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Toll Free Number: 1-866-249-3888Email: [email protected]
16102 Theme Park Way Doswell Virginia 23047 USA
Work And Travel Program USA
What is Work And Travel Program?The Summer Work Travel program provides foreign students with an opportunity to live
and work in the United States during their summer vacation from college or university to experience and to be exposed to the people and way of life in the United States.
According to the Department of State
REMEMBER
YOU ARE PARTICIPATING IN A
CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM
Program Benefits• Cultural Exchange: You will have the chance to
live, work and interact with American people and learn about their customs, traditions and daily life
• Share Your Culture: You will find many Americans who want to learn about YOU! You will have the chance to share your own culture, language and traditions with Americans.
• English: Improve your international English skills. Don’t be shy about speaking English, the more you practice the easier it will be!
More Program Benefits• Travel: You will have the chance to travel to nearby
cities, towns and local sites during your days off. Many small towns and regions of the US have a lot to offer, you just have to take the time to explore them! (We highly recommend you save your long-distance travel plans to big cities like New York, or Los Angeles for your 30 day travel period.)
• Work Experience: While work and earning money should not be the main goals of your cultural exchange program, many participants gain valuable skills and work experience from their jobs in the US.
Eligibility•Sufficiently proficient in English•Post-secondary school students enrolled in and actively pursuing a degree•At least 18 years of age•Must participate within the dates of your University summer break.•Check the Program Date Sheet on the next slide for guidance•Ask your University for specific Summer break start and end dates.
EmploymentJanus Placed provided by Janus
Self Placed provided by Janus- approved hospitality employer
2nd Jobs allowed but must be pre-approved by Janus
Working HoursAverage of 32- 40 hours per week for the entire duration of the program*your hours depend on the economy and business levels
Check your Job Agreement andJob Description for Detailed Information!
How much can I POTENTIALLY earn?
• Non Tipped position – $7.25 US/ hour**$7.25 is the current US Federal minimum Wage. Many states also have minimum wage laws. In cases where an employee is subject toboth the state and federal minimum wage laws, the employee is entitled to the higher of the two minimum wages. -According to the Department of Labor
•Tipped Position (servers) - $2.50 US / hour + TIPS•Overtime – Worked MORE THAN 40 hours per WEEK at most employers**May vary from employer to employer:
•Overtime per hour = 1.5 x regular rate
•OVERTIME NOT GUARANTEED
TAXES• Expect to see US Taxes deducted from your
paychecks• J-1 Participants need to pay Federal Income Tax
and State Income Tax • Some States (Florida and Alaska for example) do
not have a State Income Tax• J-1 Participants do not pay social security,
medicare or unemployment taxes• At the end of each tax year, your employer will
send you a form called a W-2 Form. W-2 Forms are usually available in February or March. (For example, 2012 W-2 forms would be available in February/March of 2013).
• Use this form to file for a tax refund. Visit www.irs.gov for procedures on filing for your tax refund. Some participants choose to use a tax service for assistance.
Program Cost•Program Fees Paid via your agency overseas
•I-901 SEVIS Fee: $35The U.S. Department of Homeland Security now requires the collection of this fee to help cover the costs of administering the program.
• Health Insurance Coverage Included in Program Fee
Health Insurance Coverage• Insurance coverage valid from your DS-2019 start date
through your DS-2019 end date is included in your program fee and is provided by HCC Medical Insurance Services.
• If you would like to extend your insurance to cover your 30 day travel period, contact Janus International for further information and pricing.
• You will receive a copy of your insurance ID card and policy information along with your DS-2019 form
• Always carry your insurance ID card with you in case of an emergency!
How do I use my Health Insurance?• For COLD/FLU or General Sickness/Feeling Unwell: Start by
visiting a local pharmacy and purchasing “over the counter” cold and flu remedies. If you symptoms persist or worsen go to a local doctor/urgent care provider for treatment.
• If you visit a “regular” doctor or Urgent Care Center/Walk-In Clinic, you will need to pay a $100 deductible and file an insurance claim for any additional expenses.
• Remember to always take your insurance ID card with you to any doctor, pharmacy or hospital visit!
