H-2A Visa Cost: What Employers Really Pay
A transparent look at the cost categories that make up an H-2A program—without outdated fee dollar amounts.
H-2A Cost Estimate · Free · No Obligation
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Why We Do Not Publish Stale Fee Amounts
Government filing fees change. Publishing a fixed dollar figure that ages poorly can mislead employers. Instead, we explain every major cost category and provide a custom estimate based on your crew size, location, housing plan, and season. Call (210) 695-1648 or request a custom cost estimate.
What Goes Into H-2A Cost Per Worker
Government Filing Fees
Agency fees for labor certification, petitions, and related filings. Amounts change over time, so we quote current figures for your case rather than publishing stale numbers.
Professional Service Fees
Head Honchos case management covering paperwork, recruitment coordination, petition support, and white-glove guidance through the season.
Housing
H-2A employers must provide free housing that meets applicable standards. Cost depends on your facilities, renovations, inspections, and capacity.
Transportation & Inbound Travel
Employers typically cover required transportation and subsistence related to workers traveling to the job and, in many cases, return travel at the end of the period.
Wages (AEWR and Related)
Pay must meet required wage rules, commonly including the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) for the work and location, plus overtime or other rules that apply.
Recruitment & Advertising
Required U.S. recruitment and newspaper or other ads are part of a compliant filing and should be budgeted into total cost per worker.
Ready to simplify seasonal hiring? Talk with a Head Honchos specialist about your crew needs and next steps—no obligation.
How Employers Keep Spending Predictable
Start Early
A 90–120 day planning window reduces rush costs and last-minute complications.
Right-Size the Crew
Accurate worker counts keep housing, travel, and wage budgets aligned with real need.
Stay Audit-Ready
Clean records and compliant practices help avoid costly disruptions if DOL reviews your file.
Ready to simplify seasonal hiring? Talk with a Head Honchos specialist about your crew needs and next steps—no obligation.
Budget With the Timeline in Mind
Build your budget around a roughly 90–120 day planning window. Early starts reduce rush risk and help housing, recruitment, and travel align with AEWR wage obligations and free housing requirements. For the steps themselves, see the H-2A process guide. For program overview, visit H-2A visa services.
Request a Custom Cost Estimate
Tell us your season, crew size, and housing plan. Family-owned for 27 years across the contiguous USA.