Information ZedFruit picking offers an unique opportunity for international workers to find jobs in rural areas of America while also gaining valuable work experience.
If you’re looking to work temporarily in the US and don’t mind getting your hands dirty, fruit picking could be a great option. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the highest paying fruit picking jobs that also offer H-2A visa sponsorship.
An Introduction to H-2A Temporary Agricultural Visas
The H-2A temporary agricultural worker visa program allows US farmers and agriculture-related businesses to bring foreign nationals to the USA to fill temporary or seasonal agricultural jobs. Some key things to know about H-2A visas:
- Employers must prove there are not enough US workers able and qualified to fill the jobs.
- Visas are typically valid for up to 1 year and workers are only authorized to work for the petitioning employer.
- Employers are required to provide housing, transportation, and reimbursement for certain costs like visa application fees.
- Workers can renew their visas as long as the job is deemed temporary or seasonal in nature and continues to be certified by the Department of Labor.
- Spouses and children are not authorized to accompany H-2A workers unless also approved for a dependent visa.
Knowing the basics of the H-2A program is important, as many of the highest paying fruit picking jobs offer sponsorship through this visa category.
Top Fruit Picking Jobs with H-2A Visa Sponsorship
Here are some of the highest paying fruit picking jobs in the USA that provide H-2A sponsorship:
1. Cherry Picking in the Pacific Northwest – $15-18/hour
Cherry orchards in Washington and Oregon offer some of the most lucrative fruit picking work. Peak seasons are May through July. Many orchards provide free housing and transportation between fields.
2. Grape Harvesting in California’s Central Valley – $14-16/hour
From July through October, vineyards hire thousands of seasonal workers for grape harvesting. Housing and meals are usually included. Work is physically demanding but pay can be significant with overtime.
3. Blueberry Picking in Maine and Michigan – $12.50-14.50/hour
Blueberry seasons run from July through September. Housing is provided in remote areas near blueberry barrens. Pay varies depending on experience and quality of work.
4. Apple Harvesting in the Pacific Northwest – $13-15/hour
Apples are picked through the fall months of September and October. Work involves lifting bags of apples and working quickly. Housing is common but conditions can be basic.
5. Cranberry Harvesting in Massachusetts and Wisconsin – $12-14/hour
Late September through November is cranberry harvest season. Work involves wading in bogs to pick the fruit. Affordable employer-provided housing near bogs is standard.
Those are some of the biggest money-making options. As you can see, working multiple seasons in different crops and regions can maximize your potential earnings with an H-2A visa over the course of a year.
Factors to Consider Before Applying
While the pay can be attractive, fruit picking is difficult manual labor that requires physical stamina and a willingness to work long days outdoors in all weather conditions. Some things to seriously evaluate include:
- Agricultural work often happens very early in the morning and late into evenings depending on crop and conditions.
- Housing provided by employers is normally shared space like bunkhouses with basic amenities. Privacy may be limited.
- Remote locations mean little access to large towns, public transportation, and amenities. Isolation is common.
- Weather can be very hot, wet, or cold depending on crop and region. Extreme conditions are not unusual.
- Jobs are temporary/seasonal by nature with no guarantee of renewal or ongoing employment.
- Required skills vary but include ability to perform repetitive tasks quickly and withstand outdoor labor for long periods.
Weigh all factors carefully before committing, as conditions will be challenging. Discuss options honestly with your family as well. Speaking with past H-2A workers can also provide realistic expectations.
The Application Process
If after thorough consideration fruit picking still seems like the right path, here are the basic steps to apply for an H-2A job-offer based visa:
- Find an advertised H-2A job listing directly on a farm/orchard website or a national job board.
- Contact the employer directly to request an job offer letter on company letterhead if you meet the minimum qualifications.
- Take the job offer letter to your home country’s nearest US consulate to formally apply for the H-2A visa and be interviewed.
- If approved, the consulate will provide visa materials to travel to USA and only work for the petitioning employer.
- Upon arrival, you must have a valid passport, remain in status, only perform H-2A job duties and adhere to all visa rules.
- Employers are responsible for visa extensions if multi-seasonal work is verified and recommended by DOL again the following year.
The application process is overseen by several government agencies so complete honesty and full cooperation is crucial every step of the way. Ensure all documentation is fully prepared before the visa interview.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I bring my family on an H-2A visa?
No, only the principal H-2A worker is authorized. Spouses and children cannot accompany or join later unless approved for dependent visas through a separate process with the employer.
2. What if I want to change employers mid-season?
H-2A status is employer-specific, meaning you can only work for the petitioning company. Any job change without employer transfer of petition requires changing to another visa status, which is complicated and rarely approved.
3. How difficult is the work really?
Fruit picking requires being on your feet all day performing repetitive bending, lifting and harvesting tasks quickly outdoors in all weather conditions. It’s physically challenging labor—be ready for that.
4. Will there be opportunities to continue multi-seasonal work?
If you perform well and remain needed, many employers file for extensions or rehire experienced farmworkers season after season. Continuing work depends on employer need, your performance, and continued approval from the Department of Labor.
5. How do I prepare my application for the best chances?
Ensure all required paperwork and translations are fully authentic and prepared well in advance. Practice interview skills in English if needed. Come prepared to clearly demonstrate your intent is solely for temporary agricultural work, then return home.
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