Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker: H-2A Classification

Instructions for Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker:
H-2A Classification
Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

USCIS
Form I-129H2A

Purpose of Form I-129H2A
This form is used by an employer to petition U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for an alien beneficiary
to come temporarily to the United States as a nonimmigrant to perform agricultural services or labor.
Form I-129H2A consists of the:
1. Basic petition;
2. H-2A Named Worker Attachment (required when more than one named beneficiary is included in the petition); and
3. Joint Employer Supplement.

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Who May File Form I-129H2A?

General. A U.S. employer or the employer's agent may file this form and applicable supplements to classify an alien as a
temporary agricultural worker in the H-2A nonimmigrant classification. An association of U.S. agricultural producers
may also file this form when named as a joint employer on the temporary labor certification.
Agents. A U.S. individual or company in business as an agent may file a petition for:
1. Workers who are traditionally self-employed;

2. Workers who use agents to arrange short-term employment on their behalf with numerous employers; or
3. A foreign employer who authorizes the agent to act on its behalf.

A petition filed by an agent must include a complete itinerary of services or engagements, including dates, names, and
addresses of the actual employers, and the locations where the beneficiary will perform the services. A petition filed by a
U.S. agent must guarantee the wages and other terms and conditions of employment by contractual agreement with the
beneficiary or beneficiaries of the petition. The agent/employer must also provide an itinerary of definite employment
and information on any other services planned for the period of time requested.

Who May File Form I-129H2A?

The H-2A classification always requires a petition.

The evidence listed below for H-2A petitions and for those petitions seeking a change of status or extension of stay, as
applicable, must be included.
Including more than one alien in a petition. You may include multiple aliens who seek admission in the H-2A
classification on the same petition provided you are requesting the same action for each and all will:
1.

Be employed for the same period of time;

2.

Be employed in the same location(s); and

3.

Perform the same services or labor.

Form I-129H2A Instructions 10/02/20

Total number of workers. The total number of workers you request on an H-2A petition must not exceed the number of
workers approved by the Department of Labor on the temporary labor certification. If naming beneficiaries, a single
H-2A petition may be filed on behalf of no more than 25 named workers. A petitioner may file additional petitions if
requesting more than 25 named workers.
Naming beneficiaries. Generally, you may request named or unnamed workers as beneficiaries of an H-2A petition.
However, you may not request both named and unnamed workers on the same H-2A petition.
H-2A workers who must be named: You must provide the name, date of birth, country of birth, and country of
nationality of all H-2A workers who:

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1. Are currently in the United States; or

2. Are nationals of countries that are not designated by the Secretary of Homeland Security as eligible to participate in
the H-2A program (see link and "Eligible Countries List" information below).
NOTE: You must submit an H-2A Named Worker Attachment for each additional beneficiary when more than one
named beneficiary is included in the petition.
H-2A Nonimmigrants

The H-2A classification is for aliens coming to the United States temporarily to perform agricultural labor or services of a
temporary or seasonal nature. The maximum period of stay that may be granted under this petition is the period specified
in the temporary labor certification the petitioner is submitting together with this petition. The maximum overall period of
stay for H-2A workers is, generally, three years, after which such workers must depart from the United States and remain
outside the country for a period of no less than three months before such workers again become eligible for H-2A
classification.
The petition may be filed by:

1. The employer listed on the temporary labor certification;
2. The employer's agent; or

3. Point employers, including an association of U.S. agricultural producers named as a joint employer on the temporary
labor certification.
The petitioner, employer (if different from the petitioner), and each joint employer must complete and sign the relevant
sections of the petition and relevant attachments/supplements. For joint employers, the primary petitioner is the primary
applicant named on the temporary labor certification.
Additionally, the petitioner must submit:
1. A single valid temporary labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor;
2. Evidence showing that each named beneficiary meets the minimum job requirements stated in the temporary labor
certification at the time the certification application was filed; and
3. When applicable, a petition for aliens to perform services or labor in more than one location must include an itinerary
with the dates and locations where the services or labor will take place.
NOTE: Under certain emergent circumstances, as determined by USCIS, petitions requesting a continuation of
employment with the same employer for 2 weeks or less are exempt from the temporary labor certification requirement.
Such petitioners should submit a detailed explanation of the emergent circumstances and a photocopy of the previously
submitted temporary labor certification. See 8 CFR 214.2(h)(5)(x).
E-Verify and H-2A Petitions
In certain cases, H-2A workers may start work for a new employer beginning on the date USCIS receives a Form
I-129H2A extension of stay request filed on their behalf. The H-2A workers may work for a period of up to 120 days
while the H-2A extension of stay request is pending with USCIS. This may happen only if:
Form I-129H2A Instructions 10/02/20

1. The petitioner/employer is a participant in good standing in the E-Verify program; and
2. The requested workers are:
A. Seeking to extend their H-2A status; and
B. In lawful H-2A status at the time the new employer files the H-2A petition seeking to extend the workers' H-2A
status.
If the petitioner/employer and the requested H-2A workers meet these criteria, provide the E-Verify Company ID or
Client Company ID in Part 1. Petitioner Information, Item Numbers 15. - 17. of Form I-129H2A and in Item
Numbers 14. - 16. of any Joint Employer Supplement for Form I-129H2A. See 8 CFR 274a.12(b)(21) for more
information.

