Jobs

How to Apply for USA Apple Picking Jobs with Visa Sponsorship

6 min read

The USA offers various seasonal job opportunities, and apple picking is one of the most popular agricultural jobs for foreigners seeking employment. Apple picking jobs can be a great way to experience life in the U.S. while earning money during the harvest season. Many farms in the U.S. also offer visa sponsorship for foreign workers to help fill these positions. If you’re interested in applying for apple picking jobs in the U.S. with visa sponsorship, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to navigate the process.

1. Understand the Types of Visas for Apple Picking Jobs

To work in the U.S. as an apple picker, you typically need a Temporary Worker Visa. The most common visa for seasonal agricultural work, including apple picking, is the H-2A Visa. This visa allows foreign workers to come to the U.S. for temporary agricultural work, such as harvesting crops.

H-2A Visa

The H-2A Visa is designed for temporary or seasonal agricultural work. It is ideal for jobs like apple picking, which only require workers for part of the year during the harvest season. Employers in the U.S. must prove that there are not enough U.S. workers available to fill these roles before offering a job to foreign workers under the H-2A program.

Key Requirements for the H-2A Visa:

  • The job must be temporary or seasonal.
  • The employer must demonstrate a shortage of U.S. workers willing to take the job.
  • The worker must have a job offer and meet certain qualifications set by the employer.

2. Research Apple Picking Employers in the U.S.

The next step is to identify farms or agricultural companies in the U.S. that hire apple pickers during harvest seasons (usually from late summer to fall). Many farms and orchards hire workers on a seasonal basis, and some may be open to sponsoring foreign workers through the H-2A visa program.

Where to Look for Jobs:

  • Farm Job Websites: There are many websites dedicated to seasonal farm work in the U.S. Some popular platforms include:
    • SeasonalJobs.com
    • HarvestHerbs.com
    • CoolWorks.com
  • Farmers’ Associations: Many state-based agricultural associations, such as the U.S. Apple Association, may list available farm jobs and connect employers with potential workers.
  • Direct Employer Websites: Many large apple orchards, farms, and harvest companies will post job openings directly on their websites.

3. Contact Employers Offering Visa Sponsorship

Once you’ve identified apple picking employers, it’s time to reach out and inquire about potential visa sponsorship. Some companies may already have a process in place for hiring foreign workers under the H-2A visa program.

You can send an email or apply through their website by submitting your resume and cover letter, mentioning that you’re seeking a job with visa sponsorship. Be clear about your intention to apply for the H-2A Visa and confirm that the employer offers this type of sponsorship.

Tips for Contacting Employers:

  • Be Professional: When reaching out to potential employers, ensure your emails are professional, concise, and tailored to each company.
  • Ask About Visa Sponsorship: Inquire directly about whether they sponsor H-2A workers, and if so, ask about the application process.
  • Follow Up: After applying, follow up regularly to demonstrate interest and show you’re serious about the position.

4. Wait for a Job Offer and Visa Sponsorship

After applying and contacting employers, you will need to wait for a response. If you receive a job offer from a farm or agricultural company, they will begin the process of sponsoring your visa. The employer must submit a petition to the U.S. government for H-2A visa sponsorship.

What Employers Must Do:

  1. File a Petition with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL): The employer must submit a job order with the DOL, showing that they cannot find sufficient U.S. workers for the position.
  2. File a Petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): After the DOL approves the job order, the employer files a petition with USCIS to request the H-2A visa for you.
  3. Obtain Labor Certification: The employer must prove that the foreign worker’s employment won’t harm the wages or working conditions of U.S. workers.

5. Prepare the Necessary Documents

Once the employer has filed the necessary paperwork, you will need to prepare additional documents for your visa application. The employer’s petition will be forwarded to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country, where you will attend an interview to finalize the visa application process.

Documents You May Need:

  • Valid Passport: A passport that will remain valid for at least six months after your planned entry date.
  • Job Offer Letter: A formal letter from the U.S. employer detailing the job offer, including wages, duration of employment, and work conditions.
  • H-2A Visa Petition: This will be filed by your employer with USCIS.
  • Proof of Financial Support: Proof that you can support yourself during your stay (though this is often covered by the employer’s provisions).
  • Medical Exam: You may need to undergo a medical exam by an approved physician.
  • Visa Fees: Payment for visa application and processing fees.

6. Attend the Visa Interview

After your employer’s petition is approved, you will be scheduled for a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country. During the interview, you will be asked about your qualifications, your intent to work temporarily in the U.S., and the details of your job offer.

Make sure to bring all the necessary documents, including the job offer, petition approval, and proof of your qualifications.

7. Arrive in the U.S. and Start Your Job

Once your visa is approved, you can travel to the U.S. and begin working as an apple picker. The employer will typically provide housing and transportation to and from the farm, as required under the H-2A program. The duration of your work permit will depend on the employer’s needs and the harvest season.

Securing an apple picking job in the U.S. with visa sponsorship may seem challenging, but it is absolutely achievable with the right approach. By researching employers, understanding the visa process, and being proactive in contacting potential employers, you can increase your chances of finding a seasonal job in the U.S. under the H-2A visa.

Remember to stay organized, follow up on job applications, and ensure you complete all documentation and requirements for the visa process. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a fulfilling work experience in the U.S. while exploring its agricultural landscape.

You may also like

Leave a Comment