Are you interested in fruit-picking jobs in the USA with visa sponsorship? These rewarding roles allow foreign workers to work legally in the thriving agricultural industry, with the possibility of long-term opportunities.
With visa sponsorship, you can earn great wages, gain valuable experience, and explore the scenic beauty of rural America.
This guide covers eligibility, highlights top farms and agricultural companies offering sponsorship, and provides links to help you apply today.
Eligibility Criteria and Requirements for Fruit Picking Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Foreign workers must meet these eligibility criteria and requirements to access fruit-picking jobs in the USA:
- Work Visa Sponsorship: Foreign workers must meet the eligibility criteria for a temporary work visa, such as the H-2A visa, which is commonly used for agricultural jobs, including fruit picking. This visa allows foreign nationals to work legally in the USA for a specified period.
- Job Offer: Applicants must secure a job offer from a U.S. employer in the agricultural sector willing to sponsor their visa. This employer must be registered with the U.S. Department of Labor and demonstrate the need for foreign workers.
- Age Requirements: While there is no strict age limit, most employers prefer workers aged 18 or older, as fruit-picking jobs can be physically demanding. Applicants must be physically fit to handle manual labor in varying weather conditions.
- Experience: Previous experience in agriculture or manual labor is often preferred but not always required. Many employers are willing to train workers with no prior farming experience.
- Proof of Identity and Legal Status: Applicants must provide valid identification, such as a passport, and undergo background checks to ensure they have no criminal record. Some employers may also require medical examinations.
- Ability to Work in the USA: Applicants must demonstrate the intent to comply with U.S. immigration laws, return to their home country at the end of their visa period, and not engage in unauthorized employment.
- Language Skills: While proficiency in English is not always a requirement, basic communication skills can be helpful in ensuring workplace safety and efficiency. Some employers may provide language support.
- Financial Support: Applicants must prove they can financially support themselves during their time in the USA, though the sponsoring employer typically provides housing and meals, reducing personal costs.
How to Find and Apply for Fruit Picking Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship as a Foreigner
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you find and apply for fruit-picking jobs in the USA with visa sponsorship.
Step 1: Research Available Job Opportunities
Start by exploring job listings that specifically mention fruit-picking roles and visa sponsorship. Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, CoolWorks, and Farm & Ranch Jobs are great resources for finding agricultural job opportunities.
Focus on listings that mention H-2A visa sponsorship or seasonal farm work, as these are the most common routes for foreign workers to secure legal employment in the USA.
You can contact recruitment agencies that specialize in placing foreign workers on U.S. farms. These agencies have established relationships with employers who offer visa sponsorship and can guide you through the application process.
Step 2: Secure a Job Offer
Once you find relevant job listings, apply directly through the employer’s website or job board. Ensure your resume highlights any experience in agriculture, manual labor, or other relevant fields.
Even if you don’t have previous fruit-picking experience, employers may provide training, so be sure to emphasize your work ethic and enthusiasm for the job.
After applying, follow up with the employer to confirm your application is under review. If selected, you will receive a job offer, which is the first essential step toward obtaining a work visa.
Step 3: Confirm Visa Sponsorship Availability
Not all employers offer visa sponsorship, so it’s crucial to confirm that the job position provides this benefit.
During the application process or interview, ask the employer if they will sponsor your H-2A visa. This visa is designed specifically for foreign workers in agriculture, including fruit-picking roles.
Step 4: Prepare Required Documentation
Once you’ve secured a job offer, the next step is preparing the necessary documentation for the visa application.
You will need:
- A valid passport with at least six months’ validity.
- Proof of your job offer from the U.S. employer.
- Any prior work experience in agriculture (if applicable).
- Medical records and background checks, which may be required depending on the employer and U.S. immigration guidelines.
Ensure all documents are accurate and up to date to avoid any delays in the application process.
Step 5: Apply for the H-2A Visa
The employer typically handles the application for your H-2A visa. They will submit paperwork to the U.S. Department of Labor and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to get approval for your employment.
Once the employer has gotten the necessary approvals, complete the DS-160 form, pay the visa application fee, and schedule an interview at your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
The U.S. embassy will review your documents and interview you to confirm your eligibility. If your visa is approved, the embassy will issue the H-2A visa, which allows you to legally enter the USA for your seasonal job.
Step 6: Attend Your Visa Interview
Prepare for the visa interview by gathering all required documentation, including your job offer, passport, and medical records. The consular officer will assess your intent to return to your home country once the job ends and have no intention of overstaying your visa.
Be honest and clear about your plans, as the embassy will want to verify your ties to your home country. If everything is in order, your visa will be approved.
Step 7: Travel to the USA and Start Your Job
Once your visa is approved, make travel arrangements to the USA. Your employer may assist you with travel logistics, including flights, housing, and meals.
Upon arrival, go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the port of entry, where your visa will be validated.
Once cleared, you can begin your fruit-picking job, adhering to all the conditions outlined in your H-2A visa. Remember that you can only work for the employer who sponsored your visa, and you must return to your home country when the employment ends.
Step 8: Comply with Visa Conditions
Follow all visa rules and regulations during your time in the USA. This includes working only for the sponsoring employer, staying within the authorized duration of your visa, and returning to your home country at the end of your contract.
Note: Violating these conditions could jeopardize your ability to work in the U.S. in the future.
