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Employees

There is a serious shortage of seasonal workers in the United States. This is where you can get an opportunity to work on a temporary basis of six to ten months. South African workers is looked for by the employers in the United States because they are hard workers and very responsible. If you believe that you can work hard and under much pressure, this might be the opportunity you have been looking for.

We are looking for employees who are:

  • Hard workers
  • Mature individuals who are responsible
  • Adaptable - You must be able to work in a group, be able to read, write and understand English. You also have to be able to communicate well.
  • You must have a valid Passport
  • You must have a drivers license, preferring a Code 14 license (heavy vehicle license)

How does the process work?

The employer first has to apply at the Department of Labor to be able to employ H-2A employees. The employer has to qualify for the program. In order to quality they have to get a housing approval by the Department of Labor, and the job has to be advertised to see if there is any American employees that may be able to fill the position. The department of Labor then gives the employer a Labor certification, which allows the employer to file the application with the INS (USCIS) to get the work permit. This process takes about 45 to 60 days. Since we do work with the government, and times vary, it can take a week or two longer in some cases. Sometimes the employer could have been approved by the Department of Labor and then still take two to three weeks to get the work permit.

What is the H2-A Visa?

It is a non-immigrant, seasonal agricultural (farming) visa. Seasonal demand determines placement periods and can be for a maximum of ten months. H2A workers will receive reimbursement for their transportation costs from South Africa to their place of employment. The employer, at no cost to the employee, will provide a furnished house for the duration of the contract. The employee is responsible for his/her own cooking and provision of food. Hourly rate is a flat rate (minimum prevailing wage determined by the Department of Labor – differs from State to State). No taxes are withheld. Employer provides Workman’s Compensation or equivalent insurance for work related injuries.

Information for the Harvesting crew:

Employee has to have knowledge of harvesting and must have a heavy vehicle license (International License). You also have to get a heavy duty license in the United States, called a CDL. It is not a difficult test, but you have to study for it ahead of time. The employers will request a drug test, if you do not pass the drug test you will be fired, and send back to South Africa on your own cost. When it comes to housing, harvesting crews live in mobile homes and in some cases, employers do use motels. This makes it very important to have a good working relationship with other South Africans working with you, since you will be spending a lot of time together.

The mobile homes do meet the Department of Labor standards when it comes to the necessities. Housing is for free, but you have to pay for your own meals unless we tell you differently. If you have to provide your own meals, there will be facilities to do so. For the harvesting crew, you can have fixed salaries per month or it may be per hour. If it is per hour, you will be paid every two weeks. Hourly pay rates are determined by the Department of Labor and are different from state to state.

The weather plays a big role in harvesting. You have to be prepared that in some cases there might be rainy days where you will not be as busy; it might also be a drought, and this too could cause you to spend some boring times at home. During the good days, you will be expected to work long hours in high pressure conditions.

Information for farm workers (Hog, Beef, Milking parlors, etc)

The employer will provide housing; it can be a house or an apartment. Housing is free, and you can share it with a few other South Africans (up to the amount the Department of Labor approves the house for). The house is supplied with the necessities for furniture and cooking facilities. You have to buy your own groceries and make your own food. Wages are paid by the hour and the rate is different from state to state depending on the Effective Wage Rate (determined by the DOL). Before you come to the United State, the agent will inform you what your wage rate will be. When it comes to laundry, it is normal for you to do your own laundry. Many homes are provided with a washer and dryer, if not, there will be a Laundromat in town, where you will be able to do your own laundry. It is wise to bring enough clothes for ten days.

Plane tickets:

The employer will pay back the plane ticket. You will receive half of the ticket back halfway through your contract and the rest at the end of your contract. The airport tax and medical insurance will not be reimbursed. The necessary arrangements will be made by the employer to pick you up at the airport.

Transportation:

The employer will be responsible for transportation home to work and back. After work, you are responsible for your own transpiration.

Taxes:

H2A employees do not need to pay taxes in America for 183 days. The employer will give you a 1099 tax form at the end of your contract. Make sure you get the tax for at the end of your contact, you will need it when you go to the consulate for your second term. When you arrive in the United Sates you need to get yourself a social security number as soon as possible. Ask your employer to help you with this. You will need your passport, work permit, and birth certificate to get a social security card. Remember your original birth certificate or a notarized copy – otherwise you will not qualify for a CDL, get a social security card, or be able to open a bank account.

Bank account:

Talk to your employer about different banking options. It is important to open your own bank account, and make sure you get an ATM card. An ATM card will help you deposit money into your account, and be able to withdraw money. When you want to transfer money from the USA to SA, you will need:

  • Your SA Bank‘s name and address
  • Your bank’s swift code
  • Your bank’s routing number
  • Your account number

Quick Overview

Before you leave for America:

  • Get an international drivers license
  • Get medical insurance and life insurance
  • Exchange your Rands for Dollars in South Africa at the airport. $200 is a good start for the first two weeks.
  • Lock your luggage and keep your hand luggage with you at all time.
  • Remember some reading material for the flight, and for layovers.
  • Keep all your documentation and your passport with you, and protect it.
  • Remember not to watch other people baggage if they ask, it could be a trap.
  • Keep your employer’s phone number with you as well as the address where you will be working.
  • Take your bank information with you, in case you want to transfer money.

When you arrive in the United States:

  • You will receive an I94 form when you go through the . This form must be kept in your passport at all times.
  • Groups that will be working at the same employer, make sure you stay together until the employer picks you up.
  • International telephone cards are available at any gas station for $5 to $50. You can use the phone cards with any phone, even home phones. On the back of the card is a 1-800 number which you have to dial first. Then there is a pin number you have to scratch off in order to see. Enter the pin number and then dial the South African number. Remember to first dial 011 27… before the South African number. (the 0 of the area code does not get entered. If your number in South Africa is 053 781 0463, you will dial 011 27 53 781 0463).

When you start working in America:

  • Remember that you are in America and you have to follow the laws of America.
  • Ask your employer what he/she expects from you.
  • Ask what your salary will be.
  • If you smoke, ask your employer what their requirements are and respect those requirements
  • Record all agreements so that there cannot be any misunderstanding
  • If you are unhappy, discuss it with your employer and only if you cannot get an acceptable result, call the office in America.
  • You are in America and it is expected that you speak English, if you don’t it can cause problems.
  • In the USA, the electricity is 110V instead of 220V
  • Wal-Mart is a good, inexpensive place to shop.
  • The Law in the USA is very strict and it is enforced. Don’t drive over the speed limit, don’t use drugs, and don’t use or buy alcohol if you are under 21. The legal drinking age in the USA is 21, if you get caught for any of these things you can be put in jail.