Can I use H-2A to plant and H-2B to harvest?

It is important to clarify that the H-2A and H-2B visas serve very different purposes, and each has specific eligibility requirements that do not allow substitutions or ”swaps” based on the stage of the job.

The H-2A visa is intended for temporary workers in agricultural activities, including planting, cultivating, and harvesting, or other tasks related to agricultural production. Therefore, if the work involves any agricultural activity, the appropriate procedure is through the H-2A visa.

The H-2B visa, on the other hand, is for temporary workers performing non-agricultural or seasonal duties outside the agricultural routine, and is not compatible with tasks such as harvesting. Thus, using H-2A to plant and H-2B to harvest does not comply with U.S. immigration regulations, as each visa addresses specific types of work and must follow the rules set forth by the Department of Labor and immigration authorities.

It is recommended to strictly follow immigration laws, seek accurate information, and consult qualified specialists, avoiding offers that promise easy results, since violating regulations can lead to serious legal consequences.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.