ELIGIBILITY & SCOPE
Who the H-2A Program Serves
The H-2A program allows eligible U.S. agricultural employers to bring in foreign workers for temporary or seasonal agricultural work. Eligibility depends on government rules and the circumstances of each operation.
01
Farms
Agricultural operations with temporary or seasonal labor needs during planting, cultivation, and harvest.
02
Nurseries
Nursery and horticultural businesses seeking dependable seasonal workforce support.
03
Growers
Growers of crops and produce planning workforce needs around recurring agricultural seasons.
H-2A Visual Workforce Timeline
The H-2A Program Lifecycle
An illustrative view of key milestones, counted back from your anticipated employment start date. Timelines are illustrative, not guarantees — actual timing depends on government processing and case-specific circumstances.
Approximately 4–6 months before start
Initial Consultation & Planning
We review your seasonal labor needs, worksites, and anticipated start date to build a workforce plan and filing strategy.
Approximately 75–60 days before start
Agricultural Job Order
The agricultural job order is prepared and submitted in the window ahead of the labor certification filing.
At least 45 days before start
H-2A Labor Certification Filing
The H-2A labor certification application is filed with the Department of Labor.
After acceptance
U.S. Worker Recruitment
Once the application is accepted, required U.S. worker recruitment takes place.
Generally targeted ~30 days before start
DOL Determination
For complete applications, the Department of Labor's determination is generally targeted approximately 30 days before the start date.
After certification
USCIS Petition & Visa Processing
Following certification, the USCIS petition is filed and workers proceed through visa processing.
Employment start date
Worker Arrival & Employment Commencement
Workers arrive and employment begins, with Marlin continuing to support you through the season and future planning.
H-2A AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMS
Agricultural Compliance, Managed with Care
The H-2A program allows agricultural employers to bring in temporary foreign workers when domestic labor is unavailable. Marlin guides growers through workforce planning, filing coordination, and ongoing compliance support across each season.