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Eligible Countries List

H-2A petitions may generally only be approved for nationals of countries that the Secretary of Homeland Security has
designated, with the concurrence of the Secretary of State, as eligible to participate in the H-2A program. The current list
of eligible countries is located at www.uscis.gov/h-2a.
You may request workers who are nationals of countries that have not been designated as eligible to participate in the
H-2A program. To do so, you must:
1. Name each beneficiary who is not from an eligible country; and

2. Provide evidence to show that it is in the U.S. interest for the alien to be the beneficiary of such a petition.

USCIS's determination of what constitutes the U.S. interest takes into account certain factors, including but not limited to:
1. Evidence demonstrating that a worker with the required skills is not available among U.S. workers or among foreign
workers from a country currently on the eligible countries list;
2. Evidence that the beneficiary has been admitted to the United States previously in H-2A status;

3. The potential for abuse, fraud, or other harm to the integrity of the H-2A visa program through the potential admission
of a beneficiary from a country not currently on the eligible countries list; and
4. Such other factors as may serve the U.S. interest.

NOTE: It is recommended that H-2A petitions for workers from countries not listed on the "Eligible Countries List" be
filed separately.
Prohibited Fees
As a condition of approval of an H-2A petition, no job placement fee or other compensation (either direct or indirect) may
be collected at any time from a beneficiary of an H-2A petition. This includes collection by a petitioner, agent, facilitator,
recruiter, or similar employment service, as a condition of employment, whether before or after the filing or approval of a
petition. The only exceptions to this are:
1. The lower of the actual cost or fair market value of transportation to the offered employment; and
2. Any government-mandated passport, visa, or inspection fees.
However, even the payment of these fees by a worker may be otherwise prohibited under law.
If USCIS determines any of the following have occurred, the petition will be denied or revoked:
1. You collected, or entered into an agreement to collect, prohibited fees as described above;
2. You knew, or should have known, at the time of filing the petition that the beneficiary paid, or agreed to pay, any
agent, facilitator, recruiter, or similar employment service as a condition of employment;
3. The beneficiary paid you prohibited fees or compensation as a condition of employment after the petition was filed; or

Form I-129H2A Instructions 10/02/20

4. You knew, or had reason to know, that the beneficiary paid, or agreed to pay, the agent, facilitator, recruiter, or
similar employment service prohibited fees after the petition was filed.
In these instances, the only exceptions to a mandatory denial or revocation are found at 8 CFR 214.2(h)(5)(xi)(A)(4).
Submit any evidence requested in Part 7. with your petition. Additional evidence may be requested indicating that, to the
best of the petitioner's knowledge, the beneficiaries have not paid, and will not pay, prohibited fees or other prohibited
forms of compensation.
Interrupted Stays

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Interrupted stays are certain periods of time that a worker spends outside the United States during an authorized period of
stay in H-2A status. An interrupted stay does not count toward the worker's maximum 3-year limit in the classification.
An H-2A worker may qualify for an interrupted stay under the following conditions:
If the worker was in the United States in H-2 status
for an aggregate period of:

Then H-2 time is interrupted if he or she is outside the
United States for:

18 months or less

At least 45 days, but less than 3 months

More than 18 months, but less than 3 years

At least 2 months

Time in H-2A status is not automatically interrupted if the worker departs the United States. It is considered interrupted
only if the guidelines in the above chart are met. For more on interrupted stays, see www.uscis.gov/h-2a.
Notification Requirements

By filing an H-2A petition, you agree to notify DHS within 2 work days if an H-2A worker:

1. Fails to report to work within 5 workdays after the employment start date stated on the petition or within five
workdays after the start date as established by the H-2A employer, whichever is later;

2. Completes the labor or services more than 30 days earlier than the employment end date stated on the petition;

3. Absconds from the worksite by not reporting for work for a period of 5 consecutive workdays without the consent of
the employer; or
4. Is terminated prior to the completion of the services or labor.

The petitioner also agrees to retain evidence of such notification and make it available for inspection by DHS officers for
a one-year period beginning on the date of the notification.
Failure to comply with this agreement may result in penalties. See www.uscis.gov/h-2a for more information.
Filing Multiple Petitions
You generally may file one petition to request all of your H-2A workers associated with one temporary labor certification
(up to a limit of 25 workers when they are named.) In cases where filing a separate petition is not required, it may still be
advantageous to file more than one H-2A petition. This can occur when you petition for multiple workers, some of whom
may not qualify for part or all of the validity period you request. This most frequently occurs when:
1. Some of the workers you request are nationals of a country not on the eligible countries list;
2. You request interrupted stays for workers; or
3. At least one worker is nearing the 3-year maximum stay limit.
If we request additional evidence because of these situations, it may delay petition processing. Filing separate petitions
for workers who are not affected by these scenarios may enable you to quickly obtain some workers, if they are otherwise
eligible, in the event that the petition for your other workers is delayed.
If you decide to file more than one petition with the same temporary labor certification, you may only do so if:
Form I-129H2A Instructions 10/02/20

