Fruit Picker Jobs in USA With Visa Sponsorship – Apply Now

Are you looking for an opportunity to work in the USA? Do you enjoy working outdoors and don’t mind putting in some physical effort? If yes, then a fruit picker job might be the perfect opportunity for you! The USA has a vast agricultural industry, and many farms need seasonal workers to help with harvesting.

The good news is that some of these jobs offer visa sponsorship, making it possible for foreigners to work legally in the United States. In this article, we’ll show everything you need to know about fruit picker jobs in the USA with visa sponsorship, their requirements, benefits, challenges, and even some jobs you can start applying for. Let’s gooo!

What Are Fruit Picker Jobs?

Fruit picking is an essential part of the agricultural industry. Fruit picker jobs involve harvesting fruits from farms and orchards. Depending on the season and region, you could be picking apples, berries, citrus fruits, or stone fruits. It’s a hands-on job that requires you to gather ripe fruits, sort them, and prepare them for distribution. The job can be physically demanding, but it’s also rewarding and offers a unique experience to work closely with nature.

Responsibilities of a Fruit Picker

Working as a fruit picker is more than just plucking fruits from trees. The job comes with several responsibilities, including:

• Harvesting Fruits: You’ll carefully pick ripe fruits based on size, color, and ripeness while avoiding damage to unripe ones.
• Sorting and Packing: After harvesting, the fruits need to be sorted and packed into boxes or crates for transportation.
• Farm Maintenance: You may be required to prune trees, remove weeds, or take care of farm equipment.
• Loading and Transporting: In some cases, fruit pickers help load produce onto trucks for distribution.

The work is usually done outdoors, so you must be prepared to handle various weather conditions, from extreme heat to unexpected rainfall.

Why Consider a Fruit Picking Job in the USA?

The USA has one of the largest agricultural industries in the world. Every year, farms need seasonal workers to help with harvesting, and local labor alone is not enough. This creates a great opportunity for foreign workers looking to gain employment in the USA.

Benefits of Fruit Picking Jobs

1. Visa Sponsorship – Some employers offer visa sponsorship, allowing you to legally work in the USA.
2. Competitive Pay – While fruit picking is an entry-level job, wages can be competitive, especially during peak seasons.
3. Cultural Experience – You get to explore the American way of life while meeting people from different backgrounds.
4. No Formal Education Required – You don’t need a university degree or extensive work experience.
5. Seasonal Job Opportunities – You can work for a few months and return home or apply for another job in the following season.

Visa Sponsorship for Fruit Picking Jobs

To work legally in the USA as a fruit picker, you need a valid work visa. The most common visa for agricultural workers is the H-2A visa.

What is the H-2A Visa?

The H-2A visa is a temporary agricultural work visa that allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers when there’s a shortage of domestic workers. This visa is specifically for seasonal agricultural work, such as fruit picking.

Key Features of the H-2A Visa

• Employer-Sponsored: Your employer must apply on your behalf and demonstrate that there aren’t enough local workers to fill the positions.
• Temporary Work: The H-2A visa is typically valid for the duration of the harvest season, which can vary depending on the crop and location (usually 6-12 months).
• Worker Protections: Employers are required to provide certain benefits, such as housing, transportation, and fair wages, ensuring that you’re treated well during your employment.
• Renewability: The visa can sometimes be renewed or extended based on the employer’s needs.

Who is Eligible for the H-2A Visa?

To qualify for the H-2A visa, you must:

• Have a valid job offer from a U.S. farm willing to sponsor your visa.
• Be a citizen of a country approved for the H-2A program. Most countries are eligible, but it’s good to check the current official list.
• Be physically fit. Fruit picking is physically demanding. You should be in good health and capable of performing tasks like lifting, bending, and standing for extended periods.

Available Fruit Picker Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship

Job Title: Seasonal Harvester Operator (Mid June – Mid October)

Hiring Company: Lakeside Foods

Location: Minnesota, United States 

Job Type: Seasonal 

Salary: $15.00 – $24.00 per hour based on education and experience 

Job Requirements 

• Lakeside Foods is willing to train, no experience necessary! 
• Must be able to safely perform all job duties 
• Adhere to company safety rules & policies.

