Janus International - Online Orientation

1. Toll Free Number: 1-866-249-3888
Email: student@janus-international.com
16102 Theme Park Way
Doswell Virginia 23047 USA
Work And Travel
Program USA

2. What is the Work & 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

3. REMEMBER
YOU ARE PARTICIPATING
IN A CULTURAL
EXCHANGE
PROGRAM

4. 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!

5. 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.

6. Eligibility
• Sufficiently proficient in English
• Post-secondary school students enrolled in and
actively pursuing a degree
• At least 18 years of age and no older than 27 at the
time of application
• Must participate within the dates of your University
summer break.
• Check with your local agency for guidance on the
maximum dates allowed for your country
• Ask your University for specific Summer break start
and end dates.

7. Employment
Janus Placed: Provided by Janus
Self Placed: Provided by Janus- approved
hospitality employer
2nd Jobs: Allowed but must be pre-approved
by Janus

8. Working Hours
• Average of 32- 40* hours per week
for the entire duration of the program
• Expect your hours to vary each week, depending on the
economy and business levels of your employer
• Expect to work fewer than 32-40 hours in the first 1-2 weeks-
you are in training!
• Expect to work fewer than 32-40 hours at the end of your program
after the American “Labor Day” holiday in September
• You may have only weekend work at the beginning of your program
or at the end of your program, depending on the American school
vacation schedule and your employer’s operating calendar.
• Check your Job Agreement/Job
Description for more details!

9. How much can I
POTENTIALLY earn?
• $7.25 US/ hour*= Non Tipped Position (Dishwasher,
Housekeeper, Food Attendant, Theme Park Staff,
Lifeguard, Fast Food Crew, Etc.)
• $2.13 US/hour + Tips=Tipped Positions (Server)
• Tips are not common in non tipped positions!
*$7.25 is the current US Federal minimum Wage. Many states also have
minimum wage laws. In cases where an employee is subject to both
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

10. OVERTIME
• The Overtime rate per hour = 1.5 x regular rate
• Overtime is paid after working MORE THAN 40
hours per WEEK at most employers*
*IMPORTANT: This varies by employer. Many seasonal
employers that are only open for part of the year are NOT
required to pay overtime! Some examples of seasonal
employers are ski resorts, water parks and theme parks.
OVERTIME IS NOT GUARANTEED!
DO NOT EXPECT TO RECEIVE MANY OVERTIME
HOURS DURING YOUR PROGRAM!

11. • Expect to see US Taxes deducted from
your paychecks
• J-1 Participants need to pay Federal
Income Tax, State Income Tax and Local
Taxes
• Some States (Florida and Alaska for
example) do not have 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, 2015 W-2 forms would be
available in February/March of 2016).
• Use your W-2 to file for a tax refund.
Visit www.irs.gov for filing procedures.
Some participants choose to use a tax
service for assistance.
TAXES

12. Program Cost
• Program Fees
Paid via your agency overseas
• I-901 SEVIS Fee:
$35
• The U.S. Department of Homeland
Security now requires the collection of
this fee to help cover the costs of
administering the program.

13. 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 at least 15 days BEFORE your DS
end date.*
*Note: Some of our overseas agencies have special arrangements with Janus
International that include 30 days of additional insurance to cover your travel
period. Check with your overseas agency for more details.
 You will receive a copy of your insurance ID card and policy
information along with your DS-2019 form (Please check with
your overseas agency). Always carry your insurance ID card
with you in case of an emergency!

14. IMPORTANT
REMEMBER THAT EVEN WITH HEALTH
INSURANCE, MEDICAL CARE IN THE U.S. IS
NOT FREE!

15. 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 your
symptoms persist or worsen go to a local
doctor/urgent care provider for treatment.
 For a doctor office or Urgent Care Center/Walk-In
Clinic visit, you will need to pay a $100 deductible
($50 copayment only at Urgent Care Centers) and
file an insurance claim through HCC medical
insurance services for any additional expenses.
 Always take your insurance ID card with you!

16. Health Insurance Tips and
Important Reminders
 Pre-existing conditions, dental work, routine
check-ups/physical exams and pregnancy are
NOT covered by the insurance!
 Schedule your routine check-up and dental
work and have your prescriptions filled
BEFORE you come to the US!
 Alcohol or drug related injuries are not
covered!
 Check your insurance brochure for the
complete information on coverage exclusions.
 Bring a basic medical kit(Band-Aid/bandages
balm, creams, aspirin, etc.)

17. IMPORTANT: EMERGENCY
SITUATIONS
DO NOT VISIT AN EMERGENCY ROOM AT A
HOSPITAL UNLESS YOU HAVE AN
EMERGENCY!
Please Note – Charges for use of the emergency room
for an illness will be subject to a $200 Deductible
unless the Member is directly admitted to the Hospital
as an Inpatient for further treatment of that Illness.
Injuries will not be subject to the ER deductible.
* 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.*

18. Health Insurance Contact
Information
HCC Medical Insurance Services
P.O. Box 2005
Farmington Hills, MI 48333
Toll Free: 1-866-400-0080
Email: service@hccmis.com
Student Zone*:
http://www.envisageglobalinsurance.com/student-
zone/janus/
*Visit the student zone to file a claim, download your
coverage brochure or ID card, search for doctors,
hospitals and walk-in clinics and for answers to
common insurance-related questions.

