Agenda

1. J-1 Visa Review 9. Communicating with Work

Experience USA
2. The CCUSA Program and Rules
10. Insurance
3. Pre-departure Check List
11. Taxes
4. Travel Reminders
12. Working in the USA
5. US Entry Information
13. Living In the USA
6. COVID-19
14. Safety on the Program
7. Using Footprints and Validating
your J1 Visa 15. After Your J1 program
8. Applying for the Social Security
Card
 J-1 Visa

▪ You are on a J-1 visa in the Summer

Work/Travel category which is a
cultural exchange visa with a work
component.

▪ The U.S. Department of State oversees

all Exchange Visitor Programs.
▪ To contact the State Department:
Tel: 1 866 283 9090
Email: [email protected]
▪ Be sure to read the Summer Work
Travel Brochure and the State
Department Welcome Letter on your
Footprints account.
 Obligations of the SWT J1 Visa

1. Validating your visa within 10 days of your DS2019 start date

2. Keeping CCUSA, your sponsor ALWAYS informed of where you are
living and working.
3. Providing CCUSA with a working email and/or a US phone so we can
always reach you.
4. Checking the CCUSA Facebook Page for current information
5. Working ONLY for a verified employer approved by CCUSA
6. Checking in with CCUSA EVERY 30 days of your program
7. Participating in cultural activities that expand your understanding of
American life and culture.
 Actions Which Can Result In
J-1 Visa Termination
State Department Regulation Violations that require termination:
▪ Failure to attend the mandatory pre-departure Orientation
▪ Failure to validate your visa within 10 days of your DS2019 start date and to provide address
changes within 10 days of moving
▪ Engaging in unauthorized employment – which includes working for an unverified employer
▪ Failure to pursue the activity of the visa which is to work, except during the 30 day grace period
▪ Failure to complete the mandatory 30 day check ins
▪ Failure to participate in Cultural Activities
▪ Failure to maintain health insurance
▪ Conviction of a crime
Violation of Program Sponsor rules that result in termination:
▪ Not going to or leaving an employer without following CCUSA procedures.
▪ Not maintaining contact with CCUSA during your program.
 Your Verified Employer

▪ All participants on the J1 Summer Work Travel visa are only

approved to work for an employer verified by their sponsor –
CCUSA Work Experience.

▪ All participants who were required to have a job offer before

departure MUST go to their verified employer.

▪ Every employer you work for in the US MUST be verified by

CCUSA before you start working. This applies to second jobs you
find after arrival.
 Changing Employers
After arriving at your verified employer, if you want to change to another employer
or get a second job, you MUST follow these procedures:

1. Contact CCUSA’s US office (1 888 449 3872) or [email protected] and discuss

your reasons for wanting to change.

2. If CCUSA gives permission for the change, you will need to:

a) Have worked for at least 2 weeks AND give your employer 2 weeks notice of your
departure date.

b) Complete a CCUSA Two Week Notice form

c) Provide CCUSA with a new Job Offer to verify

d) Pay the Verification fee of $50

3. You are not allowed to start your new job until CCUSA confirms that the verification is
complete. If you begin working without verification, this is grounds for TERMINATION.
 Predeparture Check List

▪ Passport AND your DS2019 Form

▪ Pack for the climate you will work in.

Come prepared!

▪ Your Insurance ID card and policy

information.

▪ CCUSA ID number (Remember this!

You will need it to communicate with
CCUSA in the USA)

▪ Your USER ID and Password for your

Footprints account
 Travel And Arrival Reminders

▪ Make sure you give CCUSA

your flight details.
▪ Plan for your US domestic
travel before leaving for the
US
▪ US Immigration/Entry
Procedures require that you
have your passport and
DS2019 form.
 Your I-94 Card

• When you arrive in the USA, US

Customs and Border Patrol will stamp
your travel document with an
admission date, class of admission,
and the date you are admitted until.
• Once you arrive at your Employer, you
can search for your I-94 number:
https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/apply-document

• You will need to give your Employer

your I-94 card in order to be enrolled
into payroll.
 COVID-19
Your Footprints account will list the most accurate information as it relates to your country and
program. Below are some helpful websites:

• https://j1visa.state.gov/covid-19/

• www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

• https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

• https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/emergencies/covid-19-faqs-for-travel-to-the-us-information.html

Regarding COVID-19 Testing:

• If you have a positive test within 3 days prior to departure, notify CCUSA immediately.

• Upon your arrival to the USA, you may be tested by your employer for COVID-19. If a positive test is returned,
please contact CCUSA. You will have to self isolate for 7-10 days if you test positive. You may need to have
cash funds to cover this cost when you are not working.

