Hiring Foreign Workers
There are multiple programs meant to assist employers that are looking to hire foreign workers. Employers can bring non-immigrant foreign workers or temporary workers to perform either agricultural labor or services of a temporary or seasonal nature. Typically, seasonal employment is tied to a certain time of the year by an event or pattern and requires labor levels above what is necessary for off-season or regular operations.
Employers can hire workers within and between states. Recruitment is conducted on a local level at first, then statewide, and finally nationwide. Electronic filing for these programs is available through the Department of Labor’s Foreign Labor Application Gateway.
For any questions related to hiring foreign workers and the programs, contact Kristen Lee via email kristen.lee@oesc.ok.gov or call 405-557-7112.
Hiring Agricultural Workers
- Employers who anticipate a shortage of domestic workers can hire non-immigrant foreign workers.
- Employment needs should be temporary in nature and last no longer than 10 months.
- Workers should perform agricultural labor or services of a temporary or seasonal nature.
Hiring Non-Agricultural Workers
- Employers seeking to fill job opportunities must demonstrate that the job has a temporary need for the services or labor.
- Employment needs should be either: (1) a one-time occurrence; (2) a seasonal need; (3) a peak-load need; or (4) an intermittent need. Generally, this time frame is limited to nine months or less, with an exception for one-time occurences.
