Generally, you will submit a single valid temporary labor certification from the U.S. Department ofLabor with the H-2A petition, but there is a limited exception to this requirement exists in certain “emergent circumstances.”

H-2A classification is valid for the period of time authorized on the temporary labor certification. H-2A classification may be extended for qualifying employment in increments of up to 1 year each. A new, valid temporary labor certification covering the requested time must accompany each extension request. The maximum period of stay in H-2A classification is 3 years.