• Contact your local CCUSA office for the date change process if you experience delays caused by COVID-19.
 COVID-19

• A Presidential Proclamation was issued on October 25, 2021, regarding

vaccines the USA will require international travelers to have to enter the
country beginning November 8, 2021.
 COVID-19
A few best practices to ensure a safe and healthy program experience:

• Be sure to follow local city and state health guidelines

• Wash your hands with soap and hot water multiple times a day

• Use hand sanitizer

• Wear a face mask in public

• Keep a clean-living space in your housing by disinfecting and wiping down

doorknobs and shared spaces

PLEASE RESPOND TO ALL CCUSA CORRESPONDENCE WITHIN 24-HOURS

SHOULD AN EMERGENCY OCCUR!

 Using Your Footprints Account

▪ Access to the CCUSA Work Experience Footprints support center is 24/7. Use
your username and password: http://footprints.ccusa.com

✓ validate your visa and update any changes to your living address

✓ get help with your housing search

✓ access your insurance documents

✓ complete your 30-day check-ins

✓ get suggestions for cultural activities available in your area

▪ Be sure to keep your Footprints username and password in a convenient

place for easy access.
 Validating Your Visa

▪ Once you arrive in the USA and AFTER the start date on your DS2019, you MUST validate
your visa. Go to http://footprints.ccusa.com and log on to Footprints using your User
Name and Password.
▪ Give us the address and telephone number of where you are living. We must have this
information no later than 10 days of the start date on your DS-2019 form – not
from the date of your arrival in the US!
▪ If from a Visa Waiver Program country, you can validate without employer information
but you MUST have a job in order to continue on the J-1 work/travel visa. When you
have a job, you must return to Footprints and enter the details.
▪ You must notify us of your housing location whenever your situation changes.
Remember: you cannot change employers without the permission of CCUSA or work for
any unverified employer – even as a second job.
▪ Failure to do so will result in termination of CCUSA’s sponsorship of your J1 visa.
 Social Security Application

To apply you will need

▪ I-94 electronic printout

▪ Original DS2019
▪ Completed Social Security application
▪Sponsorship letter from CCUSA –
available through Footprints
Location of the nearest Social
▪
Security office. Call Social Security at
1-800-772-1213 or go to
www.ssa.gov.
 Social Security Application

▪ Social Security has to verify your information with the Department of Homeland
Security (DHS). If you have validated your visa with CCUSA and are able to download
your I-94 form, you should be able to apply.
▪ It can take 15-45 days to process your number
▪ To check on the status of your card, call the number of the Social Security office
where you applied.
▪ Call CCUSA for advice if you have problems getting your Social Security card.

▪ US federal law and Social Security regulations allow employers to employ and pay
workers who have applied for a Social Security card as long as they can show proof of
their Social Security application. Do NOT work for an employer who will not pay you.

▪ Keep the receipt you are given when you apply! It may allow your employer to hire
and pay you before your card is processed.
 Contacting CCUSA

▪ Our office hours are 8am to 4:30pm Pacific time, Monday - Friday
▪ In an emergency CCUSA’s answering service can contact a staff member after office
hours and on weekends to assist you with a real emergency
▪ Call CCUSA toll free at 1-888-449-3872 (1-888-44-WEUSA)
▪ Real emergencies are:
✓ Death
✓ Arrest
✓ Serious accident
✓ Serious illness
▪ For Non-Emergencies, call during office hours or use the extensive support
information on Footprints. If you do call when the office is closed about a non-
emergency issue, LEAVE a message with your name and phone number. We will call
you back.
 Communicating with CCUSA

It is very important that you be in contact with CCUSA throughout your

program. This contact can be:

1. Through a working email address. As a condition of the program, you are

required to give CCUSA a working email address.

2. A mobile phone that works in the US. You can give us this number when you
validate your visa.

3. Join CCUSA’s Facebook Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ccusaworkexperiencesummer2018

This group page is only for when you are in the US and we will post tips about
the program and alerts for things you need to do.
 30 Day Check In on Footprints
▪ State Department regulations for the
Summer Work/Travel J1 visa require
that all participants contact their
sponsor at least every 30 days.

▪ With CCUSA, you can do this through

your Footprints account. Once you
log on and select the current
program, you will see under “Things
You Need to Do…” the Mandatory 30
Day Sponsor Check in Procedure”

▪ You will receive emails from CCUSA

during your program reminding you
to check in. Failure to do so is a
violation of program rules and
regulations and can result in the
termination of your program.
 Mandatory Cultural Activities

▪ The Summer Work/Travel J1 visa is a cultural exchange visa and requires that you
participate in activities outside your work place that will expand your knowledge and
experience of American life and culture. You will need to report to CCUSA about
these activities and what you have learned as part of your 30 day check in process.

