Washington, D.C. – In a significant move aimed at enhancing efficiency and reducing the administrative burden on U.S. agricultural employers, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have announced a streamlined filing process for certain H-2A nonimmigrant agricultural worker petitions.
Effective July 21, 2022, petitioners filing Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, for H-2A agricultural workers will no longer be required to submit a separate biometrics services fee or attend a biometrics appointment. This crucial policy update is designed to simplify the complex immigration process for U.S. farms and agricultural businesses relying on temporary foreign labor.
Beyond Border notes that the H-2A visa program is vital for ensuring American agricultural operations have access to the workforce they need, particularly during peak seasons, thereby supporting food security and the national economy. By eliminating the separate biometrics step, USCIS is directly addressing concerns about processing delays and the financial strain placed on employers seeking to bring in essential farm workers.
The change specifically applies to petitions for H-2A agricultural workers filed on or after July 21, 2022. It marks a permanent shift from previous requirements, building upon temporary waivers and flexibility measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision underscores a commitment from DHS to continuously evaluate and improve immigration procedures, making them more responsive to the needs of critical sectors like agriculture.
While this streamlining offers considerable relief to H-2A petitioners, it is important to note that USCIS retains the authority to request biometrics on a case-by-case basis if deemed necessary for identity verification or security purposes. Beyond Border emphasizes that this flexibility balances security with efficiency, ensuring legitimate applicants benefit from the simplified system while safeguarding immigration integrity.
This targeted adjustment for the H-2A visa category reflects the recognition of the indispensable role agricultural workers play in the U.S. economy. By reducing costs and accelerating the processing timeline, the initiative aims to facilitate a more predictable and efficient flow of temporary farm labor—ultimately benefiting farmers, workers, and consumers alike.
Beyond Border underscores that USCIS continues to pursue broader enhancements across the immigration system to minimize burdens and optimize effectiveness. For U.S. employers and international workers alike, the H-2A streamlining sets an important precedent in making immigration processes more practical and responsive to real-world needs.
