or ownership costs: $500–$1,000 per unit/month
  
• Utilities, maintenance, and furnishings: $100–$300/month
  

Employers must also either provide three daily meals or offer a meal allowance (usually around $15–$20 per day per worker).

This adds significantly to the US visa costs for agricultural workers, particularly when scaled over dozens or hundreds of employees.

5. Wage Requirements

While not a “fee,” wage compliance is a significant expense. Employers must pay the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) set annually by the DOL. In 2025, this can range from $14 to $18+ per hour, depending on the state.

Minimum guaranteed work hours: ¾ of the contract term
Overtime: Not required for agricultural workers under H2A

Summary of H2A Recruitment and Visa Costs (Per Worker Estimate)

These numbers can vary depending on the location, number of workers hired, length of employment, and service providers used.

Are H2A Visas Worth the Cost?

Despite the upfront expense, many farm owners find that the benefits of the H2A program outweigh the costs. The program offers:

• A legal and stable labor force
  
• Workers are committed to completing the season
  
• Predictable staffing that improves productivity

Moreover, compared to domestic workers who may leave mid-season or demand higher wages, H2A workers provide reliability and structure that many employers find invaluable.

How to Reduce H2A Visa Costs

If you're considering applying for H2A workers, here are some tips to manage your budget:

• Work with a reputable agency to streamline recruitment and compliance.
  
• Apply early to avoid rushed processing or premium legal fees.
  
• Plan shared housing if you hire multiple workers to lower per-head housing costs.
  
• Bundle travel and meals for cost efficiency.
  

Keeping detailed records and ensuring compliance from the start can prevent costly legal issues or penalties down the road.

Final Thoughts

The agricultural visa costs for the U.S., particularly under the H2A program, can be significant, but they're also a wise investment for farms and agribusinesses that rely on seasonal labor. From H2A recruitment costs to transportation, housing, and meals, employers must budget carefully and stay compliant with evolving regulations.

Whether you’re a small farm owner or a large agricultural enterprise, understanding the true scope of H2A visa costs in 2025 will help you plan ahead and secure the workforce you need to thrive.

Ready to Simplify Your H2A Hiring Process?

Use our Recruitment Cost Calculator today to get a transparent estimate of your seasonal labor costs. Take the guesswork out of budgeting and focus on what matters—growing your farm with reliable, legal labor.