1. Each petition is accompanied by the valid temporary labor certification; and
2. The total number of beneficiaries on your petitions does not exceed the total number of workers approved by the U.S.
Department of Labor on the temporary labor certification.
Substitutions
1. A copy of the original petition approval notice;
2. A copy of the previously submitted temporary labor certification;

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3. A statement providing each former worker's name, date, and country of birth, termination date, and the reason for
termination, and the date that USCIS was notified alien was terminated or absconded, if applicable;
4. Evidence that the total number of beneficiaries will not exceed the number of workers authorized on the temporary
labor certification; and
5. Evidence of the qualifications of the newly identified beneficiaries, if the beneficiary is named.

NOTE: Filing an amended petition for H-2A substitution does not fulfill the requirements set forth in the Notification
Requirements section above. Without proper notification, your petition will not be approved. See 8 CFR 214.2(h)(5)
(ix).
Change of Status or Extension of Stay

A petition requesting a change of status or an extension of stay for an employee in the United States must be filed with the
evidence listed below. Consult the regulations that relate to the specific nonimmigrant classification sought.
A nonimmigrant who must have a passport to be admitted must maintain a valid passport during his or her entire stay. If a
required passport is not valid, include a full explanation with your petition.
A petition requesting a change of status or an extension of stay must be filed with:

1. A copy of the beneficiary's Form I-94, Nonimmigrant Arrival/Departure Record, passport, travel document, or Form
I-797;
2. Evidence showing that the beneficiary qualifies for the specific classification sought;

3. A copy of the beneficiary's last two pay stubs, most recent W-2, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) transcripts of the
beneficiary's federal individual income tax return for the three most recent tax years, if applicable; and
4. Evidence the beneficiary continues to meet the licensing requirements for the profession or occupation, if applicable.
NOTE: The beneficiary's dependent family members (generally, spouses and children under 21) should use Form I-539,
Application to Change/Extend Nonimmigrant Status, to apply for a change of status or extension of stay.
The following nonimmigrants are not eligible to change status:
1. An alien admitted under a visa waiver program;
2. An alien is transit (C) or in transit without a visa (TWOV);
3. A crewman (D);
4. A fiancé(e) (K-1) or his or her dependent (K-2);
5. A spouse of a U.S. citizen (K-3) or his or her dependent (K-4);
6. A J-1 exchange visitor who was admitted in J-1 status for the purpose of receiving graduate medical training;
7. A J-1 exchange visitor subject to the foreign residence requirement who has not received a waiver of that requirement;
and
8. An M-1 student to an H classification, if training received as an M-1 helped him or her qualify for H classification.

Form I-129H2A Instructions 10/02/20

Special Instructions for Certain Beneficiaries in the CNMI
An alien who was admitted to the CNMI prior to November 28, 2009 may not currently hold a Federal nonimmigrant
classification that permits a change of status. However, in certain situations, a petitioner may request that the beneficiary
be granted initial status in the CNMI. This will allow certain beneficiaries who were present in the CNMI prior to the
transition date and are currently lawfully present in the CNMI in parole status to be granted an initial nonimmigrant status
without having to depart the CNMI.

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General Instructions

USCIS provides forms free of charge through the USCIS website. In order to view, print, or fill out our forms, you should
use the latest version of Adobe Reader, which you can download for free at http://get.adobe.com/reader/. If you do not
have internet access, you may order USCIS forms by calling the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283. The USCIS
Contact Center provides information in English and Spanish. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.
Signature. Each petition must be properly signed and filed. For all signatures on this petition, USCIS will not accept a
stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature. A legal guardian may also sign for a mentally incompetent person.
If the request is not signed or if the requisite signature on the request is not valid, USCIS will reject the request. See 8
CFR section 103.2(a)(7)(ii)(A). If USCIS accepts a request for adjudication and determines that it has a deficient
signature, USCIS will deny the request.
Validity of Signatures. USCIS will consider a photocopied, faxed, or scanned copy of the original, handwritten signature
valid for filing purposes. The photocopy, fax, or scan must be of the original document containing the handwritten, ink
signature.
Filing Fee. Each petition must be accompanied by the appropriate filing fee. (See the What Is the Filing Fee section of
these Instructions.)
Evidence. At the time of filing, you must submit all evidence required by statute, regulations and/or these Instructions
with your petition, as applicable. USCIS may reject or deny your petition for failure to submit evidence or supporting
documents in accordance with 8 CFR 103.2(b)(1).
Biometrics Services Appointment for Certain Beneficiaries. After receiving your petition and ensuring completeness,
USCIS may inform you in writing if the beneficiary or beneficiaries must submit biometrics. Failure of a beneficiary to
appear at a biometrics appointment may result in denial of your petition.
Copies. You should submit legible photocopies of documents requested, unless the Instructions specifically state that you
must submit an original document. USCIS may request an original document at the time of filing or at any time during
processing of a petition. If USCIS requests an original document from you, it will be returned to you after USCIS
determines it no longer needs your original.
NOTE: If you submit original documents when not required or requested by USCIS, your original documents may be
immediately destroyed after we receive them.
Translations. If you submit a document with information in a foreign language, you must also submit a full English
translation. The translator must sign a certification that the English language translation is complete and accurate, and
that he or she is competent to translate from the foreign language into English. The certification must also include the
translator's signature, printed name, the signature date, and the translator's contact information.
How to Fill Out Form I-129H2A
1. Type or print legibly in black ink.
2. Complete the basic form and any relating attachments/supplements.

