Dope AfrikaAs a foreigner who wants to work in the USA, you might be worrying about what does fruit picking job means. As the name implies, fruit pickers harvest fruits like apples, oranges, berries, grapes, and cherries from vineyards, orchards, or farmlands, which are grown extensively across various states, and transport or process them depending on what is required of them based on their contract with their employer.
Fruit picker jobs are often seasonal, peaking during harvest times when there is a high demand for labour. During this period, it is almost impossible to find locals who will want to do such jobs because, at times, they can be demanding and require your expertise, especially in harvesting fruits. That’s why most employers in the USA seek international workers.
Just like every country that prioritizes agriculture occupations in which fruit picking jobs are also considered as one, you can earn a decent amount from it. On average, as an international fruit picker in the USA, you can earn approximately $36,319 per year or $17.46 per hour, depending on your location and your employer.
Consequently, this article explores everything you need to know as a foreigner seeking a fruit picking job in the USA with visa sponsorship, including what you need to know before applying and how to apply.
Without any further ado, let’s get started!
How Does Fruit Picking Visa Sponsorship Work?
Fruit pickers are also considered agricultural workers in the United States. According to a study by the National Center for Farmworker Health, they estimate that there are approximately 2.9 million agricultural workers in the United States, of which over 90% are hired under the H-2A program to work in the USA, according to a study by the Department of Labour.
Foreigners who want to work as fruit pickers are hired under the H-2A program, also known as the H-2A Temporary Agricultural Workers program. It is like a special invitation that allows people from other countries to come to the U.S. to help with farm work, especially for picking fruits and vegetables. In most cases, it is seasonal and temporary.
However, it is more complex than it seems, especially for employers seeking foreign workers. The application process is daunting and takes a minimum of six months to get approval. Although the worker has nothing to worry about, it is important to understand the process because it will help in the visa approval and also help the worker know how to use it to their own benefit.
The program does work this way. First, the employer, who is also a farmer or company, acknowledges they need many workers. They have posted advertisements all over the USA, yet they have not been able to get the necessary type of workers, for instance, a fruit picker who also knows how to process and transport fruit to other locations.
Months pass, yet the employer cannot find anyone fit for the job; they can now follow the necessary steps such as:
- First, the employer will submit a job order using Form ETA-790/790 to the State Workforce Agency (SWA) in the state where the work will be performed. The purpose of submitting the job order is to ensure the job is well advertised among US citizens before proceeding with hiring international workers. In the form, the employer is expected to describe the job, including wages, working conditions, and housing arrangements.
- Second, after advertising the job and not positive results with the State Workforce Agency, the employer can file Form ETA-9142A, which will be processed by the U.S. Department of Labour (DOL) to ensure that hiring foreign workers won’t negatively impact the wages and working conditions of U.S. workers.
- Third, suppose the DOL approves the employer’s application to hire an international worker. In that case, it will issue a temporary labour certification to confirm that the employer has demonstrated a need for foreign workers and has met all program requirements. Unfortunately, that’s not the end for the employer.
- Lastly, with the DOL certification in hand, the employer must file Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This petition requests approval to bring foreign workers to the U.S. under the H-2A visa program. Once approved, the employer can continue hiring the international worker after receiving the Notice of Action (Form I-797), which will be sent to the worker.
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Visa Duration and Limitations for Fruit Pickers Seeking Visa Sponsorship in the USA
As said earlier, understanding the whole visa process is necessary. Ensure you have every detail you need before proceeding so that when you finally get approved for the visa, everything will be clear, either from your end or from your employer or agent.
As a fruit picker, the duration of the visa usually lasts a few months to a year since it is seasonal and temporary. However, there are chances that the employer can seek an extension as long as they follow the necessary process, such as applying for the extension months before expiring for an additional year.
However, it is important to know that with the H-2A visa, you can only stay for up to 3 years because that’s the maximum extension the employer can apply for. Hence, you will be forced to leave the USA. This type of visa is for temporary/seasonal stays, although you can leave the USA for a period of 3 to 6 months and apply again if your employer wants you to.
There are also other type of jobs you can apply for if you meet the requirements. Among them include:
- Nurse Jobs also with visa sponsorship.
