Starting Your Job

  • When you apply for Social Security, you’ll receive a letter saying that you have successfully applied.  Show this letter to your employer and you may legally begin work. If your employer would like to see proof of this, direct him or her to this website: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/employer/hiring.htm

  • Arrive at your workplace on the program start date listed on your DS-2019 form.  If you are unable to arrive on this date, contact your employer for permission to arrive on a different date, then inform ERDT who will confirm it with the employer.

  • I-9 FORM: You will need to show your employer your passport (which fulfills the List B requirement: “ID card issued by federal, state or local government agencies or entities…” and your DS-2019 form (which fulfills the List C requirement: “Employment authorization document issued by the Department of Homeland Security.”

  • W-4 FORM: Only complete sections 1 and 5. Check “Single” in section 1 even if you are married. Do not complete sections 2, 3 or 4. Do not write “exempt” on the form.

  • TAXES: Be sure that your employer knows that he/she MUST deduct federal and (if applicable) state income taxes from your paycheck. He/she must NOT deduct Medicare, Social Security, or Federal Unemployment tax (FUTA or FICA) from your check.

  • Work Log Begin a log where you keep a record of what days and what hours you work.  You may print and use this one: ERDT Work Log or keep detailed notes in your phone or a notebook.  If you have any problems with pay or hours at your job, ERDT will ask to see your Work Log.

  • Pay Stubs Each of your paychecks should come with a small report of how much you earned and how much was deducted for taxes, etc, called a Pay Stub. Keep your Pay Stubs in a safe place. You may never need them, but if you have any future pay or tax issues, ERDT will ask to see your Pay Stubs.

Frequently Asked Questions

I applied for the Social Security Card, but haven’t received it yet. Can I work?↓

Yes, you can work as long as you have applied for the Social Security Card. If your employer would like to see proof of this, direct him or her to this website: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/employer/hiring.htm Your employer is also welcome to contact ERDT or visit our Employer Web Page if they have questions about this.

Is there any way to get my Social Security Number more quickly than waiting for the mail?↓

Yes, you can go back to the Social Security Office, show them your passport, and ask if the number has been issued in their computer yet.

My employer is asking me for a Work Authorization Card. What do I do?↓

J-1 Work and Travel Program participants DO NOT need a Work Authorization Card. The following documents together will demonstrate to your employer that you are eligible to work: a valid passport, I-94 number, DS-2019 form, and either your Social Security card or your receipt from the Social Security Office, saying that your Social Security card will be issued soon. Your employer is also welcome to contact ERDT or visit our Employer Web Page if they have questions about this.

The E-Verify system told my employer I was not eligible to work. What do I do?↓

E-Verify sometimes gives a “false negative” for J-1 Work and Travel participants. This means that it will tell employers that you are not eligible to work, even though you are.

Your employer has instructions from E-Verify telling them what to do if they get a negative result with E-Verify. According to the law, they must follow these procedures. Your employer is also welcome to contact ERDT or visit our Employer Web Page if they have questions about this.

My job (hours, wages and/or duties) does not match what was listed on my job offer. What should I do?↓

Read your job offer carefully. If you have confirmed that your job offer and your actual job do not match, schedule a meeting with your supervisor. Bring your job offer, and politely show your supervisor where your job is different from your job offer. Tell them the change you would like to be made. Remember - your supervisor is much more likely to help you if you have a pleasant attitude.

Remember that your job offer lists an average number of hours. Frequently, students receive fewer hours at the beginning and end of the season, and more hours in the middle of the season.

If this does not work, contact ERDT. First, we will ask you for the details of your meeting with your supervisor. Then, we will contact your employer on your behalf. Based on the discussion we have with your supervisor, we will talk to you about what your options are.

Do not wait to address this issue. It is much more likely that the problem can be resolved early in your stay.