Smart Training for H-2A and H-2B Employers
Used by top H agents to prepare their clients, these expert-led video courses help employers understand the rules and avoid penalties.
Start with the 30-minute Orientation or go in-depth with the full Training.
Avoid Costly Mistakes
If you're involved in the H-2A or H-2B program, you should know the risks:
Frequent Investigations
Employers in these programs face increased scrutiny
Heavy Fines
A single mistake in your H-2A/H-2B paperwork or compliance efforts could cost you thousands per worker — with total fines often reaching $50,000-$150,000+ depending on the case.
Lack of Trusted Guidance
Real experts in H-2 compliance are hard to find when it matters most.
H Brain™ Learning can help
Developed by Kalen Fraser, a trusted name with 10+ years of experience helping employers stay compliant and audit-ready.
Clear, practical videos
Regularly updated to reflect the latest requirements
Step-by-step breakdowns
Of H-2A & H-2B responsibilities
Empowering employers
To safeguard their business and support their workforce
Valuable training saves you time, money, and stress. Get the knowledge you need to succeed.
Don't Risk Penalties You Can Avoid
An H Brain™ subscription pays for itself the first time you avoid a fine.
Meet your Instructor
Real-World Insight from Both Sides of the System
Kalen Fraser, founder of Labor Brain, offers a rare combination of experience. As a former U.S. Department of Labor investigator and a compliance consultant with over a decade of employer-side expertise, she helps businesses navigate the H-2A and H-2B programs with clarity and confidence. Her training turns complex regulations into actionable knowledge, helping employers avoid costly mistakes and prepare for audits with confidence.
"You too can become an H Brain."
H Brain™ Learning
Choose your visa program
What is your role?
How many seats do you need?
Purchasing options
Selected visa program and role.
Visa Program
H-2A
H-2B
Role
Single seat
Employer
25+ seats
Agent
H-2A
H-2B
I'm an employer
Single seat
I'm an agent
Bulk Purchase (25+ seats)
Orientation
$35 / seat*
one-time payment
4 months access
The key H-2A concepts explained in a single, clear 30 minute session.
Single H-2A foundational video
Useful Resources
Tracking video completion
Group Manager Dashboard
Constantly updated to contain newest regulations
*25 seats minimum purchase
Training
$145 / seat / year*
yearly subscription
Master H-2A compliance, audits, and everything in between.
Includes Orientation Video
10 Core Topic and 3 Specialty Topic videos
Group Manager Dashboard
Constantly updated to contain newest regulations
Bonus Videos
- How to Prepare for a Department of Labor Audit
- How to Obtain a MSPA Farm Labor Contractor Card
*25 seats minimum purchase
Orientation
$49
one-time payment
4 months access
The key H-2A concepts explained in a single, clear 30 minute session.
Single H-2A foundational video
Useful Resources
Constantly updated to contain newest regulations
Training
$295 / year
yearly subscription
Master H-2A compliance, audits, and everything in between.
Includes Orientation Video
10 Core Topic and 3 Specialty Topic videos
Constantly updated to contain newest regulations
Bonus Videos
- How to Prepare for a Department of Labor Audit
- How to Obtain a MSPA Farm Labor Contractor Card
Orientation
Coming soon
Training
$120 / seat / year*
yearly subscription
Master H-2B compliance, audits, and everything in between.
Includes Orientation Video
10 Core Topic videos
Group Manager Dashboard
Constantly updated to contain newest regulations
Bonus Videos
- How to Prepare for a Department of Labor Audit
*25 seats minimum purchase
FAQs
H Brain™ Training subscriptions last one year from the original purchase date and will automatically renew to continue to provide you with valuable, up-to-date information. You can view and manage your subscription settings on the Subscriptions tab of your My Account page. H Brain™ Orientation purchases are a one-time payment that gives access to the Orientation course for four months from first access date.
Great question. In addition to big regulation re-writes and court decisions there are also yearly updates to reimbursement amounts and pay rates. The videos and useful resources sections are regularly reviewed and updated to be in accordance with the latest Department of Labor (DOL) guidance. If a change is in flux because of court decisions there will be an explanation above the video content so that users are aware of the general status of a rule.
H Brain™ Learning is about compliance with the federal H2A and H2B programs. Those programs reference other federals rules like the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Migrant Seasonal Worker Protection Act, and OSHA rules on housing. The training is standard for those rules but it does not include specifics on every differing state law that might affect state-level compliance. States may have different rules on overtime, defining hours worked, records requirements, lawful termination, etc. Some state-level references are included throughout the training but employers should have another method of learning about their state specific rules and knowing where their state is stricter than federal. Although H2A and H2B are federal programs, in the past several years more states have been getting involved in regulating the programs on a state level.
For the H Brain™ Training yearly subscription we offer a full refund within 14 days of purchase. For the H Brain™ Orientation video there is no refund available. View our Terms of Service for a full description of our Return policy.