Form I-129H2A Instructions 10/02/20

3. If you need extra space to complete any item within this petition, use the space provided in Part 11. Additional
Information or attach a separate sheet of paper. Type or print the individual petitioner's legal name, or the company
or organization name, at the top of each sheet; indicate the Page Number, Part Number, and Item Number to which
your answer refers; and sign and date each sheet.
4. Answer all questions fully and accurately. If a question does not apply to you (for example, if you have never been
married and the question asks, "Provide the name of your current spouse"), type or print "N/A" unless otherwise
directed. If your answer to a question which requires a numeric response is zero or none (for example, "How many
children do you have" or "How many times have you departed the United States"), type or print "None" unless
otherwise directed.

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5. You should submit a duplicate copy of the petition and all supporting documentation. Failure to do so may result in
delays in processing this petition or in visa processing abroad.

Specific Instructions

Part 1. Petitioner Information

If filing as Joint Employers, complete Part 1. only for the primary petitioner and submit information for each Joint
Employer on a separate Joint Employer Supplement for Form I-129H2A.

Item Numbers 1. - 2. If you are an individual or sole proprietor (someone who owns a business, but the business is not
organized as a separate legal entity) filing this petition, complete Item Numbers 1. - 2.
Item Number 3. If you are a company or an organization filing this petition, provide the name of your company or
organization.

Item Number 4. If you are a company or an organization that is known by a different name than the one you provided in
Item Number 3., provide your trade name or "doing business as" name.
Item Number 6. Primary U.S. Office Address. Provide the address of the petitioner's primary office within the United
States. The primary U.S. office address must not be the address of petitioner's outside counsel or clients. Petitions filed
with an address that is not the petitioner's U.S. office address may be rejected or denied. The location of your primary
office may determine where the petition must be filed.
Item Number 8. Petitioner's Mailing Address. Provide the petitioner's mailing address, if different from the Primary
U.S. Office Address.
Item Numbers 9. - 11. Petitioner's Contact Information. Provide the petitioner's contact information.
Item Numbers 12. - 14. Tax Payer Identification Numbers. Provide an Employer Identification Number (EIN),
Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), and/or U.S. Social Security Number. Individual employers and sole
proprietors must provide a U.S. Social Security Number.
Item Numbers 15. - 17. E-Verify Information. If the petitioner participates in E-Verify and will complete Form(s) I-9
for alien beneficiary(ies) to perform services or labor, or to receive training, provide the petitioner's E-Verify Company
Identification Number or Client Company Identification Number. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares
information entered by an employer from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to records
available to DHS and the Social Security Administration to confirm employment eligibility. The E-Verify Company
Identification Number, which consists of four to seven numerical characters, is located on each page of the memorandum
of understanding directly below the E-Verify logo. The E-Verify Contact Center is available to assist you if you have
additional questions by emailing [email protected].
Part 2. Information About This Petition
Item Number 1. Basis for Classification. Select only one of the following options:
Item A. New employment. Select this box if the beneficiary:
Form I-129H2A Instructions 10/02/20

1. Is outside the United States and holds no classification;
2. Will begin employment in the United States for a new employer in a different nonimmigrant classification than the
beneficiary currently holds; or
3. Will work for the same employer but in a different nonimmigrant classification.
NOTE: Do not select this box if the beneficiary will work for the same employer in the same classification, but there is a
material change in the terms and conditions of employment, or the beneficiary's eligibility as specified in the original
approved petition. Select the box for Item F., Amended Petition, instead.

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Item B. Continuation of previously approved employment without change with the same employer. Select this box
if you are applying to continue the employment of the beneficiary in the same nonimmigrant classification the beneficiary
currently holds and there has been no change to the employment.
Item C. Change in previously approved employment. Select this box if you are notifying USCIS of a non-material
change to the previously approved employment, such as a change in job title without a material change in job duties.
Item D. New concurrent employment. Select this box if you are applying for a beneficiary to begin new employment
with an additional employer in the same nonimmigrant classification the beneficiary currently holds while the
beneficiary will continue working for his or her current employer in the same classification.
Item E. Change of employer. Select this box if you are applying for a beneficiary to begin employment working for a
new employer in the same nonimmigrant classification that the beneficiary currently holds.
Item F. Amended petition. Select this box if you are applying to notify USCIS of a material change in the terms or
conditions of employment, or the beneficiary's eligibility as specified in the original approved petition.
Item Number 2. If you seek to amend a petition, provide the receipt number of the petition that should be amended.

