GreatigcaptionsFruit picking is often portrayed as low-skilled manual labor. However, some fruit picking jobs in America provide surprisingly good wages and offer H-2A visa sponsorship for foreign workers.
If you’re willing to work hard outdoors, fruit harvesting can be a lucrative way to earn an income in the U.S. This guide will explore the highest paying fruit picking opportunities and the visa process involved.
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Jobs that Offer Visa Sponsorship
Several fruit crops require large seasonal workforces that domestic workers can’t always fill. To legally employ experienced foreign pickers, some farms utilize the H-2A temporary agricultural work visa program. The following jobs typically sponsor H-2A visas:
Apple Harvesting
Picking apples is physically demanding but can pay well, especially in states like Washington where premium varieties like Galas and Honeycrisps are in high demand.
Experienced H-2A apple pickers in the Pacific Northwest commonly earn $15-18 per hour or more based on productivity. Housing and transportation are provided.
Berry Harvesting
Strawberry, blueberry, blackberry and raspberry farms throughout the U.S. often employ H-2A workers during harvest seasons.
Pay typically ranges from $12-15 per hour or more for experienced pickers in states such as California, Oregon, Maryland and North Carolina.
Vineyard Work
Vineyard jobs pruning, weeding and harvesting grapes offer some of the highest agricultural wages. Large vineyard operations in premium wine regions like California’s Napa Valley commonly pay H-2A workers $15-18 per hour or more during harvest. Housing is provided year-round.
Melon Harvesting
Cantaloupe and watermelon farms in states like Arizona, California, Georgia and Indiana regularly sponsor H-2A pickers earning $12-15 per hour. Housing, meals and transportation to fields are standard benefits.
How the H-2A Visa Process Works
To qualify for an H-2A agricultural work visa, employers must first obtain U.S. Department of Labor certification that:
- There are not enough able and qualified domestic workers available, and
- Hiring foreign workers will not adversely affect wages and working conditions of similar U.S. farm jobs.
Once approved, the employer files a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services on behalf of foreign workers. If approved, workers receive a temporary H-2A visa valid for the duration of employment, up to 10 months.
Visa holders are entitled to return to the U.S. in subsequent years if continuing to work for the same employer. After 3 years, they may be able to transition to other agricultural jobs or employers. Spouses and children can accompany H-2A workers.
Additional Benefits for H-2A Workers
Beyond wages, H-2A employers are legally obligated to provide:
Housing
Farms must provide clean temporary housing at no cost, often in shared worker apartments/trailers near fields.
Transportation
Workers are transported to and from fields at no expense. Some employers even fly international employees to/from their home countries.
Tools and Equipment
All necessary tools, protective gear and supplies required for harvesting tasks are employer-provided at no cost.
Meals or Cooking Facilities
Many farms offer cooked meals, while others have communal kitchens for workers to prepare their own food. Groceries are not deducted from pay.
Workman’s Compensation Insurance
Medical treatment and wage replacement are covered if injured on the job through employer-provided insurance.
Free Home Country Return
Successful H-2A season workers receive a paid flight back to their home country at employment conclusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find H-2A job listings?
The best resources are job board sites specializing in agricultural employment like AgJobs.com, H2AJobs.com, and Indeed.com/H2A. Employers must publicly list openings 60 days in advance.
Do I need farm experience to qualify?
Most entry-level harvesting jobs do not require prior experience, but some employers prefer it. Hands-on training will be provided. Good physical fitness and a strong work ethic are key.
What is the application and hiring process like?
Employers conduct video/phone interviews and may request references. If selected, they will guide you through the H-2A visa process, covering all government filing/medical exam fees.
How difficult is the work really?
Fruit harvesting is physically demanding as you work quickly outdoors in all weather. Multitasking skills and endurance are valuable. Monitoring daily productivity ensures fair hourly wages.
What is worker housing typically like?
Accommodations vary but are always clean, furnished temporary housing (apartments, trailers or dorms) near fields. Rooms are usually shared with bunk beds. Most homes have kitchens, bathrooms and WiFi.
Conclusion
With millions of pounds of fruit to harvest seasonally, American agriculture provides ample opportunities for experienced foreign workers through the H-2A visa program.
For those willing to dedicate months to demanding yet rewarding seasonal jobs, fruit picking offers a unique chance to temporarily live and earn a good income in rural American communities.
With a positive attitude and strong work ethic, the financial and cultural rewards can make such temporary migration experiences truly life-changing.
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