On July 31, 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced that it will temporarily suspend the collection of certification fees for the H-2A temporary agricultural worker program. This suspension, which will take effect August 30, 2025, is intended to give the DOL’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) time to transition from paper-based fee collection to an electronic payment system. Importantly, this suspension is temporary and does not represent a permanent policy change. 

Background 

Under current rules, H-2A employers must pay a certification fee of $100 per certification plus $10 per worker, up to a maximum of $1,000. These payments are submitted by check or money order following certification. With the issuance of Executive Order 14247 earlier this year, the federal government is moving toward fully electronic payments, requiring agencies to eliminate paper check processing. 

Impact of the Suspension 

For certifications issued on or after Aug. 30, employers will not receive invoices and will not owe certification fees until the electronic payments system is implemented. Employers with invoices issued prior to that date must still pay those invoices on time. 

The suspension will remain in effect until DOL announces the resumption of collections once electronic payment systems are in place. This modernization effort is aimed at reducing administrative burdens for employers and increasing efficiency in the certification process. 

Western Growers will continue to monitor and provide updates on the implementation of electronic fee payments for H-2A certifications. 

For questions about the certification fee change or the H-2A program in general, contact the Western Growers H-2A Services team.