- Farm Worker’s Jobs with visa sponsorship: here, you are not specialising in fruit picking but farm work in general.
- Housekeeping Attendance Jobs with visa sponsorship.
- Teacher Jobs with visa sponsorship.
Additionally, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) identified more than 80 countries eligible to apply for the H-2A Temporary Agricultural Worker visa program. If your country is not among the listed countries, you won’t be granted the visa even if you meet the other requirements by your employer and the DOL.
Highest Paying Cities for Fruit Picking Jobs in the USA With Visa Sponsorship
Just like other countries, all states can not have the same wage and salary. According to Ziprecruiters, ten different cities in the USA pay higher than the national average rate for fruit pickers, and it does not matter whether you are a citizen or not. However, it is important you know that this price is suggested to change at any time depending on various factors.
Below are the various cities they identified, together with their average rates:
| City | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
| Berkeley, CA | $44,496 | $3,708 | $855 | $21.39 |
| Burien, WA | $43,965 | $3,663 | $845 | $21.14 |
| Renton, WA | $43,244 | $3,603 | $831 | $20.79 |
| Santa Monica, CA | $42,899 | $3,574 | $824 | $20.62 |
| Palo Alto, CA | $42,196 | $3,516 | $811 | $20.29 |
| Warren, OR | $42,190 | $3,515 | $811 | $20.28 |
| Bailey’s Crossroads, VA | $42,153 | $3,512 | $810 | $20.27 |
| Daly City, CA | $42,110 | $3,509 | $809 | $20.25 |
| Boston, MA | $41,767 | $3,480 | $803 | $20.08 |
| Auburn, CA | $41,407 | $3,450 | $796 | $19.91 |
Benefits of Fruit Picking Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
Apart from visa sponsorship, there are also other benefits you can enjoy as an international fruit picker in the USA. Some of those benefits are as follows:
- Legal Employment: First, with the visa sponsorship as a fruit picker, you are legally authorised to work in the USA, offering peace of mind and job security without bordering yourself with issues such as deportation. However, your stay there is due, and it’s time to return home.
- Housing and Transportation: Second, not all employers, but many do provide free or low-cost housing and transportation for their foreign workers to and from the worksite, reducing their living expenses in the USA.
- Healthcare Benefits: Third, just like housing and transportation, some employers may want to offer their international workers some healthcare benefits or access to medical services, which can be particularly valuable for seasonal/temporary workers. While this might seem like the best international workers can get, some employers might also consider the work input and how loyal the worker might be.
- It can lead to Other Opportunities: Lastly, working in the USA on an H-2A visa as a fruit picker can also serve as a stepping stone to other opportunities if you utilise your time spent there properly. While officially, it can’t lead to permanent residency, with your experience there and networking, there might be other opportunities awaiting you.
Challenges of Fruit Picking Jobs
Even with the benefits, working as an international fruit picker in the USA can be challenging. Below are some of the challenges fruit pickers face in the USA.
- Physical Demands: Fruit picking is physically demanding and requires workers to bend, lift, and carry goods for long periods, often under varying weather conditions, especially if you are in the field. It can also lead to various injuries, and as well it can be stressful.
- Seasonality: Second, fruit picking jobs in the USA are seasonal jobs like every other agricultural job that may not provide year-round employment, and workers must plan accordingly for periods without work. Additionally, there is a short stay period for the workers. During this period, most workers will only be able to get something done for themselves if they work all through their stay in the USA.
- Accommodation Conditions: Third, while many, let’s say 70% of employers, provide housing, the conditions can vary. That’s why when applying for a fruit picker job in the USA, it’s important to research the accommodation options by the employer to ensure they meet your expectations.
- Language Barriers: Lastly, language barriers are another challenge faced by international workers who are from outside an English-speaking country. Although not a requirement, knowing basic English can be beneficial for communication with supervisors and colleagues.
How to Apply for $40,000 Fruit Picking Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
After understanding the visa process and seeing that it requires little effort from the worker’s end, it’s time to learn how to apply for visa sponsorship. Here, we will explore the various steps involved in ensuring that you get approved for a fruit picking job with visa sponsorship in the USA.
