Seasonal Work Visa Jobs in the USA (H-2A & H-2B) for Foreigners – 2025/2026 Full Guide
The United States offers two major seasonal work visas—the H-2A and H-2B programs—which allow foreigners to work legally in the U.S. for temporary or peak-season jobs. These opportunities include farm work, landscaping, hospitality, food processing, amusement parks, construction, driving, seafood processing, and more.
What Are H-2A & H-2B Seasonal Work Visas?
✔ H-2A Visa — Seasonal Agricultural Jobs
The H-2A visa is for temporary farm and agricultural jobs. Employers hire foreign workers when U.S. labor is unavailable.
✔ H-2B Visa — Seasonal Non-Agricultural Jobs
The H-2B visa covers all non-farm seasonal jobs, including hospitality, construction, cleaning, landscaping, seafood processing, and resort work.
Types of Seasonal Jobs Available Under Each Visa
H-2A Agricultural Jobs
- Fruit picking & packing
- Vegetable harvesting
- Livestock care
- Nursery/greenhouse work
- Dairy farm assistants
- Crop maintenance
- Irrigation labor
H-2B Non-Agricultural Jobs
- Hotel housekeepers
- Resort workers
- Restaurant staff & cooks
- Landscaping & gardening
- Construction helpers
- Amusement park attendants
- Seafood processing workers
- Warehouse staff
- Drivers & delivery helpers
Salary Range for H-2A & H-2B Jobs (2025/2026)
| Job Type | Hourly Pay | Annual Earnings (Seasonal) |
|---|---|---|
| Farm/Agricultural Jobs (H-2A) | $12 – $18/hour | $18,000 – $35,000 |
| Hospitality/Hotels (H-2B) | $13 – $20/hour | $20,000 – $40,000 |
| Construction Helpers | $15 – $22/hour | $22,000 – $45,000 |
| Seafood Processing | $14 – $20/hour | $18,000 – $38,000 |
| Landscaping | $13 – $20/hour | $20,000 – $37,000 |
Overtime pay increases total earnings significantly.
Benefits of Seasonal Work Visas
- ✔ Legal employment in the USA
- ✔ Employer pays most major costs (including transportation in H-2A)
- ✔ Free housing for H-2A jobs (and some H-2B employers)
- ✔ Opportunities for contract renewal
- ✔ Pathway to long-term employment with consistent seasonal return
Requirements for Seasonal Visa Programs
General Requirements (Both Visas)
- Valid international passport
- No criminal record
- Medically fit
- 18 years and older
H-2A Additional Benefits
- Free housing provided
- Free transportation to and from the U.S.
- No education requirements
H-2B Additional Requirements
- Seasonal or peak-load job offer required
- Job must be temporary
Step-by-Step Application Process for H-2A & H-2B Jobs
STEP 1 – Find a Certified U.S. Employer
You cannot apply directly for the visa without a job offer. Find employers approved by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Where to find approved employers:
STEP 2 – Employer Submits Temporary Labor Certification
The employer must prove the job is seasonal and no U.S. workers are available.
- ✔ Job advertisement
- ✔ Prevailing wage decisions
- ✔ Temporary labor certification approval
STEP 3 – Employer Files Petition with USCIS (Form I-129)
Your employer handles this step. After approval, your visa is ready for processing.
STEP 4 – Complete DS-160 and Schedule Embassy Interview
- Fill DS-160 form
- Pay visa fee ($205 for H-2A/H-2B)
- Schedule interview
- Attend biometric appointment
STEP 5 – Attend U.S. Embassy Interview
Typical questions include:
- What job were you hired for?
- Who is your employer?
- Have you worked in seasonal roles before?
- Do you understand the temporary nature of your job?
If approved, your visa is issued in 2–10 days.
Top U.S. Companies Hiring H-2A & H-2B Workers (2025/2026)
✔ H-2A Employers (Agriculture)
- Jackson Farming Company
- Valley Fruit Orchards
- Stemilt Growers
- Zirkle Fruit Company
- Sunrise Orchards
- Del Monte Farms
✔ H-2B Employers (Non-Agricultural)
- Marriott Hotels
- Hilton Resorts
- Vail Resorts
- Six Flags Theme Parks
- Seafood processing companies in Alaska
- Landscaping companies across Florida & Texas
- Holiday Inn
- River Ranch Resort
These employers recruit thousands of foreign workers annually for seasonal positions.
Visa Validity & Contract Length
- H-2A: 6–10 months, renewable annually
- H-2B: 6–9 months in most cases
- Maximum stay: 3 years (after renewals)
Workers must return home after each season unless renewed.
Advantages of H-2A vs. H-2B
| Feature | H-2A (Agriculture) | H-2B (Non-Agriculture) |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | Free | Sometimes free |
| Transport | Employer reimburses | Not always |
| Job Type | Farm jobs | Hospitality, construction, seafood |
| Salary | $12–$18/hr | $13–$22/hr |
| Demand | Very high | Extremely high |
Official U.S. Government Resources
Beware of H-2A/H-2B Scams
- ❌ Never pay an “agent” for visa sponsorship
- ❌ Employers are not allowed to charge job seekers
- ❌ Avoid WhatsApp & Telegram job offers
- ❌ Always verify employers through DOL database
Only trust official government portals and legitimate employer websites.
Final Thoughts
The H-2A and H-2B seasonal visa programs offer one of the easiest ways for foreigners to work legally in the United States. Whether you’re looking for agricultural work, hotel jobs, landscaping, or seafood processing positions, thousands of employers recruit international workers every year.
If you’re ready to apply for seasonal work visas for 2025/2026, start with the official job portals listed above and ensure you only work with certified employers.
