Past Webinars

Navigating H-2A: Compliance, Cost, and Benefits

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Speaker: Paula Newlin

Session Description

Labor shortages continue to challenge the agriculture industry, particularly during peak seasonal demand. This webinar explores how the H-2A visa program applies, where eligibility begins and ends, and what employers must consider before pursuing this workforce option. Attendees will gain an understanding of compliance requirements, cost structures, and operational realities to determine if H-2A is a viable option.

Key Takeaways:

  • Eligibility Boundaries (What Qualifies—and What Doesn’t)
    Adding clarity around gray areas and common misconceptions within agricultural operations, including grain.
  • Compliance Requirements (What It Looks Like in Practice)
    Translating DOL requirements into what this actually looks like day-to-day, including common audit triggers.
  • True Cost Analysis (Beyond the Wage Rate)
    Breaking down the full financial picture, from understanding AEWR to factoring in corresponding workers, the three-quarter guarantee, and other often-overlooked employer costs.
  • The Realities Behind the Program (Lessons Learned)
    Diving into our real-world challenges such as filing delays, consulate bottlenecks, CDL limitations, and communication gaps—along with how to navigate them.
  • Workforce Strategy Fit (Where It Makes Sense—and Where It Doesn’t)
    Evaluate whether H-2A supports your broader seasonal and long-term labor planning objectives. 

To view upcoming live webinars, visit www.geaps.com/webinars.

Meet The Speaker

Paula Newlin

Talent Development Manager

Central Valley Ag

Paula Newlin leads with a deep commitment to people, purpose, and growth. In her role, she oversees training and development strategies across the cooperative while managing a recruiting team of five employees supporting multiple regions. She also leads and administers CVA’s H2A program, guiding the full lifecycle of international workforce development—from application and onboarding to ongoing support and retention.