Item Number 3. Requested Action. The following information explains the actions petitioners/employers may request
on their petition. Select only one box.
Item A. Notify the office listed in Part 4. so the beneficiary can seek a visa or admission. Select this box if the
beneficiary is outside of the United States, or, if the beneficiary is currently in the United States, but he or she will leave
the United States to obtain a visa/admission abroad.
Item B. Change the status and extend the stay of a beneficiary who is now in the United States in another status.
Select this box if the beneficiary is currently in the United States in a different nonimmigrant classification and is applying
to change to a new nonimmigrant status.
Item C. Extend the stay of a beneficiary who now holds this status. Select this box if the beneficiary is currently in
the United States in a nonimmigrant classification and is requesting an extension of his or her stay in the same
nonimmigrant classification.
Item D. Amend the stay of a beneficiary who now holds this status. Select this box if the beneficiary is currently in
the United States in the same nonimmigrant classification and you are notifying USCIS of any material changes in the
terms and conditions of employment, or the beneficiary's eligibility as specified in the original approved petition, but you
are not seeking a change in previously approved validity dates.
Part 3. Beneficiary Information
Item Number 17. Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record. If U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or USCIS
issued the beneficiary a Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record, provide the beneficiary's Form I-94 number and date that
the beneficiary's authorized period of stay expires or expired (as shown on the beneficiary's Form I-94). The Form I-94
number also is known as the Departure Number on some versions of Form I-94.

Form I-129H2A Instructions 10/02/20

NOTE: If the beneficiary was admitted to the United States by CBP at an airport or seaport after April 30, 2013, CBP
may have issued them an electronic Form I-94 instead of a paper Form I-94. The beneficiary may visit the CBP website
at www.cbp.gov/i94 to obtain a paper version of an electronic Form I-94. CBP does not charge a fee for this service.
Some travelers admitted to the United States at a land border, airport, or seaport, after April 30, 2013, with a passport or
travel document, who were issued a paper Form I-94 by CBP, may also be able to obtain a replacement Form I-94 from
the CBP website without charge. If the beneficiary cannot obtain the Form I-94 from the CBP website, it may be obtained
by filing Form I-102, Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Record, with USCIS. USCIS
does charge a fee for this service. See the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/I-102 for more information.

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Passport and Travel Document Numbers. If the beneficiary used a passport or travel document to travel to the United
States, enter either the passport or travel document information in the appropriate space on the petition, even if the
passport or travel document is currently expired.
Item Number 19. Beneficiary's current residential U.S. address. You must provide the beneficiary's current address if
the beneficiary is in the United States. USCIS will use this address, unless otherwise updated through the AR-11 process,
to notify the beneficiary if USCIS denies a request to change status or extend stay submitted on Form I-129H2A.
Part 4. Information About The Beneficiary's Public Benefits

In general, a condition of the approval of a request to extend the beneficiary's stay or change the beneficiary's status is that
the beneficiary must demonstrate that, since obtaining the nonimmigrant status that you seek to extend or from which you
seek to change on behalf of the beneficiary, he or she has not received one or more public benefits as set forth in 8 CFR
212.21(b) (and listed below), for more than 12 months in the aggregate within any 36-month period (such that, for
instance, receipt of two benefits in one month counts as two months). This condition only applies to beneficiaries who are
seeking to change status or extend their stay in the United States. Therefore, you only have to complete the information in
Part 4. if you are also requesting an extension of the beneficiary's stay in the United States or a change of the
beneficiary's status with this petition. If you are filing this petition without a request for the beneficiary's change of status
or extension of stay, you may skip Part 4.
Item Number 1. Public Benefits. Provide the information requested about the beneficiary's receipt or the beneficiary's
current certification for receipt of public benefits, as defined in 8 CFR 212.21(b) (and which are listed below), unless the
nonimmigrant classification you are seeking for the beneficiary is exempt from the public charge inadmissibility ground
under INA 212(a)(4). Provide the requested information and documentation. For additional beneficiaries, please respond
to the questions in a separate copy of Named Worker Attachment for Form I-129H2A for each beneficiary.
Item Number 2. You must provide information about all public benefits as defined in 8 CFR 212.21(b) (and which are
listed below) received by the beneficiary in his or her current nonimmigrant status regardless of how long the beneficiary
has received the public benefit, or the beneficiary's current certification for receipt of public benefits. USCIS will
calculate the duration of each public benefit to be considered. If the beneficiary received public benefits intermittently
throughout the year, provide each instance separately. For example, if the beneficiary received Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program (SNAP) from January to February and June to December, list the information separately. If you
require additional space, use the space provided in Part 11. Additional Information.
Receipt means when a benefit-granting agency provides a public benefit to the beneficiary whether in the form of cash,
voucher, services, or insurance coverage. Only the public benefits received by or attributable to the beneficiary will be
considered.
Indicate whether the beneficiary has received or been certified to receive the following public benefits, since having
obtained the nonimmigrant status that you seek to extend or that you seek to change on behalf of the beneficiary. You
need to respond even if the beneficiary falls within one of the categories of individuals for whom receipt of public benefits
will not be considered - see table below for evidence that must be provided to document that the beneficiary qualifies for
the exclusion):
•

Any Federal, state, local, or tribal cash assistance for income maintenance;

•

Supplemental Security Income (SSI);

•

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF);

Form I-129H2A Instructions 10/02/20

•

Federal, state or local cash benefit programs for income maintenance (often called "General Assistance" in
the state context, but which may exist under other names);

•

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly called "Food Stamps");

•

Section 8 Housing Assistance under the Housing Choice Voucher Program;

•

Section 8 Project-Based Rental Assistance (including Moderate Rehabilitation);

•

Public Housing under the Housing Act of 1937, 42 U.S.C. 1437 et seq.; and

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•

Federally-Funded Medicaid.

