H-2A Alert: Update to Meal Charge/Travel Reimbursement Requirements

H-2A ALERT: NEW MEAL CHARGE/TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT
RATE SET TO GO INTO EFFECT

Every year, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) updates the maximum allowable meal charge and the minimum travel reimbursement rate. Typically, this is one rate that is set for both requirements. Most of you will recognize it as the $15.88 you have been giving workers as reimbursement for each day traveled getting to your job site.

This morning, the DOL released the new, 2025 rates, which are set to go into effect on Monday, March 24, 2025. The new rate is $16.28/day.

Below, we’ll go into more detail about what this means to your business.

Minimum Travel Reimbursements

As you know, H-2A employers are required to reimburse H-2A workers for daily subsistence expenses (food, lodging, etc.) incurred while traveling to the job site at the beginning of the season. If the workers provide receipts for these expenses, employers are required to reimburse the workers up to a set amount. If the workers do not provide receipts, employers are required to reimburse workers at the set minimum for each day of travel.

The new minimum reimbursement amount is $16.28/day of travel. The new amount that employers are required to reimburse up to when workers have receipts is $68/day of travel.

Maximum Meal Charges

Additionally, except in cases involving range occupations, H-2A employers are required to either provide each worker with three, fresh, calorically sufficient meals every day (including weekends) or provide free and convenient cooking facilities. Employers who choose to provide meals may deduct a set amount from each applicable worker’s pay, provided the deduction is specified on the Job Order.

The new maximum allowable meal charge is $16.28/day.

IMPORTANT: This rate will only apply to applications submitted on or after March 24, 2025. Employers whose applications have already been certified are only able to deduct the amount listed on the Job Order.

No Grace Period

The new rate goes into effect immediately once it is published in the Federal Register, which is scheduled to happen on Monday, March 24, 2025. There is no grace period, so be sure to make adjustments as necessary.

As always, if you have any questions, feel free to call us or drop us an email. We’ll be happy to help! Thank you for putting your trust in Agri Placements International. We’re honored to have the opportunity to serve you and help your business thrive with the H-2A Program!