US State Department Expands Processing of H2-A Visas

In an effort to address growing concerns about the availability of agricultural workers due to disruptions caused by COVID-19, the State Department has announced that is expanding the categories of H-2 visa applicants whose applications can be adjudicated without an in-person interview. The closure of U.S. consulates in Mexico had ended in-person interviews, but this announcement will allow consular officers to adjudicate a greater number of applications without an in-person interview. See more information on the announcement and H-2A program operations during COVID-19.

Update, April 1: This afternoon, the Department of Labor released a series of frequently asked questions to address issues that have arisen related to the H2-A temporary agricultural labor certification program.