19. Other Program Costs
The 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

20. Managing Your Expenses
 Bring at least $750-$1,000 with you
 It may take 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

21. Setting a Budget
Below is a helpful guide of average expenses in the US. Exact costs will
vary based on different regions throughout the US. This only serves as
a guide to assist you with creating a budget based on your hours and
the wages earn from your job agreement.
ITEM APPROXIMATE COST
MONTHLY RENT (PER STUDENT, BASED ON
SHARED HOUSING) $300-$700
RENTAL DEPOSIT $100-$250
GROCERIES
$150-$500 per month (depending on your personal
choices)
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION $2.50-$5 per trip
AIRPORT TRANSFER/AIRPORT TAXI
$20-$100 or more per trip ($2-$4 per mile + Airport Pick-
up Surcharges)
CELL PHONE MONTHLY FEE $35-$200
MEALS (DINING OUT) $5-$15 or more plus tip
FAST FOOD MEAL $5-$10
MOVIE TICKET $10-$15
CEREAL $5.00
MILK (1 GALLON) $4.00
BREAD $2.50
LARGE PIZZA $18
HOTEL/MOTEL $50-$200 or more per night
PACK OF CIGARETTES $5-$15
SODA (6 PACK) $3.00

22. Housing Details
• Housing cost depends on the location but is
usually between $10-$25 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. Keep your room in tip-top shape.
• Housing facility type varies by location and could
be a hotel, apartment or rental house.

23. Housing Deposit
 Most housing locations require a housing
deposit payable upon arrival or in advance.
 Typically between $100 and $250, but check your
job agreement for specifics.
 This is standard practice in the US so come
prepared with the funds to pay!
 The housing deposit is typically returned to you
at the end of you program, as long as your
housing is left clean, in good condition with no
damages and you have paid all your rent
throughout the summer
 Check your housing agreement for more details
on your housing deposit refund policy!

24. SAMPLE HOUSING PHOTOS

25. Be Considerate to People You Live With
Keep your housing
clean and organized,
and be respectful of
your roommates and
owners of your
building.
GOOD EXAMPLE

26. BAD EXAMPLE

27. Be Considerate of Other Guests
You will be living in housing
(hotels, motels, apartments,
rental houses, etc.) that has
neighbors, and other guests.
Please keep the noise to an
acceptable level at night.
GOOD EXAMPLE

28. BAD EXAMPLE

29. Smoking and Drinking:
U.S. Etiquette
 Smoking is prohibited inside many housing
locations and in most public areas in the U.S.
 Limit your smoking and do NOT throw cigarette butts
on the ground-especially NOT where you live and
work.
 Use appropriate cigarette receptacles/ashtrays
 The drinking age in the U.S. is 21!
 Underage drinking, supplying alcohol
to those who are underage, and any illicit
drug use is illegal and can result in jail
time or fines!

30. Getting to Work
• How you will get to work depends on your
location. Check your job agreement and job
description
• Most students walk, bike or use public
transportation such as a bus or shuttle
• Do your research prior to your arrival!

31. Bike Safety
Example of proper bike safety attire

32. Bike Safety Continued…
 Watch the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Video on Bike
Safety: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdrrxIpQpt4
 Protect your head, always wear a properly fitted
helmet!
 Assure bicycle readiness by ensuring proper size and function of a
bicycle.
 Ride wisely by learning and following the rules of the road as well as
safety tips.
 Be visible by using reflectors and wearing bright colors. See and be
seen at all times.
 Drive your bike with care and share the road responsibly.
 Stay focused and alert at all times.

33. Are YOU ready to go to the USA?!

34. Planning your travel to the US
 Organize your travel to work/housing
location from the airport in advance.
Check the web-sites for: bus
(www.greyhound.com ,
www.megabus.com), train
(www.amtrak.com), local airfares (for e.g.
www.expedia.com) , taxi, etc.
 Make appropriate plans if arriving over a
weekend or on a holiday.
 Provide your flight information to your
local agency, sponsor and your employer!

35. I-94 upon arrival to the US
 CBP will no longer require international non-immigrant visitors
to fill out a paper Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record upon
arrival to the U.S. by air or sea. The agency will gather travelers’
arrival/departure information automatically from their electronic
travel records. Most U.S. airports will stop stapling white I-94
form to the student’s passport, so employers do not need to
worry that student lost or misplaced the form, everything is
going to be online. For more information about the new rule,
please click on the link below:
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/i-
94_instructions/i94_rollout.xml
 To retrieve your Admission I-94 number (for employer, Social
Security Office, etc.) please go to the following U.S. Customs
and Border Protection web site:
https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/request.html
 We recommend you keep copies of your boarding passes from
your flights in and out of the US in case of any discrepancies
with your I-94 record

36. 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!

