USA Poultry Processing Jobs with Visa Support 2025/2026

USA Poultry Processing Jobs with Visa Support 2025/2026

Introduction

The United States is one of the world’s largest producers of poultry meat and eggs. From family-owned farms to multi-billion-dollar companies such as Tyson Foods, Pilgrim’s Pride and Perdue, the poultry processing industry employs hundreds of thousands of workers every year. Because many Americans are not interested in this type of repetitive, physically demanding work, there is a chronic shortage of labour. That shortage creates a door of opportunity for international workers – including applicants from Africa, Asia and Latin America – to enter the U.S. workforce through legal visa support programmes.

This guide explains everything you need to know about poultry processing jobs in the USA with visa support in 2025: the roles available, salaries, benefits, visa categories, requirements, step-by-step application, and tips for avoiding scams.

Why Poultry Processing Jobs in the USA Are Attractive in 2025

1. High Demand – U.S. poultry production exceeds 9 billion chickens a year, creating constant demand for processing workers.

2. Entry-Level Friendly – Many positions are unskilled or semi-skilled and provide training.

3. Visa Support – Employers frequently use the H-2B Temporary Worker Visa or partner with agencies to recruit abroad.

4. Competitive Wages – Hourly pay rates are significantly higher than in most developing countries.

5. Potential Career Growth – Long-term workers can move into supervisory or maintenance roles or later apply for green cards through employment-based categories.

USA Poultry Processing Jobs with Visa Support 2025/2026

What “Poultry Processing” Means

Poultry processing jobs take place in plants and facilities where chickens and turkeys are prepared for sale. Typical tasks include:

1. Slaughtering and defeathering birds.

2. Cutting, deboning and trimming meat.

3. Packaging, weighing and labelling products.

4. Quality control and sanitation.

5. Operating and cleaning machinery.

These jobs are often performed on production lines and may involve cold environments and standing for long periods. Because of this, turnover is high and employers actively recruit from abroad.

Common Job Titles in Poultry Processing Plants

Many of these roles are open to applicants without advanced qualifications.

Salaries & Benefits

1. Hourly Pay: USD $12 – $18

2. Weekly (40 hrs): $480 – $720

3. Annual: $25,000 – $38,000+

4. Overtime: 1.5× hourly rate

Other possible benefits:

1. Paid or subsidized housing (especially in rural plants).

2. Transportation from employer-provided housing to the plant.

3. Safety gear and on-the-job training.

4. Some companies offer health insurance after a qualifying period.

USA Poultry Processing Jobs with Visa Support 2025/2026

Visa Support Options for 2025

Most foreign poultry processing workers in the U.S. are hired under the H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker Visa:

1. Valid for up to one year with renewals possible to a maximum of three years.

2. Employer must obtain a Department of Labor certification and file a petition with USCIS.

3. Workers must show a valid job offer before applying at a U.S. consulate.

Some agricultural or live-bird handling roles may fall under the H-2A Temporary Agricultural Worker Visa, but the majority of plant jobs use H-2B.

Long-term possibilities:

1. With several years of experience and employer sponsorship, some workers move to EB-3 unskilled worker green card categories.

2. Certain states run pilot programmes linking refugee or immigrant resettlement with meat-processing employment.

Requirements for Applicants

1. Age: 18+

2. Education: Basic literacy; high school diploma helpful but not mandatory.

3. Passport: Valid for at least six months.

4. Police Clearance: Clean criminal record.

5. Medical Fitness: Ability to handle manual labour, cold environments, and standing.

6. Job Offer: Official contract or offer letter from a certified U.S. employer or recruitment agency.

Step-by-Step Application Guide for 2025

1. Research Legitimate Job Offers

Look at:

1. U.S. Department of Labor H-2B certified employer lists.

2. Company career pages (Tyson Foods, Pilgrim’s Pride, Perdue, Wayne-Sanderson Farms).

3. Reputable international recruitment agencies.

2. Prepare Your Resume and Documents

Highlight:

1. Any farm or factory experience.

2. Physical stamina and reliability.

3. Willingness to relocate.

Include a clear scan of your passport, police clearance, and references.

3. Submit Applications

Apply directly on company websites or through authorised agencies. Be wary of individuals promising visas for fees.

4. Receive Job Offer and Employer Petition

Employer obtains a Department of Labor certification and files Form I-129 with USCIS for you.

5. Apply for the Visa

Once USCIS approves, you receive a petition number. Complete the DS-160 visa application online, pay the fee, schedule an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.

6. Attend Visa Interview

Take your passport, job offer, petition approval (Form I-797), and supporting documents. Answer questions honestly.

7. Travel to the U.S. and Begin Work

Employer often arranges arrival orientation and, if promised, housing or transport.

Top States for Poultry Processing Jobs

1. Arkansas – Home to Tyson Foods HQ.

2. Georgia – One of the largest poultry producers.

3. Alabama – High concentration of poultry plants.

4. Mississippi – Growing demand for H-2B workers.

5. North Carolina – Many processing plants near rural communities.

These states frequently recruit internationally because local labour pools are insufficient.

Advantages of USA Poultry Processing Jobs

1. Legally work in the U.S. under visa support.

2. Earn significantly higher wages than in most home countries.

3. Gain U.S. work experience for future immigration opportunities.

4. Some employers provide free or subsidised housing and transport.

5. Opportunity for overtime and bonuses.

Challenges You Should Anticipate

1. Physically Demanding Work: Repetitive tasks, cold environments, heavy lifting.

2. Shift Schedules: Night shifts or weekend work may be required.

3. Cultural Adjustment: Different workplace rules and language.

4. Temporary Visa: H-2B does not automatically lead to permanent residency.

Being aware of these challenges helps you prepare mentally and financially.

USA Poultry Processing Jobs with Visa Support 2025/2026

Tips for Avoiding Scams

1. Do not pay large upfront fees to individuals promising “guaranteed visas.”

2. Verify the company’s name on the U.S. Department of Labor certified H-2B employer list.

3. Communicate directly with HR departments or established recruitment firms.

4. Keep copies of all emails and contracts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Do I need previous poultry experience?
No. Many companies train new workers on the job.

Q2: Can I bring my family on an H-2B visa?
H-2B is temporary and does not automatically allow dependents to work. Some can come as H-4 dependents but cannot work without their own authorisation.

Q3: How much can I earn per month?
Between $2,000 and $3,000 depending on hours and overtime.

Q4: How long does the process take?
After a job offer, 2–4 months is common for visa processing.

Q5: What is the difference between H-2A and H-2B?
H-2A covers seasonal agricultural work; H-2B covers temporary non-agricultural work, including most poultry processing plants.

Q6: Are housing and transport always free?
Not always. Some employers provide them free; others deduct a small fee.

Conclusion

With high demand, competitive wages and structured visa support programmes, poultry processing jobs in the USA offer one of the clearest legal pathways for foreign workers in 2025. While the work is physically demanding, it can be life-changing for individuals from Africa and other regions seeking stable income and international exposure.

To succeed:

1. Apply only through legitimate channels.

2. Prepare your documents early.

3. Understand the visa category you’ll use.

4. Be ready for the physical and cultural adjustments.

By following the steps in this guide, you can position yourself to secure a poultry processing job in the USA with visa support in 2025 and start building a better future.