Hiring Foreign Workers

Employers can bring foreign workers into the US for temporary or seasonal employment under the federal H-2A and H-2B programs, as long as they meet certain requirements. Approval from several government organizations is required, and there are some criteria that require approval from us.

Foreign Labor Certification

The Department of Labor (DOL) Office Foreign Labor Certification allows businesses to apply to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) for certification to hire foreign workers.

If an employer has or anticipates a shortage of domestic workers, they can use one of the following labor certification programs:

• H-2A: Temporary or seasonal agricultural workers
• H-2B: Temporary non-agricultural workers

We help the DOL administer these programs in California.

For More Information

• U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Office of Foreign Labor Certification
• Immigration and Nationality Act Amendments of 1986

Contact the EDD

For additional information about the H-2A or H-2B programs, contact us:

• H-2A Program Information
  Phone: 1-916-653-2813 or 1-916-654-9315
  Email: WSBCalh2a@edd.ca.gov
• H-2B Program Information
  Phone: 1-916-653-3560 or 1-916-654-9315
  Email: WSBCalh2b@edd.ca.gov