▪ CCUSA will provide you with information about suitable activities in your area in a
variety of ways:

✓ On your Footprints account, you will have access to a map of the US which gives a
wide variety of cultural activities.

✓ On the CCUSA Culture Blog (www.ccusacultureclub.com)

✓ Your employer may provide group activities

✓ Through posts on the CCUSA US Facebook page

 CCUSA Culture Club

Go to www.ccusacultureclub.com to see additional suggestions for cultural activities

around the USA.
 J-1 Welcome Meetings in your Area

J-1 Welcome Meetings or International Student Outreach Programs (ISOP’s) are popular in
seasonal areas across the USA which have a high number of J-1 participants.

These events are informational and goes over important safety, regulation, and area
information.

A list of J-1 Welcome Meetings around the USA can be found here:

https://j1visa.state.gov/summer-work-travel-community-support-groups/

Due to COVID-19, large gatherings in person may not be available in your area this upcoming
season.
 Insurance

▪ You must be covered by a CCUSA approved insurance policy for

the full dates on your DS2019 form. We also recommend you
extend coverage for any additional time in the US.

▪ If you are on CCUSA’s policy, you can access your Insurance

information, including policy numbers and claim forms, through
your Footprints account. You must refer to this information for
all questions regarding insurance.
 Insurance Claims
▪ ALWAYS contact the insurance company BEFORE medical treatment to determine coverage and
for doctor/hospital recommendations

▪ The USA does NOT have a national health care system. It is very common for doctors and
hospital to require patients to pay for treatment costs up front. You must be financially prepared
for this possibility.

▪ Submit a claim form, original receipts and/or prescriptions to the insurance company

▪ Not all claims will be paid:

1. pre-existing conditions
2. regular dental treatment
3. psychiatric conditions
4. if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol
 Taxes Dos and Don’ts
You are required to pay:
▪ US Federal Income Tax (about 10%).
▪ State and City taxes (amounts are determined
by state/city laws)
You do not pay:
▪ Medicare
▪ Social Security (FICA)
▪ US Federal Unemployment (FUTA)
▪ You are not entitled to collect Medicare, Social
Security of federal unemployment benefits so
you are not required to pay the taxes.
▪ Make sure your employer is aware of this and
does not deduct them from your paycheck.
 How To File Taxes in the USA

• CCUSA recommends you use SprinTax.

• SprinTax is the easiest and quickest way for you to complete your US tax
return: https://www.sprintax.com/uni-lp.html?utm_ref=ccusa-lp

• The cost for Federal tax filing is $37.50

• The cost for State tax filing varies.

 W-4 Forms

▪ Determines the amount of tax

deducted from your salary

▪ File with employer

▪ Complete one form for each

employer

▪ Please let your employer know 1

you must be filed as a “NON-

RESIDENT ALIEN”
 Working In The USA

▪ As a J1 Summer Work/Travel participant, you are covered by the same

laws and regulations as a US citizen. If you are having problems with
your employer, you should contact CCUSA immediately. Some problem
situations are:
✓ You arrive at your employer, and they do not have a job for you
✓ Your employer pays you in cash and does not provide an accounting
of the taxes withheld. This is illegal in the US.
✓ Your employer wants to collect your passport
▪ If any situation with an employer makes you uncomfortable, you should
call CCUSA immediately.
 US Labor Laws

Overtime
▪ Normally earned after working 40 hours in one week but
there are exceptions! Seasonal employers, such as
amusement parks are usually not required to pay
overtime.
▪ Regulations vary state to state and industry to industry
▪ Many employers do not allow you to work overtime
▪ Overtime pay can range from your regular hourly rate to
1.5 times your regular rate.
 US Labor Laws

Minimum Wage
▪ $7.25 per hour or $2.13 for tipped employee. Some industries
may be less or more. Some states in the USA may be more.
Equal Employment Opportunity
▪ Law prohibits job discrimination on the basis of race, color,
religion, sex, age, physical or mental disability or national origin
Drug testing
▪ Employers have the right to request drug tests. If you test
positive, your job may be terminated.
 US Labor Laws

Safety
▪ Employers must furnish a work environment free of recognized
hazards
▪ Employees must follow all occupational safety and health standards
Sexual harassment
▪ Defined as unsolicited sexually motivated behavior whether physical
or verbal that is perceived offensive by the victim
▪ Speak to a superior if you think you have been sexually harassed
 Living In The USA
Money
▪ US dollars
An ATM/debit card is the best
▪
option
▪ Credit cards
Budget for the expenses you will
▪
have before your first paycheck
✓ Travel and food
✓ First month’s rent/deposit
✓ Cost of finding housing
✓ Slow start to the season
✓ Social Security Card delay
 Living In The USA
Getting Around and US Laws

▪ Transportation options in the US will depend on the area where you will be living.
Review information provided by CCUSA and your employer. Plan for how you will get to
and from work.

