Fruit Picker Jobs in the USA – Seasonal Work with Visa Sponsorship

Fruit picker jobs in the USA with visa sponsorship offer international workers a unique chance to dive into the heart of U.S. agriculture while earning a solid income. The U.S. fruit industry relies heavily on seasonal workers, and with a shortage of local labor, employers are eager to sponsor H-2A visas to bring in dedicated workers from abroad.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about landing fruit picker jobs with visa sponsorship, from top opportunities and requirements to practical tips and strategies. Whether you’re an experienced farmhand or new to the fields, there’s a path for you, let’s get picking!

Why Fruit Picker Jobs in the U.S. Are a Great Opportunity

The U.S. agricultural sector is a global leader, producing over $150 billion in fruits and vegetables annually. Fruit picking is a cornerstone of this industry, with states like California, Washington, and Florida harvesting everything from apples to citrus.

However, with a shortage of over 150,000 agricultural workers in 2025, employers like Driscoll’s, Dole, and local farms are turning to international talent through the H-2A visa program. In 2024, over 300,000 H-2A visas were issued, many for fruit pickers, offering wages of $14-$18/hour, free housing, and transportation support. These jobs are accessible, require minimal formal education, and provide a unique way to experience rural America while saving money or building a career.

Fruit picker jobs are ideal for those who enjoy physical work, outdoor settings, and seasonal flexibility. From the apple orchards of Washington to the berry fields of Oregon, these roles offer a chance to work in stunning landscapes, interact with diverse teams, and gain valuable agricultural experience. With visa sponsorship, you can work legally in the U.S. and, in some cases, explore pathways to longer-term opportunities.

Understanding the U.S. Fruit Picking Industry

The U.S. fruit industry spans a variety of crops, including apples, berries, citrus, grapes, and stone fruits like peaches. Major growing regions include California (berries, grapes), Washington (apples, cherries), Florida (citrus), and Michigan (blueberries). The industry relies on seasonal labor for planting, harvesting, and packing, with peak seasons varying by crop: spring for strawberries, summer for cherries, and fall for apples. Labor shortages, driven by an aging workforce and declining local interest, have made international workers essential. The H-2A visa program supports this demand, allowing employers to hire foreign workers for temporary agricultural jobs, often with benefits like housing and transportation.

Types of Fruit Picker Jobs with Visa Sponsorship

Fruit picking jobs vary by crop, region, and task, each offering unique opportunities for international workers:

• Apple Picker: Harvest apples in orchards, primarily in Washington, New York, and Michigan. Average pay: $14-$18/hour.
• Berry Picker: Pick strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries in fields or greenhouses, common in California and Oregon. Average pay: $13-$17/hour.
• Citrus Picker: Harvest oranges, lemons, or grapefruits in Florida and California. Average pay: $14-$18/hour.
• Grape Harvester: Pick grapes for wine or table use, especially in California’s Napa Valley. Average pay: $15-$19/hour.
• Stone Fruit Picker: Harvest peaches, cherries, or plums in states like Georgia and Washington. Average pay: $14-$18/hour.
• Packing and Sorting Worker: Sort and pack fruit after harvest, often in packing houses. Average pay: $13-$16/hour.

Why Fruit Picking? These roles are entry-level, require minimal experience, and come with H-2A visa sponsorship, including housing and transportation. They’re perfect for workers seeking seasonal work with the potential for repeat contracts.

U.S. Work Visas for Fruit Picker Jobs

Navigating the visa process is key to working legally as a fruit picker in the U.S. Here’s a breakdown of the main visa types for these jobs:

• H-2A Visa: For temporary agricultural workers, valid for up to one year with extensions. Employers must provide housing, transportation, and wages at or above the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR), which averages $14-$18/hour in 2025. No annual cap applies.
• EB-3 Visa: For skilled or unskilled workers, offering a path to permanent residency. Less common but used for long-term roles, like packing supervisors.
• J-1 Visa: For cultural exchange or training programs, sometimes used for agricultural internships, valid for up to 12 months.

The H-2A visa is the primary option, designed specifically for agricultural work like fruit picking. Employers file petitions with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and USCIS, covering costs like visa fees, housing, and transportation, making it a cost-effective choice for workers.

Requirements for Fruit Picker Jobs with Visa Sponsorship

To secure a fruit picker job with visa sponsorship, you’ll need to meet specific requirements:

1. Work Experience: No formal experience is required, but 6-12 months of agricultural or manual labor experience (e.g., farming, harvesting) boosts your chances.
2. Physical Fitness: Fruit picking is labor-intensive, requiring stamina for long hours, bending, lifting (up to 50 pounds), and working in various weather conditions.
3. Basic Language Skills: Basic English or Spanish (A2-B1 level) is often sufficient, as many farms employ multilingual teams. Some roles require minimal language skills.
4. Valid Passport: A current passport from your home country is essential for visa applications.
5. Job Offer: A contract from a sponsoring employer, who will initiate the H-2A visa process.
6. Background Checks: Clean criminal and health records, as required by U.S. immigration and farm safety regulations.

