1. Do I need to pay for your services?
No! Employers do not pay a fee. Students pay a fee to participate in this program. The fee covers services such as information on available employment and housing, application processing, J-1 visa sponsorship, orientation sessions, health and accident insurance, and ongoing support from GeoVisions during the program.
2. Since students pay a fee, what do they expect?
Students expect to have the job they accepted and the number of hours of work promised. Many students want to travel after they finish their work and they plan to use the wages they earn to travel. If they do not earn what they expected, they will feel some dissatisfaction. Students also expect to have opportunities to meet and talk with Americans. They want to improve their English and learn about American culture. International students are good workers, but they want to have fun too. Having access to the same places where American students the same age congregate will also help fulfill their expectations.
3. How much do I need to pay the students?
According to U.S. State Department regulations, students must be paid the same as their American counterparts in the same position.
4. How long can they stay?
Students can work up to four months, but many students are available to work for shorter times. Following your job they may travel (but not work) in the U.S. for an additional month.
5. What are my responsibilities?
Employers provide a job for students paid at the same rate as an American counterpart. They also provide housing (or information on housing), job related orientation and training, and opportunities to meet Americans. Worker’s Compensation coverage should be provided by the employer. Employers also need to help students get to the nearest Social Security office when they arrive to obtain their Social Security Card. With new regulations, this process can take a long time. It is legal for you to employ a foreign student worker before they get a social security card and/or number. We can provide more details.
6. Can a student take a second job?
Students can take a second job if it does not interfere with fulfilling their obligations with the employer listed on their DS-2019.
7. How can you assure the student will stay in the job as committed?
When we promote the program and recruit students, we promote your company; not work in the USA in general. Students are oriented prior to departure, so that they have the expectation that they are coming to the US to work for a specific employer. Since they do not receive orientation in a central location, they are much less likely to pick up bad habits from other students who will change jobs at will. While we cannot absolutely guarantee that students will not change jobs, GeoVisions students are much less likely to change jobs.
8. Who provides insurance?
GeoVisions provides health and accident insurance according to U.S. State Department regulations. CareMed is the insurance provider. Additional information is available upon request.
9. Do the students need to have taxes deducted?
Students pay Federal Income Tax, State Income Tax and, if any, City Income Tax. Students do not pay Social Security Tax, Medicare, or Federal Unemployment Tax.