Job Responsibilities 

• Our Harvester Operators are responsible for driving equipment from field to field.
• Harvesting fresh product as instructed by Leads or Supervisors. 
• Responsible for the maintenance of the equipment that is assigned such as checking oil, fuel, coolant, tires, lights, guards, windows and mirrors.
• May also be asked to assist with minor repairs as needed. 
• Be alert to; rocks, weeds, debris, obstacles, or any unusual conditions. 
• Keep harvester cabs, mirrors and windows clean.

Job Benefits 

• A strong commitment to your safety & quality products
• Low-cost migrant housing
• Competitive wages with overtime pay
• Various bonus opportunities
• 401(k) option (self-contribution)
• Scholarship opportunities for your qualifying children
• Employee assistance program
• Safety suggestion programs
• Migrant Schooling for Children

• Travel Reimbursement

How to Apply

• Click here to begin your application process and then click ‘Apply Now’
• On the page that appears, select ‘create an account’ or type in your email address and password if you already have an account.
• To ‘create an account’, fill in the form with your details (email,name,password)
• Next step is to submit the requested documents
• Fill in all the sections and then click ‘Apply’ to submit your application
• Wait to receive feedback

Job Title: Fruit Tree Care 

Hiring Company: Orchard Keepers

Location: California, United States 

Job Type: Seasonal 

Salary: $22.00 per hour 

Job Requirements 

• Works well with others and communicates clearly
• Excited about fruit trees and eager to learn more
• Have experience working outside for a full 6-7 hr shift
• Punctual and responsible
• Highly organized and able to work independently
• Committed to coming to work each day with a good attitude and ready to work

Job Responsibilities 

• Orchard Care- thinning fruit, harvesting of fruit, understory care
• Spreading of mulch and compost at various orchard sites
• Spraying organic materials to control pests

How to Apply 

• Check out orchardkeepers.com for more info about. 
• If interested, please send a resume. 
• Answer the question
• What experience with plants do you have?

How to Find More Fruit Picking Jobs with Visa Sponsorship

If you’re interested in applying for a fruit picker job, follow these steps:

1. Research Job Openings

Look for farms or agricultural companies that hire foreign workers. You can find job postings on:

• Job websites (Indeed, SimplyHired, AgriLabor USA, Seasonal Jobs USA)
• Recruitment agencies that specialize in seasonal farm jobs
• Government programs that connect foreign workers with U.S. employers

2. Apply for the Job

Once you find a job listing, prepare your resume and cover letter. Highlight any experience in farming or physical labor (if you have any). Even if you don’t have experience, emphasize your willingness to learn and work hard.

3. Employer Applies for Your Visa

If you’re selected, the employer will file an H-2A visa petition on your behalf. They must prove that they couldn’t find enough U.S. workers to fill the positions.

4. Attend a Visa Interview

After the petition is approved, you must attend an interview at the U.S. embassy in your country. Be prepared to answer questions about your job and employer.

5. Travel to the USA

Once your visa is approved, you can travel to the USA and start working!

Challenges of Fruit Picking Jobs

While fruit picking jobs have many benefits, they also come with challenges:

• Physically Demanding Work: The work can be strenuous, requiring stamina and strength. You’ll be on your feet for long hours and may need to lift heavy baskets.
• Weather Conditions: You’ll work in hot sun, rain, or even chilly mornings.
• Seasonal Employment: The job is not permanent, so you’ll need to find another job once the season ends.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need prior experience to get a fruit picking job?

No, most employers do not require previous experience. However, being physically fit is essential.

2. Is accommodation provided?

Yes, under the H-2A visa, employers must provide free housing for workers.

3. How much can I earn as a fruit picker?

Wages vary, but most workers earn between $12-$18 per hour, depending on the state and crop.

4. Can I bring my family with me?

No, the H-2A visa does not allow dependents to accompany workers.

5. What happens if my visa expires?

Once your visa expires, you must return to your home country. If your employer still needs workers, they can reapply for you in the next season.

6. What if I get sick or injured?

Employers must provide workers’ compensation insurance to cover medical expenses in case of injury.

7. Can I switch employers?

No, the H-2A visa is employer-specific. If you want to switch, your new employer must file a new visa petition for you.

8. Do I need to speak English?

Basic English skills can help, but they are not always required.

Conclusion

Fruit picking jobs in the USA offer a great opportunity for foreigners looking for work with visa sponsorship. The job can be physically demanding, but it also comes with benefits like free housing, fair wages, and an opportunity to experience American culture. If you’re ready for an adventure and willing to put in the effort, this could be the perfect opportunity for you. Don’t wait again, start applying today!