New OFLC Web Page for AEWR

OFLC, Nov. 19, 2020

"On November 5, 2020, the Department of Labor (Department) published a final rule updating the methodology for determining hourly Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWR) for non-range agricultural occupations in the H-2A visa program. See Final Rule, Adverse Effect Wage Rate Methodology for the Temporary Employment of H-2A Nonimmigrants in Non-Range Occupations in the United States, 85 FR 70445 (Nov. 5, 2020) (“2020 AEWR Final Rule”). The AEWR is the minimum wage rate the Department has determined must be offered and paid by employers to H-2A workers and workers in corresponding employment to ensure that the employment of H-2A workers does not adversely affect the wages of agricultural workers in the U.S. Beginning on December 21, 2020, H-2A job orders submitted for non-range occupations must comply with the new methodology.

The Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) has created a new webpage that consolidates AEWR information for the H-2A program. This webpage contains the monthly AEWR for range occupations, as well as the hourly AEWRs for non-range occupations. The hourly AEWRs for non-range occupations on the new webpage will apply to H-2A job orders submitted on or after December 21, 2020, when the 2020 AEWR Final Rule becomes effective. During the transition to the new methodology, OFLC will also maintain a separate webpage that displays the hourly AEWRs in effect for job orders submitted before December 21, 2020.

• View the AEWR page for current rates in effect through December 20, 2020
• View the AEWR page for rates that will go into effect starting December 21, 2020
• View the published 2020 AEWR Final Rule
• View the FAQs on the 2020 H-2A AEWR Final Rule"