If you have been dreaming of working in the United States but thought you couldn’t because you don’t have a college degree or “special skills,” I have some good news for you.
The US actually has a huge shortage of workers for jobs that Americans simply don’t want to do—specifically in farming and packing. Because of this, the US government allows companies to hire workers from other countries to come here legally and work for a few months at a time.
This isn’t a “get rich quick” scheme, and it involves hard work. But if you are willing to get your hands dirty, it is a legitimate way to earn US dollars and see the country.
The Two “Golden Tickets”: H-2A and H-2B Visas
You don’t need to memorize a law book, but you do need to know these two names. These are the visa types that allow you to do unskilled work.
- H-2A Visa (The Farm Visa): This is for agricultural work. If you are picking strawberries, planting corn, or driving a tractor on a farm, this is you.
- Cool Perk: By law, the employer must provide you with free housing and transportation to the job site.
- H-2B Visa (The Non-Farm Visa): This is for everything else. This includes packing boxes in a warehouse, working in a fish cannery, landscaping, or cleaning hotels.
- The Catch: There is a limit (a “cap”) on how many of these are given out each year, so they are harder to get.
What Kind of Jobs Are We Talking About?
These aren’t glamorous jobs. You will be on your feet all day, lifting things, and probably sweating. But they pay decent money compared to many other countries.
- Farm Laborer: Picking fruits (apples, oranges, berries) or vegetables (lettuce, tomatoes).
- Packer: Standing at a conveyor belt putting fruit into boxes or sorting good veggies from bad ones.
- Cannery Worker: Processing fish or vegetables in a factory (common in places like Alaska).
- Landscaping: Mowing lawns and planting trees for big companies.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | H-2A (Farm) | H-2B (Non-Farm) |
| Main Job Type | Farming, Harvesting, Livestock | Packing, Landscaping, Cleaning |
| Education Needed | None | None |
| Housing | Free (Employer must provide it) | Not usually free (You pay rent) |
| Visa Limit | No limit (Easier to get) | Capped (Harder to get) |
| Season Length | Usually less than 1 year | Usually less than 1 year |
How to Actually Find These Jobs (Without Getting Scammed)
This is the most important part. There are thousands of scammers on Facebook and WhatsApp trying to steal your money.
Rule #1: NEVER pay for a job.
A real US employer pays you. If someone asks you for $500 to “process your application,” block them immediately. It is a scam.
Where to look for real jobs:
- The Official US Government Site:
Go to SeasonalJobs.dol.gov.- This is the safest place. Every job listed here has already been approved by the US government to hire foreign workers.
- Search for “Farmworker” or “Laborer.”
- Look for the contact info of the employer and email them directly.
- Reputable Agencies:
Many US farms hire “recruiting agencies” to find workers for them. You can search for agencies that specialize in H-2A or H-2B workers. Just make sure they are registered.
How the Process Works
You can’t just fly to the US and look for a job. You have to find the job first.
- Apply: You contact the employer or agency.
- Offer: If they like you, they send you a job offer.
- Paperwork: The employer files a petition (paperwork) with the US government to “sponsor” you.
- Visa Interview: Once approved, you take that paperwork to the US Embassy in your home country to get your visa stamp.
- Travel: You fly to the USA and start working!
Final Thoughts
Getting one of these jobs takes patience. You might send 50 emails and only get one reply. But for thousands of people every year, this is a life-changing opportunity to earn money to send back home to their families.
Start at SeasonalJobs.dol.gov, be persistent, and stay safe from scams!