• Pre-existing conditions, dental work, and routine check-ups or physical exams are NOT covered by the insurance! Schedule your routine check-up, dental work and have your prescriptions filled BEFORE you come to the US!
IMPORTANT: EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
DO NOT VISIT AN EMERGENCY ROOM AT A HOSPITAL UNLESS YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY!
Why not? If you visit an Emergency Room for a non emergency procedure (such as a cold or flu), you are responsible for a $250 deductible! This is called “Mis-Use of the Emergency Room.” (The standard deductible if you are admitted to an emergency room for an actual emergency is $100.)* Always use your best judgment with a situation. If you feel you need immediate medical attention, please do not delay and go straight to the Emergency Room. However if you are unsure or your condition is not severe, then either call the emergency services department for assistance or visit a
local doctor or urgent care center in your area.*
More Questions?• Insurance can be confusing! Check your insurance
brochure or contact HCC Medical Services toll-free at 1-800-605-1182 if you have any questions.
• HCC also offers an online provider search tool where you can search for local doctor’s offices, hospitals and walk-in clinics.
• The provider search tool, as well as more information about filing a claim, insurance coverage and other questions can be found online at the “Student Zone”. (User-Janus, Password-Janusinsurance)
Other Program CostsThe following are NOT included in the program and are your responsibility:• Housing Fees• Public transportation to and from work• Meals• Spending Money• International airfare or domestic
transportation in the US• Airport transfers
Managing Your Expenses• Bring at least $750-$1,000 with you• Keep in mind that depending on your payroll
schedule it may be up to 1 month before you receive your first paycheck!
• Create a budget sheet for yourself before you travel. Think carefully about how you will spend your money so you do not run out of funds to pay for your basic expenses.
• Keep your money in a safe place! Open up a US bank account after you arrive
Housing Details•Housing costs depends on the location but are usually between $10-$20 per day, per participant•Read and understand your housing contract regarding housing payments, deposits, housing rules, and check out procedures•Address issues directly with your housing manager first. Contact Janus International next if you need further assistance.•Be sensitive and respectful of your roommates and housing facility•Housing facility type varies by location and could be a hotel, apartment or rental house
SAMPLE HOUSING PHOTOS
Getting to Work• How you will get to work depends on your
location-check your job agreement and job description . Do your research prior to your arrival!
• Most students walk, bike or use public transportation such as a bus or shuttle
• Use CAUTION when riding a bike! Click below to watch the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdrrxIpQpt4
Are YOU ready to go to the USA?!
Changes to SWT Program• You are not allowed to work a 2nd job
without getting Janus’ permission first!• You are not allowed to change or leave
your primary job without first discussing and getting permission from Janus!
• You are not allowed to work overnight shifts – only until 2:00am at latest!
• You must be home in time to start back at University! Even final year students!
Changes to SWT Program…New Jobs and Second Jobs
• J-1 Work & Travel Participants are not allowed to change their primary jobs without permission from their sponsor!
• If you want to change your primary job or have problems at your primary job, contact Janus International right away for assistance!
• Your second job should not interfere with your primary job schedule
• Any second or new jobs must be vetted and approved by Janus International
• Based on US Department of State program regulations, starting any job that has not been authorized and approved by your sponsor (Janus International) is grounds for termination of your
program and SEVIS status!
New Job Verification• ALWAYS contact Janus
International for approval to add a second job or change your job.
• If your request to seek a new or second job is approved, we will provide you with an Employment Verification Form.
• This form must be completed be your employer, signed and submitted to Janus.
• Once received, Janus will review your complete job offer and notify you within 72 hours if the job position is approved.
Changes to SWT Program…Prohibited JobsIn the best interest of the health and safety of all J-1 participants, some job positions are prohibited for Work & Travel students by the US Department of State. The full list can be found here http://j1visa.state.gov/programs/summer-work-travel but some examples include:• Positions that require licensing or as operators or drivers of vehicles or
vessels for which drivers’ licenses are required • Positions with traveling fairs or itinerant concessionaires• Positions requiring work hours that fall predominantly between 10:00
PM and 6:00 AM• Positions in the Goods-Producing Industry sector (fisheries, construction,
etc.)• Any position in the adult entertainment industry • In positions that could bring notoriety or disrepute to the Exchange
Visitor Program
.
