Potential Savings: Temporary Suspension of H-2A Certification Fees Announced by the Department of Labor
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA) has announced an important change for agricultural employers using the H-2A temporary agricultural worker program: starting September 2, 2025, the Department will temporarily suspend the collection of H-2A certification fees.
This suspension will remain in effect until further notice, while the Department transitions to a fully electronic payment system in line with Executive Order 14247, Modernizing Payments To and From America’s Bank Account.
What This Means for Employers
- No certification fee invoices will be issued for H-2A applications certified on or after September 2, 2025, during the suspension period.
- No retroactive payment will be required for certifications issued in this period.
- If an invoice is issued before September 2, 2025, payment is still required by the due date.
- The suspension is designed to streamline the payment process by replacing paper checks and money orders with secure electronic payment methods.
Current Fee Structure (Before Suspension)
- $100 per employer receiving an H-2A certification.
- $10 per certified H-2A worker, up to a maximum of $1,000 per certification.
Why This Matters
This change is part of the federal government’s efforts to make the H-2A program more efficient, less burdensome, and easier for employers to navigate. The shift to electronic payments will speed up transactions, reduce administrative delays, and simplify compliance for agricultural businesses that depend on seasonal and temporary foreign labor.
Our Commitment to You
If this suspension period overlaps with the time you plan to bring in your seasonal workforce, it could mean significant cost savings for your business. At Borderless Talent Solutions & Arias Legal Services, we monitor every policy change in real time and align your H-2A process to take advantage of opportunities like this—helping you save money while ensuring you get the labor force you need, on time and in compliance with all regulations.
