Frequently asked questions for Work and Travel USA

Q. For how long can I work and live in the USA?

A. The Work and Travel Program allows you to work maximum for 4 months between May and October and after that there is 30 days grace period for travel. You need to leave the USA after 30 days your DS 2019 form expiration date.

Q. What kind of documents should I have with me at the USA airport?

A. The Immigration Officer will request from you the following documents: – Valid passport with J-1 visa and the envelope with your DS-2019, – I-94 card, which you receive to fill out on the plain, – return ticket and money (about 500 USD) or credit card.

Q. What should I do, if I loose my documents?

A. First of all you should make a double copy of all your documents (passport, visa, driving license etc.) before you depart your country. After you arrive to the USA, you should also make a copy of your DS-2019, after the envelope was opened. It’s recommended to keep with you the copies and the original documents leave in the safe place. If you loose your passport or DS-2019, you should contact your program sponsor and the embassy of your country.

Q. Do I have to pay taxes in the USA and can I claim my taxes and get a tax refund?

A. Yes. All the states of USA require paying taxes. You will be paying federal tax (about 15%), state tax (about 5%) and sometimes city tax, depends on which city you are working. When you come back home, at the beginning of next year you can claim your taxes and get your refund. Global Choices will assist you with the process.

Q. Am I allowed to travel to Canada and Mexico with my J1 visa?

A. If you want to travel to Canada or Mexico you must apply for Canadian or Mexican visa in your home country.

Q. Can I travel outside of the U.S. during the 30-day travel period at the end of the program?

A. No! Once you leave the U.S. during the 30-day period, you will not be readmitted on your J-1 visa because it has expired.

Q. Can I open bank account in the USA?

A. Yes. To open a bank account you will need your Social Security Number, passport, visa and DS-2019.

Q. What kind of driving license should I have to drive a car in the USA?

A. There are different requirements in different states. Some of the states will accept your home country driving license and some of them only international driving license. We recommend having both documents. You can contact Global Choices if you would like to obtain International Driving License.

Q. Are there any requirements to be eligible to rent a car in the USA?

A. In most of cases you must be at least 25 years old, have a driving license and credit card to cover all the expenses. Sometimes the age limit is reduced to 21 but there might be an extra fee.

Q. What is the Social Security Number?

A. Social Security Number is your identity number in the USA. You have the same number for all your life. The number is required in order to start legal job, open a bank account or buy a car insurance.

Q. What kind of jobs are available?

A. Our participants fill a variety of entry-level positions, including retail, wait staff, counter staff, maintenance staff, housekeeping, casinos, resorts and amusement park positions.

Q. Am I eligible for the program?

A. To participate in Global Choices Work & Travel USA, you must be a full-time college or university student between the ages of 18 and 28, proficient in English (both written and spoken), able to work for at least 3 months, enthusiastic, motivated, and mature.

Q. How much will I earn?

A. Employers in our program are required to pay you the same wage that they would pay employees from the US. Currently, the federal minimum wage in the US is $7.25 per hour, but your pay rate may be higher, depending on where you work and the type of job you perform.

Q. Can I get more than one job?

A. Yes, you are allowed to work at more than one job on the Work & Travel USA Program. Please remember that your primary commitment is to your first employer.

Q. What am I allowed to do during my time off?

A. You are allowed to do what you like with your free time, provided you obey US laws and Work & Travel USA Program rules. There may also be additional rules for your employee housing that you must follow.

Q. What is SEVIS?

A. SEVIS is an abbreviation for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, a database maintained by the US Government to keep track of the addresses of students and exchange visitors. You MUST register within 10 days of your arrival in the United States. The US Department of Homeland Security requires registration. If you do not register in SEVIS you may be subject to arrest or deportation.

Q. If I change my address, do I need to register my new address in SEVIS?

A. Yes. Every time you change your address you should register your new work address and your physical housing address online or over the phone. No P.O. Box addresses should be entered.

Q. What if I want to stay and work longer?

A. You are only allowed to work during the dates that are listed on part 3 of your DS-2019 form. Under no circumstances can the dates or your J-1 Visa be extended. You are allowed to stay in the US and travel for 30 days after the dates listed on part 3 of your DS-2019, but you are not allowed to work during this time.

Q. How should I handle things if I am not meeting my employer’s expectations?

A. First, talk with your employer. Often, problems are a result of miscommunication. If you are unable to resolve the problem, please call Global Choices for assistance. We will be happy to help you in any way we can.

Q. What if I am injured on the job?

A. All job-related injuries are covered by Worker’s Compensation. Your employer should refer to their Worker’s Compensation insurance policy.

Q. How do I book my flight home? How do I change my flight?

A. In general, you should contact your airline directly for flight changes and availability. In some cases you might have special instructions on how to book or change your ticket that were provided by our cooperator in your home country. Please refer to the program materials that you received before departure.