H-2A Visas and Viticulturists
A viticulturist (a person who specializes in the cultivation of grapes for winemaking) can apply for an H-2A visa. The H-2A visa is a temporary agricultural worker visa that allows foreign nationals to enter the United States to perform seasonal agricultural labor or services of a temporary or seasonal nature. The H-2A program is intended for employers who cannot find enough U.S. workers to perform the work. The employer must first apply for labor certification from the Department of Labor and obtain a certified job order before the worker can apply for the H-2A visa.
In addition to the H-2A visa, there are several other types of visas that a viticulturist may be able to apply for, depending on their specific circumstances and the duration of their intended stay in the United States. Some possible options include:
• H-1B visa: This is a non-immigrant visa for individuals in specialty occupations, which may include viticulturists. The employer must have a Labor Condition Application (LCA) and the worker must have the required qualifications for the job.
• O-1 visa: This is a non-immigrant visa for individuals with extraordinary ability in their field, which may include viticulturists. The worker must have a significant record of achievement in the field, such as publications, awards, or memberships in professional organizations.
• J-1 visa: This is a non-immigrant visa for individuals participating in educational and cultural exchange programs, which may include viticulturists. The worker must be participating in a program that is sponsored by an educational or cultural institution.
• L-1 visa: This is a non-immigrant visa for individuals transferring within a company from a foreign office to a US office. This option may be suitable for a viticulturist who is already working for a company with both foreign and US offices and is being transferred to work in the US office.
It is important to note that each of these visa types have their own specific requirements and it’s best to consult with an immigration firm, such as the Bolour/Carl Immigration Group, www.americanvisas.net, to determine which type of visa is the best fit for a particular situation.
