Are you a foreign worker looking to start a career in the U.S. poultry industry? The good news is that there are several visa sponsorship opportunities available in this fast-growing agricultural sector. With the right skills and the right visa, you can legally live and work in the United States—earning a stable income while building a brighter future.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover:
- Types of poultry jobs in the U.S.
- Skills and qualifications employers look for
- Popular visa programs with sponsorship options
- Best states for poultry employment
- Benefits of working in this industry
Let’s get started!
The U.S. Poultry Industry: A Snapshot
The U.S. processes over 9 billion broiler chickens each year, with big players like Tyson Foods, Pilgrim’s Pride, and Perdue Farms leading the charge. The industry employs over 300,000 people across farms, hatcheries, feed mills, and processing plants.
Most poultry operations are concentrated in Southern states like:
- Georgia
- Arkansas
- Alabama
- North Carolina
- Mississippi
However, job opportunities are available nationwide, especially for foreign workers willing to relocate.
Read More: 10 Jobs You Can Do in Canada Without a Work Permit (2025 Guide)
Why Visa Sponsorship Matters
For foreigners, visa sponsorship is the legal gateway to working in the U.S. poultry industry. Many poultry companies actively recruit and sponsor international workers, especially when facing domestic labor shortages.
This creates a golden opportunity for qualified individuals to:
- Enter the U.S. job market legally
- Gain long-term employment
- Start the journey toward permanent residency
In-Demand Skills & Qualifications
Here’s what poultry employers are looking for in 2025:
✅ Experience
Hands-on experience with poultry handling, farm management, or meat processing is highly valued.
✅ Education
Degrees in:
- Agriculture
- Animal Science
- Veterinary Medicine
are especially beneficial.
✅ Technical Know-How
Skills in:
- Equipment handling
- Food safety standards
- Sanitation protocols
are key in both farm and processing environments.
✅ Adaptability
Conditions on farms and in plants can vary. Employers prefer candidates who are flexible and responsive to change.
✅ Teamwork
Working with farm crews, managers, and veterinarians requires strong communication and collaboration skills.
Popular Poultry Jobs for Foreign Workers
Whether you’re highly educated or just getting started, there are plenty of roles to explore:
🐔 Poultry Farm Worker
- Daily care of chickens or turkeys
- Feeding, cleaning, egg collection
- No degree required—just hard work and reliability
🧑🏭 Processing Plant Operator
- Prepping birds for packaging
- Equipment operation and quality control
- May require shift work and adherence to food safety laws
🩺 Poultry Veterinarian
- Monitoring animal health
- Treating diseases and enforcing biosecurity
- Requires advanced degrees and licensing
🍽️ Poultry Nutritionist
- Creating feed formulas
- Working with suppliers to improve bird growth
- Often needs a master’s or PhD in animal nutrition
👨🌾 Production Manager
- Supervising farm or plant operations
- Ensuring output targets and regulatory compliance
🧬 Geneticist or Breeder
- Improving bird traits like weight gain and immunity
- Lab-based or farm-supported roles
💼 Sales Representative
- Promoting poultry-related products or services
- Working with feed companies, equipment vendors, or vet supply firms
Visa Options for Poultry Jobs in the USA
🟩 H-2A Visa: Seasonal Farm Work
Designed for temporary agricultural jobs like poultry farming. Employers must prove no American workers are available.
🟦 H-2B Visa: Seasonal Processing Work
Covers non-agricultural roles—including some poultry processing jobs.
🟨 EB-3 Visa: Long-Term Employment
Ideal for:
- Skilled workers
- Professionals
- Unskilled laborers
This path leads to permanent residency, especially with employer sponsorship.
🟧 Employer-Sponsored Visas
Some companies offer H-1B or TN sponsorship for roles like:
- Veterinarians
- Engineers
- IT support
- Plant technicians
Tip: Always consult an immigration lawyer or visa consultant to pick the best fit.
Top U.S. States Hiring Foreign Poultry Workers
📍 Georgia
Often called the “Poultry Capital of the World,” with major processing hubs.
📍 Arkansas
Home to Tyson Foods, with jobs in farming, hatcheries, and meat plants.
📍 Alabama
Strong poultry economy and continuous demand for farm and plant workers.
📍 North Carolina
Climate supports year-round poultry farming and processing.
📍 Mississippi
Growing poultry sector with great entry-level opportunities.
📍 Texas
Diverse agricultural sector with numerous poultry job openings.
Don’t Forget : – How to Migrate to Canada as a Skilled Worker
Benefits of Working in Poultry with Visa Sponsorship
✅ Year-Round Employment: Unlike seasonal farm jobs, poultry roles often offer full-time, permanent positions.
✅ Career Growth: Start at entry level and move up to supervisor or technician roles with time and training.
✅ Low Living Costs: Many plants are in rural areas with affordable housing and cost of living.
✅ Path to Green Card: EB-3 and employer-sponsored visas can lead to U.S. permanent residency.
✅ Skill Development: Learn valuable, transferable skills in animal science, food safety, and logistics.
Final Thoughts
The U.S. poultry industry offers a world of opportunity for foreign workers seeking visa sponsorship and long-term employment. With the right qualifications and a reliable sponsor, you can build a stable and rewarding career in one of America’s most essential sectors.
So whether you’re looking to support your family, grow your skills, or build a life in the United States poultry jobs can be your gateway.