Some roles, like packing or equipment operation, may require basic mechanical skills, but most fruit picking jobs are accessible to beginners with a strong work ethic.

How to Find Fruit Picker Jobs with Visa Sponsorship

Landing a visa-sponsored fruit picker job requires a proactive approach. Here are actionable steps to increase your chances:

1. Research Sponsoring Employers: Target farms and agribusinesses with a history of H-2A sponsorship, like Driscoll’s, Dole Food Company, or local orchards in Washington and Florida. Smaller farms often sponsor through cooperatives.
2. Craft a Strong Resume: Highlight any agricultural or physical labor experience using action verbs like “harvested,” “sorted,” or “packed.” Keep it simple and ATS-friendly for initial screenings.
3. Network Actively: Connect with recruiters, join agricultural forums, and attend virtual job fairs. Networking accounts for over 80% of job placements in agriculture.
4. Use Job Boards: Look for platforms listing H-2A fruit picking jobs, filtering for roles explicitly offering visa sponsorship.
5. Work with Recruitment Agencies: Agencies like CIERTO, MásLabor, or H2A USA specialize in matching international workers with U.S. farms.
6. Prepare for Interviews: Be clear about your visa needs. Practice explaining your work ethic, physical fitness, and willingness to learn U.S. farming practices.

Top Employers Offering Visa Sponsorship for Fruit Picker Jobs

Several U.S. farms and agribusinesses are known for sponsoring international fruit pickers. Here are key players:

• Driscoll’s: A leading berry producer, Driscoll’s sponsors H-2A workers for strawberry and blueberry harvesting in California and Florida.
• Dole Food Company: Hires for citrus and tropical fruit picking in Florida, California, and Hawaii, offering H-2A sponsorship.
• Stemilt Growers: Sponsors apple and cherry pickers in Washington, a top fruit-producing state.
• Harry & David: Recruits for pear and peach harvesting in Oregon, with H-2A visa support.
• Local Orchards: Small farms in Michigan, New York, and Georgia sponsor H-2A workers through cooperatives or agencies.

These employers provide free housing, transportation, and visa support, making them ideal for international candidates.

Overcoming Common Challenges

The path to a visa-sponsored fruit picker job has obstacles, but they’re manageable. Here’s how to address common issues:

• H-2A Seasonality: Most fruit picking jobs are temporary (6-10 months), tied to harvest seasons. Seek employers offering extensions or year-round roles, like greenhouse work.
• Physical Demands: Picking is strenuous, with long hours in heat or rain. Highlight your stamina and fitness in applications.
• Language Barriers: While Spanish is common in U.S. agriculture, basic English may be required. Take language courses to improve communication skills.
• Processing Times: H-2A applications take 60-120 days. Apply early (January-March for summer harvests) to align with seasonal needs.
• Employer Scams: Avoid fraudulent recruiters by verifying employers through the DOL’s H-2A job listings or trusted agencies like CIERTO.

Success Stories to Inspire You

Real stories show that visa-sponsored fruit picker jobs are achievable. Maria G., from Mexico, landed an H-2A visa with a California strawberry farm through MásLabor. She earned $15/hour, lived in free housing, and returned for three seasons, saving enough to support her family. Similarly, Kwame T., from Jamaica, secured a job picking apples in Washington through an H-2A program, gaining experience that led to a packing supervisor role. These stories highlight the power of persistence, agency support, and targeting high-demand regions.

Tips to Stand Out as an International Candidate

To shine in the U.S. fruit picking job market, consider these strategies:

• Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasize any agricultural or manual labor experience, even informal work like family farming.
• Show Physical Readiness: Stress your ability to handle repetitive tasks, like bending or lifting, in applications.
• Learn Basic Skills: Familiarity with tools or harvesting techniques can set you apart.
• Be Location-Flexible: Consider jobs in rural areas like Yakima, Washington, or Immokalee, Florida, where labor shortages are acute.
• Improve Language Skills: Basic English or Spanish improves communication with supervisors and coworkers.

Pathways to Permanent Residency

While most fruit picker jobs are temporary, some lead to permanent residency through the EB-3 visa, especially for long-term roles like packing supervisors or equipment operators. After 1-2 years, employers may sponsor green cards in shortage areas. The process takes 2-5 years but offers stability and access to U.S. benefits. Work with your employer and an immigration attorney to explore this path.

