What are H-2A Farm Labor Contractors?
Farms or ranches looking to hire temporary nonimmigrant workers (H-2A workers) to perform agricultural labor or services of a temporary or seasonal nature must submit an application to the US Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division. A requirement of this application is to have an H-2A Farm Labor Contractor Surety Bond.
What is an H-2A Farm Labor Contractor Surety Bond?
Part of the H-2A application process includes posting a surety bond to cover liability incurred during the term of the work contract period applied for. Applications for Farm Labor Contractors can be found here. The bond will remain in effect for at least 2 years from the expiration date of the labor certification.
What should my H-2A Farm Labor Contractor Surety Bond amount be?
Bond amounts vary based on the number of employees being hired:
- $5,000 for a labor certification with fewer than 25 employees
- $10,000 for labor certification with 25 to 49 employees
- $20,000 for a labor certification with 50 to 74 employees
- $50,000 for a labor certification with 75 to 99 employees
- $75,000 for a labor certification with 100 or more employees
What are the terms for this bond?
The bond must be payable to the Administrator, Wage and Hour Division, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room S-3502, Washington, DC 20210.
The bond will remain in effect for at least 2 years from the expiration date of the labor certification.
What else is required to complete my application as an H-2A Farm Labor Contractor?
In addition to the surety bond, the H-2A employer must provide the following items:
- Proof that all housing and transportation if provided or secured by the fixed-site employer complies with applicable safety and health standards
- Copy of each work contract agreement between the H-2ALC (Labor Contractor) and the agricultural business to which they expect to provide workers
- List of names and locations of each fixed-site agricultural business to which they expect to provide H-2A workers, the dates of each employment opportunity, and a description of the crops and activities the workers are expected to perform at each area of intended employment
Can I get a H-2A Farm Labor Contractor Bond with bad credit?
Pacific Surety offers a wide range of approvals, regardless of credit, for H-2A Farm Labor Contractor Surety Bonds. With our strong surety relationships and surety bond expertise, we have the ability to approve 99% of applicants, regardless of how bad their credit is, and our knowledgeable underwriting staff will work with you to ensure you receive the lowest possible pricing for your bond. To see what rate you will qualify for, please complete our online application for your free, no obligation price quote.
How much does an H-2A Farm Labor Contractor Surety Bond cost?
Farm Labor Surety Bond pricing varies, and your premium will be based on the following factors:
- Amount of the bond
- Personal credit for all owners with at least a 10% ownership stake in the business
An underwriter will review your application, and Individuals with good credit can expect to pay 1%-3% of the bond amount. To find out how much your H-2A Farm Labor Surety Bond is going to cost, please complete our online application for your free, no obligation price quote.