How to Recruit from Puerto Rico: A Guide for U.S. Employers Seeking Reliable Labor

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Hiring from Puerto Rico is one of the most efficient and legal-compliant ways to solve labor shortages in industries like manufacturing, hospitality, landscaping, healthcare, and construction. Because Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens, there are no visa requirements — making this process faster and more cost-effective than traditional H-2A or H-2B visa programs.

But while recruiting from Puerto Rico is easier on paper, it’s not as simple as booking a flight and hoping for the best. After more than a decade in this space, I’ve learned what works — and what doesn’t — when it comes to building a stable, high-performing Puerto Rican workforce.

Choosing the Right Puerto Rican Recruiting Company

Whether you’re looking for temporary staffing or long-term direct hires, several companies specialize in recruiting from Puerto Rico. Some of the most recognized include:

- 3 Amigos Recruiting (Sarah Wyngaard)

- Good Labor Jobs

- Bullseye Jobs

- Martin Recruiting & Consulting (MRC) – my first agency, which I founded and sold in 2023- Isla Talent – my current venture, focused on ethical, high-retention direct hire placements

Each of these Puerto Rican staffing companies offers slightly different models, services, and specialties. Some focus on temp staffing, while others — like Isla Talent — specialize in direct hire recruiting.

Direct Hire vs. Staffing: What’s Best for Your Business?

One of the first decisions you’ll make is whether to use a staffing agency or a direct hire recruiter:

- Staffing agencies like Good Labor Jobs typically keep recruits on their payroll, managing onboarding, benefits, and worker’s comp.

- Direct hire firms like Isla Talent place employees directly with your company from day one, resulting in higher commitment and longer retention.Not sure which is best? A good recruiter will guide you through that decision based on your goals, timelines, and capacity to support relocated workers.

Planning for Relocation: Housing, Transport & Communication

No matter which Puerto Rican recruiting company you choose, employers must prepare for the relocation logistics:

- Furnished housing is essential — including basic cookware, bedding, and Wi-Fi if possible

- Daily transportation to and from the job site

- Clear onboarding communication in both English and Spanish when possible.

The more organized you are upfront, the fewer misunderstandings and disruptions you'll face.

Communication and Cultural Respect Matter Most

Relocating workers from Puerto Rico isn’t just a logistical move — it’s a human transition. These workers are leaving behind family, comfort, and familiarity to help your company grow. That deserves your respect.

To ensure long-term success:

- Provide clear job expectations before arrival

- Create simple guides for housing, transportation, and payroll

- Foster a workplace culture of respect and inclusion

The Isla Talent Difference

At Isla Talent, we specialize in direct hire recruiting from Puerto Rico for U.S. companies that want high-quality, dependable workers. We focus on:

- Personalized recruiting tailored to your needs

- Transparent communication with both employers and recruits

- Long-term retention through strong onboarding and housing partnerships

If you're considering recruiting from Puerto Rico and want to avoid common pitfalls, let’s talk.

Contact Isla Talent today to learn how we can help fill your workforce needs with motivated Puerto Rican talent — and do it the right way.