Activate your SEVIS•What is SEVIS? SEVIS is an online database system that maintains information on J-1 visa exchange visitor program participants as well as other US visitors.•You must contact Janus International upon arrival so that we can “ACTIVATE” your SEVIS record and validate your arrival in the SEVIS database system.•IMPORTANT! Based on US Department of State regulations, your program and SEVIS record can be terminated if you do not contact your sponsor within 10 days of your arrival to the US!
How do I Activate My SEVIS?• Call the Janus Toll-Free Phone Number: 1-866-249-3888 • Visit the Janus International Website:
www.janus-international.com/sevis • Email us at: [email protected]• Provide the following information:
Full Name Date of Birth DS-2019 Number US Arrival Date Full Employer Name & Address Full Housing Facility Name & Address Apartment or Room Number
Applying for a Social Security NumberYour Social Security number will be your individual US Identification Number for tax purposes. All J-1 participants must apply for a social security number after arrival to the US. Here’s how:
Step 1: Activate your SEVIS! (You must wait 10 days after arriving and activating your SEVIS record before applying for your Social Security Card!)Step 2: Visit the Social Security Website to find your nearest office and further instructions on how to apply for a card: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ Step 3: Visit your local office and submit a social security application. Bring all of your important documents with you! (Passport, DS-2019, I-94 Card). (Some employers assist in the application of Social Security Number, if not, you have to go on your own.)
Step 4: Provide your employer with the “Proof of Social Security application” letter you receive at the office.Step 5: Wait 2-6 weeks for your Social Security card to arrive in the mail. *Sometimes J-1 participants experiences delays with receiving their Social Security card. If you have not received a card after 6 weeks, call the Social Security office directly or visit the office again to follow-up.
Step 6: Provide your employer a copy of your social security card. *Your employer may not be able to release your paycheck to you until you have given them a copy of your application letter and/or social security card!
Keep your social security card in a safe place!
Applying for a Social Security Card Continued....
Monthly Monitoring
•You will receive an email every 15th of the month.•You need to respond and follow the instructions in the email to complete your “Monthly Check-In.”•Let us know of any concerns or questions you have or any changes to your program.•This procedure is for your safety and well-being. We
need to hear from you AT LEAST ONCE EVERY MONTH!
YOUR EMAIL IS YOUR LIFE LINE
Check your INBOX!
If we get your EMAIL wrong, you won’t get any updates…
…provide us with the correct email address that you check regularly!
Response from YOU
You will be given 5 days to respond
Based on Department of State Regulations, failure to respond to monthly monitoring from your sponsor is grounds for termination of your J-1 program and
SEVIS record.
Reminder…PROGRAM CHANGES YOU MUST GET PERMISSION FIRST
TO…•SHORTEN / EXTEND Program Dates•CHANGE Employers•CHANGE Housing
CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY!
You will Encounter challenges along the way
Employer •Try to resolve your conflict first with your employer
Janus• Contact us first if
you face challenges in your program
DOS •You are free to call the Department of State as well after you have notified Janus
How it works
Employer
Janus
DOS
Have the Right ExpectationsAdjustment Period: Your first few weeks in the U.S. may be difficult as you adjust to both your job and the cultural differences. Many participants experience “Culture Shock” during this time. This is very normal! There are a lot of changes: new roommates, new language, new customs, new food, etc. Be patient, stay positive and keep a good sense of humor. You will start adjusting to your new environment quickly, and things will get better!
Have the Right Expectations• Work & Travel jobs are NOT always in BIG
Cities. Public transportation, night life, etc. might not be the same as at home.
• You will be working at a REAL Jobs: Be prepared to work hard! You will have disappointing and difficult days-this is normal!
• If your Goal = HUGE $$ then this program is NOT FOR YOU!
• Honor the job agreement you have signed and the commitment to your job in the US.
