Apple Orchard Companies That Sponsor H-2A Visas
Apple orchards across Washington, New York, Michigan, and other major growing states consistently hire H-2A workers for thinning, picking, and packing during harvest season. The work is time-sensitive and high-volume, and domestic workers rarely fill all available positions. H-2A sponsoring orchards offer guaranteed wages, free housing, and round-trip transportation from your home country. For detailed visa eligibility requirements, see the official USCIS guide.
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Search All CompaniesHow to Get Visa Sponsorship in Apple Orchard Companies That Sponsor H-2A Visas
Apply early in the year
H-2A petitions for harvest roles are typically filed 45 to 75 days before the start date. Employers who hire for fall harvest often begin recruitment in spring. Getting your name in early gives you the best shot.
Know the picking standards
Apple picking requires care to avoid bruising fruit, which affects the employer's yield and your standing. Ask during the hiring process what quality standards the employer uses and whether training is provided.
Confirm housing details before you travel
H-2A employers must provide free housing that meets federal and state standards. Before you arrive, confirm what the housing setup looks like, how far it is from the worksite, and what's provided.
Understand the 3/4 guarantee
Your contract guarantees work for at least 75% of the hours listed. If the crop is short or weather delays work, you're still owed those minimum wages. Know your rights before you sign.
Track your hours and pay stubs
Keep records of your pay stubs throughout the season. If there's ever a dispute about wages, having documentation protects you. U.S.
Ask About Ladder and Equipment Safety Training
Apple picking involves working on tall ladders for long hours, and injuries are common without proper technique. Confirm the employer provides safety orientation on your first day and ask whether OSHA-compliant ladders are standard on their operation.
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Search All CompaniesFrequently Asked Questions
What tasks do H-2A workers do at apple orchards?
Most positions involve hand-picking apples, thinning fruit in early summer, pruning trees in winter and early spring, and packing fruit in warehouses or cold storage facilities. Some employers also need workers for irrigation maintenance and pest monitoring. The specific duties depend on the time of year and the size of the operation.
When does apple harvest season run in the U.S.?
Harvest timing varies by region. In Washington State, peak picking typically runs from late August through October. In New York and Michigan, harvest falls between September and November. Some employers hire for year-round roles that include pruning and thinning outside of harvest.
How does pay work for orchard H-2A jobs?
Employers must pay at least the AEWR for the state, or the prevailing piece-rate wage if workers are paid per bin or per pound picked, whichever results in higher total pay. Most apple picking jobs pay hourly or by piece rate, and your employer is required to guarantee you at least 75% of the contracted hours regardless of weather or crop conditions.
Will I be working outside in all weather conditions?
Yes, most orchard work happens outdoors. Harvest season in the Pacific Northwest can bring rain, and early-season pruning may occur in cold temperatures. Employers are required to provide a safe working environment, but the work itself is physically demanding and weather-dependent.
Can I bring my family on an H-2A visa?
The H-2A visa is a single-worker visa and doesn't include a dependent visa category the way some other work visas do. Your immediate family members can't join you under H-2A. If they want to visit, they'd need to apply separately for a B-2 tourist visa.
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