Our Services - H2A and H2B Programs
We offer both the H2A and the H2B programs. Click below for more information.
What are the differences between the H2-A and H2-B program?
- H2-A is based on the seasonal agricultural need for temporary workers, while H2-B is for all other operations.
- H2-A workers are exempt from Federal and SS taxes, while H2-B pays taxes the same as an American worker.
- Wages and Overtime: H2-A workers get paid by the hour according to the H2-A prevailing wage as published by the DOL every year for each State. They get normal wage for overtime (no time-and-a-half). H2-B workers get paid according to the most recent prevailing wage survey for the specific position, meaning that you have to request a prevailing wage before submitting the application for temporary labor certification. Time-and-a-half is applicable for overtime.
- Employers of H2-A workers have to provide free housing with cooking and washing facilities, plus transport to workplace. H2-B workers have to pay for their accommodation.
- Employers of H2-A workers have to reimburse the workers their transport cost (air tickets) from South Africa. The CFR states that the most reasonable carrier cost has to be reimbursed in the following way: 50% after 50% completion of the contract and the rest after full completion of the contract.
- Employers of H2-A workers must have worker’s compensation.
- DOL charges H2-A employers $100 plus $10 (maximum of $1000) for each worker for the issuance of a labor certification. H2-B is free.
- Time frame at DOL: 6 weeks for H2-A and up to 8 –10 weeks for H2-B.
- Time frame at BCIS (formerly the INS): normally expedite H2-A petition (2-3 weeks), H2B petition (8-12 weeks). The normal filing fee for an I-129 petition is $320.00
*COMMITMENT*
P.L.U.T.O commits to best serve our clients by managing:
- THE RECRUITING PROCESS
- THE LABOR CERTIFICATION PROCESS
- THE BCIS PROCESS