Work TERMINATION
Absolutely POSSIBLE
Your Safety in the US• Use caution just as you would anywhere!• Do not walk alone at night and do not
hitchhike-it is dangerous and illegal!• Keep your important documents like your DS-
2019 Form and passport in a safe place • Open up a bank account and don’t keep a lot
of cash on you or in your housing.• Dial 911 if you are in danger or in an
emergency and need urgent police, fire or medical assistance.
Common Reasons for Work Termination• Attendance Issues: Frequently arriving to work late
or missing work when you are scheduled• Insubordination: Not following the directions of
your manager or supervisor• Poor job performance• Violations of employer policies and proceduresNote: You may receive verbal and/or written warnings because
of unacceptable work performance issues. If this happens, make special efforts to improve your performance to avoid
further warnings. After multiple warnings, termination occurs. Serious issues such as theft, vandalism or other illegal activities
result in IMMEDIATE termination without prior warnings!
To Avoid Work Termination…• Follow all policies and regulations outlined by your
employer. Ask questions if you don’t understand!• Go to work on time, every day that you are scheduled
and be prepared to work hard.• Know and understand your employer’s “call-off”
procedure in case you are sick and need to miss work.• Follow your employer’s hygiene and uniform standards• Develop a positive working relationship and
communicate with your manager. Remember, try to solve problems on your own but contact Janus International if you encounter difficulties or need further assistance.
Implications of TerminationContact Janus International immediately if you have been terminated from your job position. We will discuss the situation with you and your employer and give you guidance on the next steps for your Work & Travel program. Depending on the circumstances of your termination, we may need to ask you to return home and withdraw from the program. This is especially true if you have violated US laws or had serious employment policy violations. If you are requested to return home here are the steps you need to take:• You will need to return home to your country with in 10 days after your
termination• Submit a copy of your return flight itinerary or flight ticket• Submit a copy of your passport re-entry stamp
Failure to follow these procedure will result in the termination of your SEVIS record, making it difficult for you to return to the
United States on another visa in the future.
What is SEVIS Termination?Your SEVIS record and J-1 program can be terminated for the violation of J-1 Exchange Visitor program regulations. If your SEVIS record is Terminated, this will leave a negative mark on your immigrations record for up to 10 years, and may make it difficult for you or your family members to return to the US on another visa in the future. Once your SEVIS record is terminated, you will need to make arrangements to depart the US immediately, as you will no longer have a legal status in the US. If your SEVIS record is terminated, your health
insurance coverage will also be cancelled.
Grounds for Termination of your SEVIS Record and Program
• Job Abandonment / Unauthorized Transfer• Termination from employment• Police Reports Misdemeanor• Underage Drinking (21 years old)• Illegal handling/selling/possession/ use of drugs• Stealing• Fights• Sexual or Racial Harassment• Illegal Activities• Failure to respond to Monthly Monitoring• Failure to activate your SEVIS record within 10 days of your arrival• Failure to notify your sponsor (Janus International) of a change in
your housing or job location
Travel• After the end date on you DS-2019 form and job
agreement, you have a 30 day travel or “grace period” in the US.
• During these 30 days, you are permitted to stay in the US and travel but not work.
• Make sure that your travel time does not interfere with your university schedule!
• Take advantage of this time to see famous sites of the US and experience new areas of the US outside of your job city and state.
Traveling Outside of the US During Your Program
If you are planning to take a trip outside of the US (for example to Canada, Mexico or a cruise to the Caribbean) you will need to do so during the dates on your DS-2019 form. Before traveling, ensure that you have a valid visa to the country you are visiting as well as a valid re-entry visa for your return to the US. Janus International must also sign your DS-2019 form prior to your trip, to facilitate your re-entry to the US. Check with your employer first for approval for the time-off to travel. If you travel outside of the US during your grace period, most likely you will NOT be granted re-entry to the US if you do not have a valid visa/DS form, so do your research before making your plans! Please contact Janus International directly during your program for questions about these procedures.
Travel
We hope to see you in the US!
Toll Free Number: 1-866-249-3888Email: [email protected]
16102 Theme Park Way Doswell Virginia 23047 USA