Top Farms and Agricultural Companies Offering Fruit-Picking Jobs In USA With Visa Sponsorship
Here are some leading companies providing fruit-picking opportunities, along with details on their visa sponsorship policies, eligibility criteria, and application processes:
Driscoll’s
Driscoll’s is a leading producer of fresh berries in the USA, including strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. The company operates in several states with extensive farming operations and employs seasonal workers through the H-2A visa program.
Driscoll’s actively supports visa sponsorship for foreign workers, providing opportunities for individuals to work legally while gaining hands-on experience in berry harvesting.
Eligibility typically includes physical fitness, a willingness to perform manual labor, and the ability to work in varying weather conditions.
Interested candidates can explore job openings and apply via Driscoll’s Careers Page.
Taylor Farms
Taylor Farms, one of the largest suppliers of fresh-cut vegetables and leafy greens, operates across the United States. The company hires seasonal agricultural workers through the H-2A visa program and provides visa sponsorship to qualified foreign applicants.
Eligibility requirements include prior experience in farming (preferred but not mandatory), the ability to meet physical demands, and adherence to U.S. immigration regulations.
Candidates can apply through Taylor Farms Careers or reach out to their recruitment team for seasonal opportunities.
Grimmway Farms
Grimmway Farms is one of the largest carrot producers in the U.S., with additional operations in other crops. They hire foreign workers under the H-2A visa program for roles involving harvesting, packaging, and field maintenance.
Applicants must be physically capable of performing outdoor agricultural tasks. Benefits include paid training, housing, and transportation to work locations.
Zirkle Fruit Company
Zirkle Fruit Company, located in Washington State, specializes in apples, cherries, and peaches. They hire seasonal workers and sponsor H-2A visas to support foreign employees in fruit-picking and related roles.
Eligibility criteria include reliability, physical fitness, and availability to work long hours during harvest periods. Zirkle Fruit provides housing and transportation assistance.
AgriLabor USA
AgriLabor USA acts as a bridge between foreign workers and U.S. farms offering seasonal jobs. They specialize in connecting workers with employers who provide H-2A visa sponsorship, ensuring smooth placement and compliance with labor laws.
Applicants must meet the physical and skill requirements set by individual employers. AgriLabor USA supports workers throughout the visa application process.
Calavo Growers
Calavo Growers, a leader in tropical fruit production such as avocados and mangoes, offers seasonal employment opportunities with H-2A visa sponsorship. Their operations emphasize quality and sustainability, providing a professional environment for agricultural workers.
Applicants should be physically fit and ready to work in outdoor environments. Benefits include housing, training, and competitive wages.
The Average Salary for Fruit Picking Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
National Average Salary
- Hourly Rate: The national average hourly wage for fruit pickers ranges from $13 to $17, depending on the season and employer.
- Annual Salary: Full-time fruit pickers earn an average annual income of $27,000 to $35,000. Seasonal workers, however, typically earn less as contracts last for only a few months.
Benefits of Fruit Picking Jobs In USA With Visa Sponsorship
Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you can gain by taking up these opportunities.
Legal Employment Through Visa Sponsorship
Visa sponsorship, typically under the H-2A program, ensures that workers are legally employed in the United States.
Employers manage the visa application process, reducing the stress and complexity for workers. This legal status not only provides job security but also opens the door to future employment opportunities.
Competitive and Reliable Wages
Fruit-picking jobs offer competitive pay, especially during peak harvesting seasons. Hourly wages range between $13 and $22, depending on location, crop type, and experience.
Many employers provide bonuses for exceeding quotas, allowing workers to maximize their earnings.
Free or Subsidized Housing
Many employers provide housing at little or no cost to seasonal workers. Accommodations are typically located near work sites and include essential amenities like beds, kitchens, and laundry facilities.
This benefit significantly reduces living expenses, allowing workers to save a larger portion of their income.
Transportation Assistance
Employers often cover or subsidize travel costs for workers. This includes transportation from their home country to the work site and daily commutes to the fields.
In some cases, employers reimburse return travel expenses at the end of the contract, further easing financial burdens.
Access to Healthcare and Workplace Safety
Workers have access to healthcare services and robust safety measures. Some employers offer health insurance that covers work-related injuries, while larger farms may have on-site medical staff.
Additionally, workers are trained in safety protocols to minimize risks and maintain a secure working environment.
Skill Development Opportunities
Fruit-picking jobs provide hands-on experience in the agricultural sector, enhancing technical and interpersonal skills.
Workers gain expertise in harvesting techniques, crop management, and teamwork. These skills can lead to career advancement within the industry, such as supervisory roles or other agricultural positions.
Exposure to Rural American Culture
These jobs allow workers to experience life in rural America, surrounded by beautiful landscapes and welcoming communities.
Workers often engage with local residents, participate in cultural exchanges, and form lasting friendships, making the experience more fulfilling beyond financial gains.
Meals and Subsidized Food
Some employers offer free or discounted meals to their workers, further adding to cost savings. Workers may have access to fresh produce or discounted groceries from the farms they work on, ensuring nutritious and affordable food options.
Family-Friendly Opportunities
Certain programs and employers allow workers to bring their families, providing family-friendly accommodations and support.
Children of workers may attend local schools, and families often benefit from the same housing and transportation perks provided to employees.
Pathways to Long-Term Employment
Fruit-picking jobs can serve as a stepping stone to permanent opportunities in the agricultural sector.
Workers who demonstrate reliability and skill may secure renewable contracts, paving the way for long-term employment. Additionally, the experience gained can be a valuable asset for pursuing other roles in agriculture.