Understanding the U.S. Fruit Picking Job Market

The U.S. fruit picking job market varies by region, crop, and season. Key trends for 2025 include:

• High-Demand Regions: California (berries, grapes), Washington (apples, cherries), Florida (citrus), and Michigan (blueberries) are top hubs with chronic labor shortages.
• Harvest Seasons: Spring (March-May) for strawberries, summer (June-August) for cherries, and fall (September-November) for apples drive hiring. Year-round roles exist in greenhouses.
• Crop Diversity: Apples, berries, citrus, and grapes dominate, with each requiring specific harvesting techniques.
• Technology Trends: While automation is growing, manual picking remains essential for delicate fruits like berries and peaches.

Targeting high-demand regions and seasons can increase your chances of landing a sponsored job.

Practical Steps to Prepare for Your Move

Moving to the U.S. for a fruit picker job involves more than just landing the role. Here are steps to ensure a smooth transition:

• Research Cost of Living: Rural areas like Yakima, Washington, or Salinas, California, have lower costs, with housing often provided by employers. Urban-adjacent farms may have rents of $800-$1,200/month.
• Understand Housing: H-2A employers must provide free housing, typically dorm-style or shared accommodations. Confirm details before signing contracts.
• Secure Healthcare: Temporary workers need private insurance, costing $100-$300/month. Some employers offer basic coverage.
• Learn About Taxes: Fruit pickers pay federal and state taxes, with rates up to 22% for mid-range earners. Keep records of expenses for deductions.
• Cultural Integration: Embrace U.S. farm culture, like teamwork and safety protocols, to build strong relationships with coworkers.

Industry-Specific Opportunities

Let’s dive deeper into the fruit picking sectors offering visa sponsorship:

Apple Orchards: A Fall Favorite

Apple picking, concentrated in Washington and New York, is a major H-2A job source. Workers use ladders and baskets to harvest apples, earning $14-$18/hour. Employers like Stemilt Growers sponsor thousands annually, providing housing and transportation. Fall (September-November) is the peak season, with some orchards offering extensions.

Berry Fields: Sweet Opportunities

Berry picking, including strawberries and blueberries, is prominent in California, Oregon, and Michigan. Workers harvest delicate fruits by hand, earning $13-$17/hour. Driscoll’s and local farms sponsor H-2A workers, with spring and summer as peak seasons. Greenhouses offer year-round roles.

Citrus Groves: Sunny Work

Citrus picking, centered in Florida and California, involves harvesting oranges, lemons, and grapefruits. Wages range from $14-$18/hour, with employers like Dole sponsoring H-2A workers. Winter and spring (December-May) are peak seasons, with free housing provided.

Grape Harvesting: Wine and Table Grapes

Grape harvesting in California’s Napa Valley and other regions supports wine and table grape production. Workers earn $15-$19/hour, with H-2A sponsorship common. The season peaks in late summer to fall (August-October), with some vineyards offering packing roles.

Stone Fruit Orchards: Peaches and Cherries

Stone fruit picking, like peaches and cherries, is big in Georgia, Washington, and California. Wages are $14-$18/hour, with H-2A sponsorship from farms like Harry & David. Summer (June-August) is the main season, requiring careful handling to avoid bruising fruit.

Packing and Sorting: Post-Harvest Roles

Packing and sorting fruit in packing houses is less physical but critical. Workers earn $13-$16/hour, with H-2A sponsorship available. These roles are common year-round in states like California and Florida, offering stability for those preferring indoor work.

Navigating the Application Process

The application process for U.S. fruit picker jobs is straightforward but requires attention to detail. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Find a Job: Use job boards, company websites, or agencies like CIERTO to identify H-2A roles.
2. Apply: Submit a simple resume and cover letter, emphasizing agricultural experience and physical fitness.
3. Interview: Prepare for virtual or in-person interviews, highlighting your work ethic and adaptability.
4. Visa Application: Your employer will file an H-2A petition with the DOL and USCIS, providing a Certificate of Sponsorship.
5. Relocation: Arrange travel and prepare for employer-provided housing, with support from your employer or agency.

Additional Tips for Success

• Build a Work Ethic Record: Highlight your reliability and ability to work long hours in applications.
• Understand Pay Structures: Some jobs pay hourly, others by piece rate (e.g., per basket). Clarify terms with employers.
• Stay Safe: Learn basic farm safety practices, like proper lifting or ladder use, to show preparedness.
• Join Agricultural Communities: Online forums and groups provide insights from current workers, helping you prepare.
• Network with Employers: Connect with recruiters or farm cooperatives to build relationships with sponsoring employers.

Final Thoughts: Your U.S. Fruit Picking Career Awaits

Landing a fruit picker job with visa sponsorship in the U.S. is an exciting and achievable goal for international workers ready to embrace the fields. With a massive labor shortage and high demand for apple, berry, citrus, grape, and stone fruit pickers, the U.S. offers abundant seasonal opportunities. Stay proactive—research sponsoring employers, optimize your resume, network, and prepare for the visa process. With determination, you can enjoy the rewards of working in America’s orchards, earning a solid income and experiencing rural life. Ready to start? Explore visa-sponsored fruit picker jobs at H2AJobs.com.