What you get with H Brain™ Training
Payment
Training is a yearly subscription that grants access to all videos and training resources for one year from the date of payment. You'll receive a reminder 30 days before automatic renewal giving you time to cancel or turn off auto-renew option. If you don't find the content useful, we offer a full refund within 14 days of purchase. View our Terms of Service for a full description of our Return policy.
Course Content
The Gist • The Details • Job Order • How to Handle Referrals • Other Recruitment Steps • Common Mistakes • To-Do List • Up Next
The Gist • The Details • Corresponding Employment - Yes/No • Corresponding Employment versus "Recruited Worker" • Common Mistakes • To-Do List • Up Next
The Gist • The Details • Inbound Travel • Outbound Travel • Common Mistakes • To-Do List • Up Next
The Gist • The Details • Required Wage • Commissions & Piece Rates • Frequency of Pay • Overtime • Deductions • Bonuses • Higher Pay Rates • Correct job duties • Common Mistakes • To-Do List • Up Next
The Gist • The Details • Fees • Forbidding 3rd Parties from Taking Fees • DHS fee consequences • Bribes • Disclosure of job contract • Travel Documents • Social Security Numbers • Employee Names • Taxes • Benefits • Retaliation & Blacklisting • Communication • Common Mistakes • To-Do List
The Gist • The Details • 3/4 Guarantee Basics • Determining Hours Offered • Recording Hours Offered • Obligation if Employee Leaves Early • Act of God (nature) ends season early • Common Mistakes • To-Do List • Up Next
The Gist • The Details • Information Required on Both • Recording Hours Offered • Required on Earnings Records • Required on Pay Statements • Common Mistakes • To-Do List • Up Next
The Gist • The Details • Time Card Requirements • Determining Hours Worked • Technology Problems • Time Card Fraud • Common Mistakes • To-Do List • Up Next
The Gist • The Details • Disclosing Housing Assistance • Deducting Housing Costs • Disclosing Transportation Benefits • Transportation Safety • Common Mistakes • To-Do List • Up Next
The Gist • The Details • Early Separation Notices • Obeying the H2B Certification • Document Retention for Visa Cap Relief • H2B Posters • Common Mistakes • To-Do List • Up Next
Importance of Proactive Compliance • Before the Investigation • Organized Records • Good Communication with Employees • Know the Requirements that Apply to your Business • Be Proactive • During the Investigation • Wage and Hour Investigative Process • Reason for the Investigation • Role of the Investigator • Employer Actions and Words • Consequences/Final Conference • After the Investigation • Make Needed Changes • No retaliation • OFLC Paper/Desk Audits • Consequences of OFLC Audits • Moving Forward in Compliance
Agent Dashboard
If you acquire this product as an agent, you'll gain access to a manager dashboard in order to track the progress of the employers you assign.
Resources
Training comes with a set of useful resource links and additional information that accompany the video lessons. Here's a snapshot with more detail provided inside the lesson.
- H2B General Resources
- DHS New Rule Major Changes (takes effect January 17, 2025)
- Recruitment of Workers (Video #1) and Prohibited Fees
- Pay Rate
- Travel Reimbursement
- Requirements for Submitting Early Separation Notices to OFLC and DHS
- Guidance From Social Security Administration on Hiring Foreign Workers and SSN Issues
- Meal and Rest Period Rules by State
- Lodging Provided to Employees FLSA Memo 2015-1
- Visa Cap Relief Requirements for 2025
What you get with H Brain™ Training
Payment
Training is a yearly subscription that grants access to all videos and training resources for one year from the date of payment. You'll receive a reminder 30 days before automatic renewal giving you time to cancel or turn off auto-renew option. If you don't find the content useful, we offer a full refund within 14 days of purchase. View our Terms of Service for a full description of our Return policy.
