H-2A/H-2B Employer Update: New DOL Daily Subsistence Rates During Travel and Allowable Meal Rates

On March 24, 2025, the Department of Labor (DOL) released an update that affects H-2A and H-2B employers. For the complete announcement, please see here.

Effective March 24, 2025, employers must offer the following daily subsistence and meal changes when applicable:

1. Daily Subsistence Rate for H-2A and H-2B Workers Traveling:

Minimum: $16.28 per day (was previously $15.88)
Maximum: $68.00 per day with receipts (was previously $59.00)

As the employer, you are reminded that you must also provide or pay the reasonable costs for lodging where lodging is necessary during the travel to the place of employment. Lodging or transportation that must be paid by an employer must be no less than (and is not required to be more than) the most economical and reasonable costs.

2. Allowable Meal Charge to H-2A Workers:

H-2A employers either must offer and state that it will provide each worker with three (3) meals a day or must state that it will furnish free and convenient cooking and kitchen facilities to the workers that will enable the workers to prepare their own meals. If the employer is going to provide the meals to the workers, the job offer must state the charge, if any, to the worker for such meals.

Maximum Meal Charge: $16.28 a day (was previously $15.88)

If you have any questions, please contact your Fredrikson H-2 Team Members.