Step 1: Find a U.S.A. Employer/Agent Offering H-2A Visa Sponsorship
The first step in applying for this visa sponsorship is to find an employer or agent offering H-2A jobs. They won’t find you if you can’t find them. But how can you do it, and where can you find them?
That’s why networking and having good relationships with others already in the industry are very important. However, if you need help finding someone, platforms such as LinkedIn and job boards like Indeed, Glassdoor, and many others can be very helpful.
However, you need to acknowledge that true employers do look for foreigners who can work as fruit pickers. Even with that, there are a lot of fake job advertisements and agencies that claim to be real, only to waste your time.
You must be very careful while seeking such an opportunity. Before continuing with the remaining steps, you should research the employer/agent to determine whether they are real.
Step 2: Apply for the Job
Second, after you find a suitable job listing, read the description, making sure you meet most of what the employer is seeking. Eventually, you match the job description, and submit your application through the website or recruiting agency you find the job listing. This might include your CV.
If the employer or agency views your CV and sees that you are qualified for the job, they might request an online interview to ensure that they are hiring the right worker. After the interview, they might still want to be in touch.
If they contact you, congratulations—you have been offered a job as a fruit picker in the USA with visa sponsorship. But if they don’t, don’t give up; seek other opportunities.
After contacting you and offering the job, the employer or agency will send you a Notice of Action (Form I-797) and other necessary documents for the next step.
Step 3: Apply for the H-2A Visa
After applying for the job and getting the job, be prepared to apply for the H-2A visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. The application process involves filling out Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application) and paying the necessary application fee.
After applying, you will be contacted to schedule an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate, where you will present your job offer, approval notice, and other required documents, both yours and those sent by your employer.
During the interview, be prepared to discuss and answer various questions regarding your job, your experience, and your intention to return to your home country after the job ends. Unfortunately, you told them you are not returning, and they will deny you the visa.
In addition, depending on the embassy requirement and the job you are applying for as a fruit picker, you may be required to undergo some medical examination to confirm your fitness for the job, which leads us to the last step.
Step 4: Receiving Your Visa
Since it is a sponsored visa, you need to keep your employer informed of the whole visa process and any challenges that come along. If the visa application is eventually approved, the consulate will stamp your passport with the H-2A visa, allowing you to enter the U.S. for your fruit-picking job.
But if it is approved, you will be allowed to enter the USA. You should seek the reasons why it was denied, address the issues, reapply, or consult with an immigration attorney for further assistance.
If your visa is approved, you should inform your employer about travel arrangements. For the duration of the visa, he will provide or reimburse transportation from your home country to the worksite and back upon job completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I bring my family with me on an H-2A visa?
Yes, as an H-2A visa holder working in the USA, you can bring your spouse and unmarried children who are under 21 years of age to the USA on an H-4 dependent visa. However, during your stay in the USA, your family members will only be able to work if they are on an H-4 dependent visa.
2. Can I switch employers while on an H-2A visa?
No, you cannot switch employers while on an H-2A visa. As long as you are holding an H-2A visa, you are tied to the employer who sponsored you to the USA, and your visa expires. If you ever consider switching employers, the new employer you are switching to must file a new petition with the USCIS, the transition must be approved, and your visa must not expire before starting the new job.
3. What happens if I overstay my H-2A visa?
Suppose you overstay your H-2A visa in the USA. In that case, you are seriously violating U.S. immigration law and can result in many penalties, including being barred from re-entering the U.S. in the future. You must comply with your visa conditions, leave the USA when your work authorisation ends, and apply again when an opportunity arrives.
4. Do I need experience to apply for a fruit picking job with visa sponsorship?
Sometimes, your employer might require you to have some experience if they cannot teach you. However, while experience is optional, many employers prefer candidates with prior agricultural or fruit-picking experience. Highlighting that you have any relevant experience on your application can also increase your chances of being selected for the job.
5. Can I apply for fruit picking jobs if I’m currently in the U.S. on another visa?
If you are already in the U.S. on a different non-immigrant visa, such as an F1 or B2 visa, you may be eligible to change your status to an H-2A visa if a USA employer petitions for you. However, this process requires USCIS approval, and you must meet all H-2A eligibility requirements, which many won’t advise you to go for.
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