Government Shutdown & What It Means for Seasonal Farm Labor
What are Government Shutdowns?
The U.S. federal government shutdown on October 1, 2025, which is a development with immediate implications for agricultural employers utilizing the H-2A program and for the foreign seasonal workers who form a vital part of the American farm workforce.
Here’s what the shutdown means for both farmers and H-2A workers — and what you should know and do — for your operation, your seasonal workforce, and your H-2A job.
A government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to agree on appropriations to fund many federal agencies and programs.
Here’s what we know:
As of October 1, 2025, the federal government funding lapsed for many operations, meaning certain agencies are operating at reduced capacity or are suspended — effectively shut down.
Key agencies that process important H-2A work visas, labor certifications, various paperwork, and program-related inspections may be slowed or halted entirely.
How does a Government Shutdown Impact Farmers and H-2A Workers?
Although the H-2A visa program is not a federally or taxpayer-funded program, it relies on several different government-funded departments, which will impact:
The timely processing of H-2A Job Orders
The issuing of Labor Certifications from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
Visa petition timing with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
For our farmers, this means you cannot currently file applications for your Temporary Labor Certifications, effectively halting next season’s labor planning efforts.
For H-2A workers, uncertainty in visa processing times and approval notices can result in delays in starting work, disruptions in travel schedules, and general financial stress.
For both sides, this could mean potential impacts on crop plantings, harvests, production schedules, and ultimately, vital income.
Current Labor Impacts
The shutdown is undoubtedly being felt around the ag industry. These are a few of the current impacts we’re seeing at the agency level:
Farmers: You are not able to file new H-2A job orders or labor certifications until the shutdown ends or is resolved.
H-2A workers: Some visa issuances or travel steps could be delayed. Even if you already have your contract, your employer is likely facing challenges right now, so be patient during this time.
Farms operating under tight fall or winter timelines, expecting Labor Certifications or workers in the coming months, are at risk of experiencing labor gaps.
The USCIS is still processing visa petitions, albeit slowly. However, since the DOL is not open and available to process new Labor Certifications, agribusinesses not currently certified are possibly left without the seasonal labor they depend on to operate.
Impacts on December and January Start Dates
For clients and ag operations with seasonal winter labor needs, such as those with December and January start dates, you’re likely already feeling the impact of the shutdown on your seasonal workforce.
Because the farm labor market is already tight, these kinds of disruptions can have a ripple effect.
If you submitted your paperwork for a Labor Certification and were waiting on an Approval Notice when the government shut down, our team of case managers will push those cases through as soon as the government opens back up.
We want you to know that our team is on top of everything going on with the shutdown, and we’re ready to file as soon as these government agencies are operational again.
What Can Farmers Do?
Here’s the thing: the government shutdown will eventually end, and these government agencies will resume operations.
In the meantime, here are a few things our farmers and clients can do to be ready for when that time comes:
Review your workforce pipeline now and begin organizing your season. Look at how many H-2A workers are you expecting and begin the planning phase during this dead period.
Communicate clearly with your H-2A workers (both those abroad and those arriving) about the possibility of delays and your plan moving forward. Transparency builds trust.
Stay in touch with your agent or USA Farm Labor case manager handling your H-2A filings to monitor status updates from DOL/USCIS.
Continue documenting everything: In case of delays, having a clear record of your efforts and communications with your workers and domestic applicants will help with compliance.
Organize your required documents (Worker’s Comp, Proof of Tax I.D.) and ensure your housing is ready for inspection to avoid further delays once everything opens back up. Some states are independently scheduling housing inspections; contact your case manager to learn more.
What Can H-2A Workers Do?
It’s equally frustrating and scary to not know when you’ll be able to start work and provide for your family.
The team at USA Farm Labor is here for you during this period of uncertainty.
In the meantime, here are a few steps H-2A workers can take now to ensure a smooth transition after the government opens:
Ask your employer about your arrival schedule and whether any delays are anticipated because of processing issues.
Prepare your travel plans and finances with some cushion in case timelines shift.
Stay in communication with your employer. If you’re still abroad, ask them how the shutdown may affect your visa paperwork, arrival, or anticipated start date.
Be flexible, understanding, and patient — these delays are not your employer’s fault, but rather systemic issues impacting ALL parties involved.
If you anticipate things will be delayed (travel, start date), ask for clear information and keep records of dates and communications.
We anticipate a flood of applications and petitions will hit DOL and USCIS, respectively, and this could effectively overwhelm these agencies.
Having your job organized and maintaining clear communication with your employer will make for a much smoother transition during what is expected to be a hectic start to the 2026 farm labor and growing season.
Closing Thoughts
In this season of uncertainty — political, economic, operational — the strongest farms and worker-employer partnerships will be those built on good communication, openness, and contingency planning.
The team at USA Farm Labor is closely monitoring the situation, and we’re dedicated to keeping our clients and workers informed and prepared during the shutdown — regardless of how long it lasts.
Our teams of case managers and worker placement coordinators are the best in the business, working hard to put our clients and workers in the best position to succeed once the government opens up again.
For our existing clients, our team is working in the background to keep your Certifications and visas on track, your paperwork organized, and your documents ready to file as soon as these government agencies are operational again.
For those considering H-2A for their seasonal farm labor needs, we are still accepting new clients and connecting you with seasonal job candidates throughout the shutdown.
Call our team today at 828-246-0659 for your complimentary H-2A consultation.
