Your 3 Options for Applying for the H2A Program
Running a successful farm is a lot of work, so the availability of reliable workers can make or break your harvest. While the H2A Program provides a much-needed solution, the application process can be overwhelming. Keeping up with the ever-changing H2A rules and regulations, understanding the H2A employer requirements, dealing with three government agencies, and finding skilled workers is more than a full-time job—and you already have a very demanding one.
The H2A Program process is more than paperwork
The H2A Program process involves much more than simply completing the application paperwork. Here’s a list of just some of the key steps involved:
Ensuring you’re eligible for the H2A Program
Ensuring you meet and adhere to all the H2A employer requirements
Collecting all the necessary documents
Fine-tuning your Statement of Need and Job Descriptions
Submitting all the documents and forms via the Foreign Labor Gateway (FLAG) system
Managing communications with your State Workforce Agency (SWA) and the Department of Labor (DOL)
Monitoring the Notice of Approval
Resolving Notices of Deficiency
Finding and interviewing skilled, reliable workers
Applying for worker visas
Preparing for worker arrival
Maintaining H2A Program compliance, including worker reimbursement, hours, wages, payroll, and more
3 options for applying for the H2A Program
Here are the three ways you can apply for the H2A Program, along with the pros and cons of each option:
1. Apply yourself
Much like doing your own taxes, you can do all the steps to apply for the H2A Program on your own but, given the difficulty of keeping up to date with the constant changes and staying compliant, there’s simply a point where it makes sense to lean on experts.
It’s not uncommon for H2A applications to be denied when you’re trying to keep up with the ever-changing H2A rules and regulations, dealing with three government agencies, and trying to find skilled workers on your own. And every minute spent on applying for the H2A Program takes precious time away from growing your farm or ag business.
Learn why, after submitting their own application and using an agent, Dwight and Cheryl Schilling describe their partnership with USA Farm Labor as priceless.
2. Use the services of an attorney
While attorneys are great with filing paperwork, they’re not experts on interpreting H2A rules and regulations, helping you avoid compliance traps and manage risk, handling Notices of Deficiency, or applying best practices to help ensure your application is approved. And what about sourcing skilled workers? That’s all on you.
Certainly there are reputable attorneys who can help but most don’t specialize in the H2A Program. If you’re currently using the services of an attorney, ask yourself, can he/she:
Interpret H2A rules and regulations
Avoid compliance traps
Handle Notices of Deficiency (NODs)
Manage audits
Source verified, skilled workers
Provide strategic guidance on worker placement
Advise you about farm labor trends
Identify return-worker patterns
Minimize your risk
Manage the ripple effects of a mistake that could cost tens of thousands in penalties or lost crops
3. Use an H2A agency
Given the complexity of the process and constant changes, working with an H2A agency makes a lot of sense. Agencies typically know the ins and outs of the H2A Program. However, many just provide your temporary labor certification, leaving you on your own to find workers, or they simply get a list of available workers from a third party. And their services often end as soon as workers arrive. Working with the right agency makes all the difference to ensure your application is approved, you find the right workers, and you stay compliant.
If you’re currently using an H2A agency, consider if you’ve experienced any of the following to see if maybe it’s time to consider a new agency:
Delays
Missed deadlines
Having to source workers on your own
Late worker arrivals
Workers who aren’t a good fit or aren’t skilled
Lack of communication, updates, and support when you need it
Get the help you need to make 2026 your best year yet
USA Farm Labor has been helping farmers and ag businesses find dependable, skilled H2A workers for more than 22 years. Our simple, hassle-free process has earned us a 99.9% approval rate—plus we partner with a global network of recruiters, providing you access to 6,000-plus verified, skilled workers—giving you peace of mind and freeing up time for you to focus on growing your farm.
“We have wrapped up one of the most successful years to date—in no small part because of the great H2A help. Your agency has become a game-changer for our farm and has helped solve a huge labor problem for us. Thank you.”
– Matthew (Glencoe, MN)
You can grow with confidence knowing:
All your paperwork and logistics are taken care of, so workers arrive on time
You’ll stay compliant with all H2A rules and regulations
You’ll get the skilled workers you need, when you need them