NOTE: You need only to report public benefits received by the beneficiary on or after October 15, 2019 but not any
received by the beneficiary before October 15, 2019.
If the beneficiary has not received any of the public benefits listed above, please select that option.

If the beneficiary is currently not certified to receive any of the public benefits listed above, please select that option.

If the beneficiary has received or is certified to receive the public benefits but requested disenrollment, please provide, in
addition to providing the information about any exclusions below, evidence of the disenrollment or the request to disenroll
if the public benefit-granting agency has not processed the request.
Unless the beneficiary qualifies for certain exclusions listed in the table below, the beneficiary is ineligible for extension
of stay and change of status if the beneficiary has received, since obtaining the nonimmigrant status that you seek to
extend or which you seek to change on behalf of the beneficiary, the public benefits listed above for more than 12 months
in the aggregate within any 36-month period (such that, for instance, receipt of two public benefits in one month counts as
two months).
The following is a list of exclusions from the public benefit considerations listed above. If the beneficiary belongs to one
of the following categories, submit the evidence listed for the applicable categories.
Exclusion

Description

Evidence you must submit for the
beneficiary to qualify for exclusion (as
applicable)

U.S. Armed Forces Service
Members

At the time the public benefit was
received or at the time you file the Form
I-129, or at time of adjudication of the
I-129, the beneficiary is:

•

Service Members: Certified evidence of
alien's enlistment/service issued by the
authorizing official of the executive
department in which service member is
serving.

•

Spouses and Children of Service
Members: Copy of Form DD-1173,
United States Uniformed Services
Identification and Privilege Card
(Dependent).

•

An alien enlisted in the U.S. Armed
Forces, serving in active duty or in
the Ready Reserve component of
the U.S. Armed Forces;

•

The spouse or child of the service
member (listed above); or

•

The spouse or child of an individual
enlisted in the U.S. Armed Forces,
or serving in active duty or in the
Ready Reserve component of the
U.S. Armed Forces.

Form I-129H2A Instructions 10/02/20

Exclusion

Description

Evidence you must submit for the
beneficiary to qualify for exclusion (as
applicable)

Federally-funded Medicaid

•

Receipt by an alien child under 21
years of age;

•

•

The recipient of Medicaid
payment(s) for a an "emergency
medical condition";

A statement with information regarding
the "emergency medical condition"
determination (if applicable);

•

Documentation of payments under the
IDEA or school-based service; or

•

Pregnancy verification letter from
medical professional including estimated
duration of pregnancy.

A copy of N-600K interview notice.

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•

The receipt of Medicaid for services
provided under the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (IDEA);
or

•

Receipt during pregnancy and
during the 60-day period after the
last day of the pregnancy.

Children Who Will
Naturalize under INA 322

•

Child currently residing abroad who
entered the United States with a
nonimmigrant visa to attend
N-600K, Application for
Citizenship and Issuance of
Certificate Under INA Section 322
interview.

•

Public Benefits While in
Immigration Category
Exempt from Public Charge

•

Received public benefits while in a
category that is exempt from public
charge inadmissibility; or

•

Received public benefits while in a
category for which the applicant
had received a waiver for public
charge inadmissibility.

Information that evidences the applicant's
status or that the applicant received a waiver
for the public charge ground of
inadmissibility, such as:
•

Approval notice (Form I-797, Notice of
Action); or

•

Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record.

Documentation
If the beneficiary has received or is currently certified to receive, any of the public benefits listed above, submit evidence
in the form of a letter, notice, certification, or other agency documents that contain the following:
1. Beneficiary's name;
2. Name and contact information for the public benefit granting agency;
3. Type of public benefit;
4. Date the beneficiary started receiving the public benefit or, if certified, date the beneficiary will start receiving the
public benefit; and
5. Date the benefit or coverage ended or expires (mm/dd/yyyy).
If the beneficiary has received or is currently certified to receive public benefits, please indicate whether an exclusion
applies to the beneficiary in Item Number 3., and provide the evidence listed in the chart above to demonstrate why the
benefit should not be considered.

Form I-129H2A Instructions 10/02/20

Part 6. Basic Information About the Proposed Employment and Employer
Item Number 6. A petition for aliens to perform services or labor in more than one location must include a detailed
itinerary including the dates, names, and addresses of the actual employers, and the locations where the beneficiary will
perform the services.
Item Number 7. If the beneficiary(ies) will work at only one worksite, and the address of the worksite is different from
the address provided in Part 1. Petitioner Information, then provide the address of the worksite.

