150 Ecuadorians Head to Florida for Legal US Farm Work - First H-2A Agricultural Visas

Ecuador's Ministry of Foreign Relations announced that 150 workers will travel to Florida this month under the country's first-ever H-2A agricultural visa placements.

Why This Matters

This marks the first time Ecuador's Circular Migration Program has secured agricultural jobs under the H-2A visa framework, which allows temporary legal employment in the United States.

The H-2A visa program allows workers to:

• Work legally in US agriculture for up to 3 years
• Return home and reapply after a 60-day break
• Access legal protections and guaranteed wages

The Bigger Picture

Ecuador joins other Latin American countries (Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Colombia, Peru, and others) in the H-2A program. The US faces chronic agricultural labor shortages, and these visas provide a legal pathway that benefits both countries.

The Ministry stated it will provide "permanent support throughout all phases of the process" and plans to expand safe employment opportunities abroad throughout 2026.

An Interesting Angle for Expats

While 150 Ecuadorians are heading north for farm work, thousands of Americans are heading south to retire in Ecuador. The circular flow of migration between the two countries continues to grow, creating economic ties that benefit both nations.

Sources: El Universo, USCIS