Course Content
The Disclaimer • The Gist • The Details • Importance of Hiring US Workers • Requirement to Hire US Workers Until 50% of the Contract • Recruitment Steps • The Job Order • Gov't Recruitment Steps after NOA • Employer Recruitment Steps after NOA • Cooperate with State Workforce Agency • Contact former US Workers • Hiring other Qualified and Available US Workers • Additional Recruitment Listed in NOA • Initial Recruitment Report • Common Mistakes • To-Do List • Up Next
The Disclaimer • The Gist • The Details • Corresponding Employment • CE Benefits • Corresponding Employment Examples: Yes or No? • Unique Situations with CE • Pay Considerations for CE • Common Mistakes • To-Do List • Up Next
The Disclaimer • The Gist • The Details • Inbound Travel • Outbound Travel • Common Mistakes • To-Do List • Up Next
The Disclaimer • The Gist • The Details • Highest of these 5 Wages • AEWR (Adverse Effect Wage Rate) • Prevailing Wages • Piece Rate Pay • Overtime • Deductions • Bonuses and Raises • Frequency of Pay • Hours Worked • Common Mistakes • To-Do List • Up Next
The Disclaimer • The Gist • The Details • Why Foreign Workers are Susceptible to Illegal Fees and Bribes • Illegal Fees • Bribes • Receiving the Contract in Home Country • Social Security Numbers • Withholding of Documents • Taxes • Health Insurance and other Benefits • Retaliation and Blacklisting • Communication • Common Mistakes • To-Do List • Up Next
The Disclaimer • The Gist • The Details • Basic Concept of 3/4 Guarantee • When does guarantee start? • How to determine total hours • Determining hours offered • Recording Hours Offered • Examples • Correcting Misconceptions • Common Mistakes • To-Do List • Up Next
The Disclaimer • The Gist • The Details • Earnings Records • Pay Statements • Regulatory Citation • Items Required on Both • Items Required only in Earnings Records • Items Required only on Pay Statements • Common Mistakes • To-Do List • Up Next
The Disclaimer • The Gist • The Details • Required Time Records • Defined Workday and Workweek • Recording Lunches and Rest Breaks • Determining What is Work Time • Technology Problems • Set up of Time System • Use of the Time System • Time Edits • Common Mistakes • To-Do List • Up Next
The Disclaimer • The Gist • The Details • Housing • "Employer-Provided" Housing • "Rental/Public Accomodation" • Deducting for damages • Guests at housing • Self-Inspections of Housing • Meals • Providing Meals • Providing Cooking Facilities • Transportation Requirements • Safe Vehicles • Vehicle Insurance or Worker's Comp • Ag Machinery • Driver Requirements • Seat Belts • Self-Inspection of Vehicles • Common Mistakes • To-Do List • Up Next
The Disclaimer • The Gist • Terminating Employment • Termination "For Cause" under H2A rules • Right to a Representative • Separation Notices to DHS and DOL • Act of God contract termination • Duty to Leave the U.S. • Delayed Start Date Requirements • Retaliation • Obey the Certification • Side Agreements • Worker's Compensation • Posters • Up Next
Disclaimer • The Gist • The Details • Definitions • Living "on the range" • Allowable Ranch Work • Unallowed Ranch Work • Differences from regular H2A application • Job Order Direct to Chicago OFLC • Round the Clock Work • Pay • No Time Records • Area of Intended Employment • Housing • Providing Food and Water • Living Site Records • Electronic Communication • Job Experience • Common Mistakes • To-Do List • Up Next
The Disclaimer • Prevention Worth the Cure • Introduction • Before the Investigation • Organized Records • Good Communication with Employees • Know what Rules Apply to your Business • Be Proactive • During the Investigation • Wage and Hour Investigative Process • Reason for Investigation • Role of the Investigator • Employer Actions and Words • Consequences • After the Investigation • No Retaliation • Moving Forward in Compliance
The Disclaimer • The Gist • The Details • What is MSPA? • Who has to get card under MSPA? • MSPA exemptions • Why Agricultural Employers are exempt from registering under MSPA • How to file for FLC card • Step 1: Fill out forms • WH-530 FLC • WH-535 FLCE • Special Instructions for sole proprietors • WH-540 Amendment Form • Step 2: Getting attachment documents • Step 3: Submit via Mail • Step 4: Wait • Step 5: Contact from MSPA office • Step 6: Receive your FLC and FLCEcards • State FLC registration requirements • Common Mistakes • To-Do List
Agent Dashboard
If you acquire this product as an agent, you'll gain access to a manager dashboard in order to track the progress of the employers you assign.
Resources
Training comes with a set of useful resource links and additional information that accompany the video lessons. Here's a snapshot with more detail provided inside the lesson.
- Status of 2024 Farmworker Protection Rule (Suspended as of 6/20/25)
- DHS 2025 New Rule Major Changes (took effect January 17, 2025)
- H2A Fact Sheets and FAQs from DOL
- H2A Rule Changes from 2022-2024
- H2A Posters
- Pay Rates
- Recruitment of Workers and Prohibiting Fee Required Language for Recruiter Contracts
- Current "Daily Subsistence" rate for Travel Reimbursement
- Requirements for Submitting Separation Notices to OFLC and DHS
- Housing Standards
- MSPA Resources (Migrant Seasonal Worker Protection Act)
- Information from Social Security Administration about Paying Foreign Workers
- Information from IRS about H2A Taxes
- "Termination for Cause"
- Retaliation Information
What you get with H Brain™ Orientation
Payment
Orientation is available through a one-time payment, which grants 4 months access to the Orientation video.
- For agents who bulk purchase seats:
- Once an employer begins the Orientation video, their seat will remain active for 4 months from that point.
- For employers who purchase individually:
- Once you start the Orientation video, your access will stay active for 4 months.