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Part 8. Statement, Contact Information, Certification, and Signature of the Petitioner or Authorized Signatory
Select the appropriate box to indicate whether you read this petition yourself or whether you had an interpreter assist you.
If someone assisted you in completing the petition, select the box indicating that you used a preparer. Further, you must
sign and date your petition. If Part 8. is being completed by an authorized signatory, then the authorized signatory must
provide his or her daytime telephone number, mobile telephone number (if any), and email address (if any). Every
petition MUST contain the signature of the petitioner (or parent or legal guardian, if applicable) or authorized signatory.
A stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature is not acceptable.
Part 9. Interpreter's Contact Information, Certification, and Signature

If you used anyone as an interpreter to read the Instructions and questions on this petition to you in a language in which
you are fluent, the interpreter must fill out this section; provide his or her name, the name and address of his or her
business or organization (if any), his or her daytime telephone number, his or her mobile telephone number (if any), and
his or her email address (if any). The interpreter must sign and date the petition.
Part 10. Contact Information and Signature of the Person Preparing this Petition, if Other Than the Petitioner or
Authorized Signatory
This section must contain the signature of the person who completed your petition, if other than you, the petitioner or
authorized signatory. If the same individual acted as your interpreter and your preparer, that person should complete both
Part 9. and Part 10. If the person who completed this petition is associated with a business or organization, that person
should complete the business or organization name and address information. Anyone who helped you complete this
petition MUST sign and date the petition. A stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature is not acceptable. If the
person who helped you prepare your petition is an attorney or accredited representative, he or she may also need to submit
a completed Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative, along with your
petition.

We recommend that you print or save a copy of your completed petition to review in the future and
for your records.

What Is the Filing Fee?
The filing fee for Form I-129H2A depends on whether or not the petition names beneficiaries:
1. For 1 to 25 named beneficiaries: $850; or
2. With only unnamed beneficiaries: $415.
NOTE: The filing fee is not refundable, regardless of any action USCIS takes on this petition. DO NOT MAIL CASH.
You must submit all fees in the exact amounts. USCIS will reject or deny your Form I-129H2A if you fail to submit
required fees when you submit your petition. You should pay the filing fee and each additional fee with separate checks
or money orders.

Form I-129H2A Instructions 10/02/20

Payments by Checks or Money Orders
Use the following guidelines when you prepare your checks or money orders for the Form I-129H2A filing fee and
additional fees:
1. The checks or money orders must be drawn on a bank or other financial institution located in the United States and
must be payable in U.S. currency; and
2. Make the checks or money orders payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

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NOTE: Spell out U.S. Department of Homeland Security; do not use the initials "USDHS" or "DHS."

Notice to Those Paying by Check. If you send USCIS a check, we will convert it into an electronic funds transfer
(EFT). This means we will copy your check and use the account information on it to electronically debit your account for
the amount of the check. The debit from your account will usually take 24 hours and your bank will show it on your
regular account statement.
You will not receive your original check back. We will destroy your original check, but will keep a copy of it. If USCIS
cannot process the EFT for technical reasons, you authorize us to process the copy in place of your original check. If your
check is returned as unpayable, we will reject your petition.
How To Check If the Fees Are Correct

Form I-129H2A's filing fee and additional fees are current as of the edition date in the lower left corner of this page.
However, because USCIS fees change periodically, you can verify that the fees are correct by following one of the steps
below.
1. Visit the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov, select "FORMS," and check the appropriate fee; or

2. Visit the USCIS Contact Center at www.uscis.gov/contactcenter to get answers to your questions and connect with a
live USCIS representative. The USCIS Contact Center provides information in English and Spanish. For TTY (deaf
or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.

When to File?

Generally, a Form I-129H2A petition may not be filed before the Temporary Labor Certification is obtained.

Where to File?
Please see our website at www.uscis.gov/I-129H2A or visit the USCIS Contact Center at www.uscis.gov/contactcenter
to connect with a USCIS representative for the most current information about where to file this petition. Petitions filed at
the incorrect location may be rejected or denied. The USCIS Contact Center provides information in English and
Spanish. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.

Address Change
A petitioner or beneficiary who is not a U.S. citizen must notify USCIS of his or her new address within 10 days of
moving from his or her previous residence. USCIS will use the most recent address to notify the beneficiary that a
petition requesting an extension of stay or change of status has been denied. For information on filing a change of address,
go to the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/addresschange or reach out to the USCIS Contact Center at
www.uscis.gov/contactcenter for help. The USCIS Contact Center provides information in English and Spanish. For
TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.

Form I-129H2A Instructions 10/02/20

Processing Information
Initial Processing. Once USCIS accepts your petition, we will check it for completeness. If you do not completely fill
out this petition, you will not establish a basis for your eligibility and USCIS may reject or deny your petition.
Email Notifications. If you provided an email address in Part 1. of Form I-129H2A, USCIS will provide electronic
notification of receipt and approval to that email address, in addition to any notifications provided via Form I-797.
Requests for More Information. USCIS may request that you provide more information or evidence to support your
petition. We may also request that you provide the originals of any copies you submit. If we request an original
document from you, it will be returned to you after USCIS determines it no longer needs your original.