▪ Be aware of safety issues. Use your Footprints account for information about bicycle and
pedestrian safety.

▪ Be aware of US laws concerning drinking and smoking. In most states you have to be
21 to purchase and publicly consume alcohol. Many states and communities have strict
laws about where you can smoke.

▪ Be aware of US laws about illegal drugs.

▪ Be cautious about giving your passport and personal information to anyone you do not
know. Always retain possession of your passport. No one should take it from you.
 Living In The USA
Housing

▪ If your employer does not provide housing, you MUST have

pre-arranged accommodations for at least the first
week (7 days) BEFORE coming to the USA.

▪ Before Leaving Home:

✓ Use Footprints to connect with other participants traveling

to your employer to discuss housing

✓ Work with your employer

 Living In The USA
▪ Once you arrive in the US:
✓ Try real estate agents
✓ Check newspapers classifieds for short-term rentals, roommates wanted, furnished
rooms for rent, share agencies.
✓ Check nearby universities
✓ Group up with others looking for housing
• Additional Housing Resources:
✓ Footprints
✓ CCUSA Culture Club Website at:
http://www.ccusacultureclub.com/#!housing/cj1y
✓ J-1 Support Websites by area:
www.tahoej1.com www.parkcityj1.com www.coloradoj1.com
 Living In The USA

Culture
▪ The USA is a melting pot of various cultures!
And every region in the USA will have distinct
traditions and customs
✓ Northeast, South, Midwest, Southeast,
Western
▪ Life will be different in the USA when it comes
to:
✓ Everyday interactions with people Please keep an open mind to the
cultural differences between the USA
✓ Expectations at work and your home country
✓ Food
✓ Housing
 Staying Safe
While you are in the USA, we want you to be safe. Keep these tips in mind:
• Bicycle Safety • Car Safety

✓ Ride with the traffic flow, in the same ✓ If you are driving, keep 100% of your attention on
direction as vehicles the road

✓ Obey all traffic laws! A bicycle is ✓ Don’t use your phone or other electronic devices
considered a vehicle in the USA while driving. In many states this is illegal.

✓ Stay alert, look before turning, and ✓ Always wear your seat belt – whether you are the
watch for parked cars driver or the passenger.
• General Safety
✓ Be aware of your surroundings if you are alone.

✓ Do not follow a stranger at the airport if they claim to have a better job or housing
option for you. This is a scam.
 Traveling Outside The USA

CCUSA does not recommend that you leave the US during the
dates on your DS2019 form.
▪ If you do plan to travel outside of the US while on the program, you must follow these rules:
✓ Call the CCUSA USA office to have your travel approved. You must be planning to return to the US
and continue your program.
✓ If your trip is approved, you must send your DS2019 form to CCUSA USA for an approval signature.
Failure to do this can result in the US Border officials refusing to allow you to re-enter the US.
✓ You are only eligible to travel outside of the US during the active dates of your DS form. Once your
grace period starts, if you leave the US, you will not be able to re-enter on your J-1 visa – EVEN if
you are coming back only to fly out again the next day. You will need another visa to do this.
✓ Please keep in mind that US Boarder Patrol gives the final approval for you to enter the country
again.
✓ Please refer to the CCUSA International Staff Handbook on your Footprints account for more
detailed information.
Transportation Safety Video
 The 30-day Grace Period and Exiting the US

▪ Provided that you successfully complete your SWT J1 program, you will be eligible for
a 30-day grace period after the program. However, please remember the following:
✓ You MUST be in your home country in time to start classes for the next term. If
the US embassy has set a date by which all SWT participants must return, you
must comply.
✓ The 30-day grace period allows you to prepare for your departure and to travel
WITHIN the borders of the US. You are NOT allowed to leave the US and re-enter
on the J1 visa.
✓ If you do leave the US, you will not be able to re-enter on your J-1 visa – EVEN if
you are coming back only to fly out again the next day. You will need another visa
to do this.
▪ Keep your DS2019 form after your return. You may need it if you decide to return to
the US on another type of visa in the future. You have the ONLY original copy of this
form.
QUESTIONS?