As Orientation is a single video with immediate access, refunds are not offered. Agents who are considering bulk purchase of Orientation seats can request a free viewing of the video by Contacting Us.
Orientation Video
Orientation is organized into 4 chapters:
- What is H-2A and Who Can Use It?
- Key Requirements
- Foreign Workers
- U.S. Workers
Orientation is a fast-paced, 30-minute introduction to the key rules of the H-2B program. It highlights what employers need to know before they bring in workers—covering pay, housing, and other basic requirements—to help them avoid costly compliance mistakes. It is designed to give employers a clear starting point and help agents assess readiness before moving forward.
Agent Dashboard
If you acquire this product as an agent, you'll gain access to a manager dashboard in order to track the progress of the employers you assign.
Resources
Orientation comes with a set of useful resource links and additional information that accompany the video lesson. Here's a snapshot with more detail provided inside the course.
- H2B General Resources
- DHS New Rule Major Changes (takes effect January 17, 2025)
- Recruitment of Workers (Video #1) and Prohibited Fees
- Pay Rate (Video #4)
- Travel Reimbursement
- Requirements for Submitting Early Separation Notices to OFLC and DHS
- Guidance From Social Security Administration on Hiring Foreign Workers and SSN Issues
- Meal and Rest Period Rules by State
- Lodging Provided to Employees FLSA Memo 2015-1
- Visa Cap Relief Requirements for 2025
What you get with H Brain™ Orientation
Payment
Orientation is available through a one-time payment, which grants 4 months access to the Orientation video.
- For agents who bulk purchase seats:
- Once an employer begins the Orientation video, their seat will remain active for 4 months from that point.
- For employers who purchase individually:
- Once you start the Orientation video, your access will stay active for 4 months.
As Orientation is a single video with immediate access, refunds are not offered. Agents who are considering bulk purchase of Orientation seats can request a free viewing of the video by Contacting Us.
Orientation Video
Orientation is organized into 4 chapters:
- What is H-2A and Who Can Use It?
- Key Requirements
- Foreign Workers
- U.S. Workers
Orientation is a fast-paced, 30-minute introduction to the key rules of the H-2A program. It highlights what employers need to know before they bring in workers—covering pay, housing, and other basic requirements—to help them avoid costly compliance mistakes. It is designed to give employers a clear starting point and help agents assess readiness before moving forward.
Agent Dashboard
If you acquire this product as an agent, you'll gain access to a manager dashboard in order to track the progress of the employers you assign.
Resources
Orientation comes with a set of useful resource links and additional information that accompany the video lesson. Here's a snapshot with more detail provided inside the course.
- Status of 2024 Farmworker Protection Rule (Suspended as of 6/20/25)
- DHS 2025 New Rule Major Changes (took effect January 17, 2025)
- H2A Fact Sheets and FAQs from DOL
- H2A Rule Changes from 2022-2024
- H2A Posters
- Pay Rates
- Recruitment of Workers and Prohibiting Fee Required Language for Recruiter Contracts
- Current "Daily Subsistence" rate for Travel Reimbursement
- Requirements for Submitting Separation Notices to OFLC and DHS
- Housing Standards
- MSPA Resources (Migrant Seasonal Worker Protection Act)
- Information from Social Security Administration about Paying Foreign Workers
- Information from IRS about H2A Taxes
- "Termination for Cause"
- Retaliation Information
H-2A Program Violations
-
Father and Daughter Farm Contractors Fined $166K and Debarred for 3 Years
A North Carolina-based father and daughter were fined for widespread violations of H-2A program rules, including wage underpayments and unsafe housing conditions.
-
Missouri Vegetable Farm Ordered to Pay $479K in Back Wages
The employer failed to pay proper overtime rates and did not combine hours worked across different operations, violating H-2A requirements.
-
California Farm Labor Contractor to Pay Over $1M in Back Wages and Penalties
A federal court ordered a Santa Maria-based contractor to pay for repeated violations of the H-2A program, including underpayment and poor housing conditions.
-
Onion Processing Plant in Idaho Assessed $44K in Penalties
The company provided substandard housing and unsafe transportation, violating multiple H-2A regulations.
H-2B Program Violations
-
Long Island Hotel Management Companies to Pay $210K in Wages and Penalties
Dune Resorts LLC and Ocean Bay Management Inc. were found to have underpaid H-2B workers and displaced U.S. workers, leading to significant fines and a two-year debarment.
-
New York Landscaping Company Ordered to Pay $1.1M and Debarred for One Year
Dario's Landscaping faced penalties for multiple H-2B violations, including wage underpayments and unsafe working conditions.
-
Dayco Settlement Includes $97K in Back Wages and $28K in Penalties
The company failed to meet wage obligations under the H-2B program, resulting in substantial back wage payments and civil penalties.