USA Farm Labor’s FLC Filing Window Is Now Open
Get your skilled farm labor for early 2027
If you’re planning to operate as a Farm Labor Contractor (FLC) next season, timing is everything. USA Farm Labor’s 2026 FLC Certification Filing Window runs through August 1, 2026. This helps ensure your application is submitted correctly and on time—so you’re ready to work when it matters most.
Why is this so time-sensitive?
Agricultural employers who need seasonal farm labor to provide services to fixed-site farmers not only have to apply for a Temporary Labor Certification to hire H-2A workers, they also need to be certified as a Farm Labor Contractor. As an FLC, before H-2A workers can legally work on your customers’ farms, you need to be registered as an FLC through the Department of Labor’s (DOL’s) Wage & Hour Division—which adds time to the H-2A application process. USA Farm Labor specializes in getting Farm Labor Contractors certified as well as providing skilled, seasonal farm labor to help service customers during peak season. Based on our experience, we know the sooner we start the process, the better.
What are the benefits of filing during the FLC window?
Positions you perfectly for February or March start dates
Reduces the risk of delays, deficiencies, and last-minute filings (which often fail)
Ensures a complete submission that aligns with Wage and Hour Division processing timelines
Helps ensure approval, giving you the predictable workforce you need during your busiest time of the year
Improves compliance
Not sure if you qualify as a Farm Labor Contractor?
Some ag businesses don’t realize they fall within the category of a Farm Labor Contractor. Most likely you’re an FLC if your customers are seasonal farmers or growers who hire you to:
Apply fertilizer or pesticides
Pilot ag aircraft or operate drones
Operate ag equipment
Build or maintain irrigation or drainage systems
Drill wells
Repair farm equipment
Maintain and replace tires
Spread manure
Build barns, fences, dairy and hog parlors, or other farm structures
Provide mobile vet services
Perform crop dusting
Harvest
USA Farm Labor’s Onboarding Specialists are happy to assist you in determining if you should be applying for the H-2A Visa Program as a Farm Labor Contractor.
Act now to get your H-2A labor by February or March 2027
Don’t miss out on getting the skilled, seasonal farm labor you need for your busiest season. If you start the FLC certification process now, you’ll have the best chance at getting your H-2A labor on time for a February or March 2027 start date.
Here are 3 reasons to act now and take advantage of USA Farm Labor’s FLC filing window:
Avoid delays
Maximize approval success
Be ready when the season starts
Don’t wait until it’s too late to get certified in time to get H-2A Program labor for 2027.
What happens if I miss the FLC filing window?
If you miss this year’s open filing window, your next opportunity won’t be until April 1, 2027, when our FLC filing window reopens. There are two possible scenarios if you don’t contact us to get the process started by August 1, 2026:
If you’re a Farm Labor Contractor with no fixed-site farm of your own, you’ll have to wait until April 1, 2027, to start the certification process for both your FLC and the H-2A Visa Program.
If you’re a Farm Labor Contractor who also has a fixed-site farm, we can still help you apply for and hire H-2A Program labor for your fixed-site farm but will have to wait until April 1, 2027, to start your FLC certification process.
In both scenarios, missing the FLC filing window means, realistically, the soonest you’d be able to get H-2A Program labor in 2026 would be sometime in the fall. Turnaround for getting FLC certifications is currently running around 120 days on average. If you need workers for your prime 2027 season, now’s the time to start the process
Why USA Farm Labor?
USA Farm Labor manages certifications and provides skilled, seasonal H-2A labor for hundreds of Farm Labor Contractor employers. All FLCs get start-to-finish hands-on guidance from our experienced Case Managers—so you’re certified and ready for your busiest season.