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Requests for Interview. We may request that you appear at a USCIS office for an interview based on your petition. At
the time of any interview or other appearance at a USCIS office, we may require that you provide your biometrics to
verify your identity and/or update background and security checks.
Decision. The decision on Form I-129H2A involves a determination of whether you have established eligibility for the
immigration benefit you are seeking. USCIS will notify you of the decision in writing.
A petition that is not properly filed may be rejected. A petition is not considered properly filed until accepted by USCIS.
Some reasons a petition may be rejected include that it is not properly signed, is not accompanied by the correct fee, or
was not properly filed with the correct Service Center. If rejected, USCIS will return the petition along with a notice that
identifies the basis for rejection. You may correct the deficiency and resubmit the petition, in most circumstances.

USCIS Forms and Instructions

To ensure you are using the latest version of this petition, visit the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov where you can obtain
the latest USCIS forms and immigration-related information. If you do not have internet access, you may order USCIS
forms by calling the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283. The USCIS Contact Center provides information in
English and Spanish. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.
Instead of waiting in line for assistance at your local USCIS office, you can schedule an appointment online at
www.uscis.gov. Select "Tools," then under "Self Service Tools," select "Make an Appointment" and follow the screen
prompts to set up your appointment. Once you finish scheduling an appointment, the system will generate an appointment
notice for you.

Penalties
If you knowingly and willfully falsify or conceal a material fact or submit a false document with your Form I-129H2A,
we will deny your Form I-129H2A and may deny any other immigration benefit. In addition, you will face severe
penalties provided by law and may be subject to criminal prosecution.

USCIS Compliance Review and Monitoring
By signing this petition, you have stated under penalty of perjury (28 U.S.C. section 1746) that all information and
documentation submitted with this petition are complete, true, and correct. You also authorize the release of any
information from your records that USCIS may need to determine your eligibility for the immigration benefit you are
seeking and consent to USCIS verifying such information.

Form I-129H2A Instructions 10/02/20

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has the authority to verify any information you submit to establish
eligibility for the immigration benefit you are seeking at any time. USCIS' legal authority to verify this information is in 8
U.S.C. sections 1103, 1155, and 1184, and 8 CFR parts 103, 204, 205, and 214. To ensure compliance with applicable
laws and authorities, USCIS may verify information before or after your case is decided.
Agency verification methods may include, but are not limited to: review of public records and information; contact
through written correspondence, the internet, fax, other electronic transmission, or telephone; unannounced physical site
inspections of residences and locations of employment; and interviews. USCIS will use information obtained through
verification to assess your compliance with the laws and to determine your eligibility for an immigration benefit.

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Subject to the restrictions under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(16), USCIS will provide you with an opportunity to address any adverse
or derogatory information that may result from a USCIS compliance review, verification, or site visit after a formal
decision is made on your case or after the agency has initiated an adverse action which may result in revocation or
termination of an approval.

DHS Privacy Notice

AUTHORITIES: The information requested on this petition and the associated evidence, is collected under the
Immigration and Nationality Act sections 101, 214, 222, and 248 and 8 CFR parts 103, 214, and 248.

PURPOSE: The primary purpose for providing the requested information on this petition is to petition USCIS for an
alien to temporarily enter the United States as an H-2A nonimmigrant worker. An employer, including an association of
U.S. agricultural producers named as a joint employer on the temporary labor certification accompanying the petition, (or
agent, where applicable) will also use this form to request an extension of stay of an H-2A nonimmigrant worker or to
change the status of an alien currently in the United States as a nonimmigrant to H-2A. DHS uses the information you
provide to grant or deny the immigration benefit you are seeking.
DISCLOSURE: The information you provide is voluntary. However, failure to provide the requested information,
including your Social Security number (if applicable), and any requested evidence, may delay a final decision or result in
a rejection or denial of your petition.
ROUTINE USES: DHS may share the information you provide on this petition and any additional requested evidence
with other Federal, state, local, and foreign government agencies and authorized organizations. DHS follows approved
routine uses described in the associated published system of records notices [DHS/USCIS/ICE/CBP-001 Alien File,
Index, and National File Tracking System, DHS/USCIS-007 Benefits Information System, and DHS/USCIS-018
Immigration Biometric and Background Check] and the published privacy impact assessment [DHS/USCIS/PIA-016(a)
Computer Linked Application Information Management System and Associated Systems], which you can find at
www.dhs.gov/privacy. DHS may also share this information, as appropriate, for law enforcement purposes or in the
interest of national security.

Paperwork Reduction Act
An agency may not conduct or sponsor an information collection, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of
information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The public reporting burden for this collection of
information is estimated at 3 hours for Form I-129H2A; 30 minutes for the Named Worker Attachment for Form
I-129H2A; and at 10 minutes for the Joint Employer Supplement for Form I-129H2A, including the time for reviewing
instructions, gathering the required documentation and completing and submitting the request. Send comments regarding
this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden
to: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Regulatory Coordination Division, Office of Policy and Strategy,
20 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20529-2140. Do not mail your completed Form I-129H2A to this
address.

Form I-129H2A Instructions 10/02/20