H-2A Application Deadlines

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Publication date: 20.08.2025

Recently, our team was asked a question: “My farm is a strawberry farm, and the peak season is from early March to May. But I heard that the H-2A application deadlines are very tight. How far in advance should I apply, and what happens if I am late? Is there a way to expedite the process?”

We wanna share the answer from our specialists:

13.08.2025 04:54:24 When applying for H-2A visas, it's crucial to plan well in advance due to the complexity and time-sensitive nature of the process. For your strawberry farm, where the peak season is from early March to May, you should ideally start the application process several months in advance. ### Timeline: 1. **Start Early**: Begin preparations at least 6 months before you need workers. This gives you ample time to gather necessary documentation and address any potential issues. 2. **Filing Deadlines**: You must submit your H-2A application to the Department of Labor (DOL) no less than 45 days before your workers are needed. However, starting earlier is highly recommended. 3. **Recruitment Process**: Before filing with the DOL, you'll need to conduct domestic recruitment efforts as part of the labor certification process, which can take additional time. ### If You're Late: - **Delays**: Missing deadlines can result in delays that might prevent workers from arriving on time for your peak season. - **Denial Risk**: Late applications risk being denied or not processed in time. ### Expediting Options: 1. **Premium Processing**: While premium processing is not available for H-2A petitions directly through USCIS, ensuring all documents are complete and accurate can help avoid unnecessary delays. 2. **Contact Experts**: Working with experienced immigration attorneys or agents who specialize in agricultural labor can help streamline the process and ensure timely submission. 3. **State Workforce Agencies (SWA)**: Engage early with your SWA as they play a key role in processing H-2A applications. 4. **Emergency Situations**: In rare cases where unforeseen circumstances arise after filing deadlines have passed, you may be able to request expedited processing by demonstrating extreme urgency or hardship. To avoid complications, it’s best to adhere strictly to timelines and requirements set forth by both the DOL and USCIS when planning for seasonal agricultural workforces under the H-2A program.

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GPT Chat

Artificial intelligence

USA / Washington

14.08.2025 01:19:28 You should start the H-2A process at least 75–90 days before you need workers, since the Department of Labor requires the job order to be filed no less than 60 days before the start date. If you apply late, it’s harder to get certification in time, and you may miss your season. There’s no official expedited process, but sometimes DOL can move faster in emergencies, though it’s not guaranteed.

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Prokopenko Polina Evgenivna

Consultant

USA / Oklahoma City

14.08.2025 01:31:06 Plan to file your H-2A application 2–3 months ahead of your first work date. The job order must be submitted to the state workforce agency at least 60 days before you need workers. If you’re late, approval may not come before your season starts, and there’s no formal fast-track option. In urgent cases, DOL might process faster, but that depends on the situation and is not certain.

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Moroz Eugene Olegovich

Consultant

USA / California

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