37. 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. New/Second Jobs must be in compliance with
program rules and participants must check with their sponsor
first before starting any job!
• Based on US Department of State program regulations, starting
any job that has not been vetted and approved by your sponsor
(Janus International) is grounds for termination of your
program and SEVIS status!

38. New Job Verification
• ALWAYS contact Janus
International at student@janus-
international.com 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 by
your employer, signed and
submitted to Janus.
• Your employer’s worker’s
compensation certificate and
business license must be
submitted along with this form
• Once all documents are received,
Janus will review your complete
job offer and notify you within 72
hours if the job position is
approved.

39. Changes to SWT Program…Prohibited
Jobs
In 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
 In domestic help positions in private homes (e.g., child care, elder
care, gardener, chauffeur)
 As pedicab or rolling chair drivers or operators
 In any position in the adult entertainment industry
 In positions that are substantially commission-based and thus do not
guarantee that participants will be paid minimum wage
 In positions in chemical pest control, warehousing, catalogue/online
order distribution centers, factories, fisheries, manufacturing, moving
companies and the construction sector

40. 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!

41. How do I Activate My SEVIS?
 The best way is to visit the Janus International Website:
www.janus-international.com/sevis
 You can also e-mail us at: student@janus-international.com
 If no computer access please call the Janus Phone Number: 1-
866-249-3888 (between 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM weekdays).
 You must provide the following information for SEVIS activation:
 Full Name and Date of Birth
 DS-2019 Number
 US Arrival Date
 Full Employer Name & Address
 Full Housing Facility Name & Address
 Apartment or Room Number

42. Applying for a Social Security Number
Your 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 Print-Out). (Some employers assist in the
application of Social Security Number, if not, you have to go on your own.)

43. 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 experience 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....

44. Monthly Monitoring
• You will receive an email from
Janus International once a month
• You need to respond and follow the
instructions in the email to complete your
“Monthly Check-In.”
• This procedure is for your safety and well-
being. We need to hear from you AT LEAST
ONCE EVERY MONTH!

45. 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!

46. 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.

47. Reminder…PROGRAM CHANGES
YOU MUST GET PERMISSION FIRST
TO…
• SHORTEN / EXTEND Program Dates
Important: Program extension requests must be
received at least 30 days prior to your DS-2019 end date
• CHANGE Employers
• CHANGE Housing
CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY!

48. 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

49. How it works
Employer
Janus
DOS

50. Have the Right Expectations
Adjustment 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!

51. Have the Right Expectations
 U.S. regional accents vary, give yourself time to adjust to
the local accent
 Speak slowly at first for others to understand your accent
 Don’t smoke in public places unless otherwise stated
 Legal drinking age, places to sell and consume alcohol
laws are very strict in the U.S.
 Do not expect to have busy nightlife near the place you
stay in the U.S.
 Respect the personal space of others
 Respect the values and beliefs of your employer,
coworkers and all American people you encounter. They
are your hosts and you should be considerate, without
having to agree on all political or religious issues. This is a
learning experience!!

52. 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.
• Be prepared to WORK HARD. Most J-1 jobs
require hard physical work which involves
cleaning, lifting, standing, pushing,
bending, etc.
• If your Goal = HUGE $$ then this program
is NOT FOR YOU
• Honor the job agreement you have signed
and the commitment to your employer

53. 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 (separate from
your social security card, just in case!)
 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.

54. Work TERMINATION
Absolutely
POSSIBLE

55. 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 procedures
Note: 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
underage drinking, theft, vandalism or other illegal
activities result in IMMEDIATE termination without prior
warnings!

56. 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.

57. Implications of Termination
Contact 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.

58. 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.

59. Grounds for Termination of your SEVIS Record
and Program
 Job Abandonment / Unauthorized Transfer
 Failure to report to the site of activity listed on your DS-2019 form
 Termination from employment
 Underage Drinking (21 years old)
 Illegal handling/selling/possession/ use of drugs
 Stealing/shoplifting
 Fights
 Sexual or Racial Harassment
 Illegal Activities and Police Reports Misdemeanor
 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

60. Travel Grace Period
Following the completion of their program, the period defined on the Form DS-
2019, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) allows
participants a 30-day travel period commonly referred to as the "Grace
Period." During this 30-day grace period, participants are no longer in J-visa
status, and are under the jurisdiction of the USCIS. The USCIS grants this
period to allow participants to settle their affairs and to prepare to return to
their home countries. Program participants may no longer continue and/or
complete exchange activities, nor may they work. Although participants may
travel in the United States, it is recommended that they do not travel
beyond the borders of the United States as they may not be permitted
reentry.
-According to the US Department of State J-1 Visa website
 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.

61. 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 at least 2 weeks prior to
your intended travel plans so we can give you the proper
instructions!

62. Travel

63. We hope to see you in the U.S.!
Toll Free Number: 1-866-249-3888
Email: student@janus-
international.com
16102 Theme Park Way
Doswell, Virginia 23047
USA