SEVIS Step 2: Complete Post-Arrival Orientation Quiz within 1 week of arrival
This section is a QUIZ. Please read, then click on the button at the bottom of the page to answer the questions.
SOCIAL SECURITY: When you apply for Social Security, you will receive a letter from Social Security saying that your application was successful. You may start working once you have this letter.
If your Social Security card is taking a long time to reach you, go to the Social Security office, show them your passport, and ask if your number has been created yet.
AVOIDING PROGRAM TERMINATION: Don't get terminated! If you are terminated, your name will be put on a list of illegal aliens to be found, detained and deported by U.S. Immigration. A permanent mark is put on your immigration record, which could affect your ability to get a U.S. visa for the rest of your life! ERDT terminates about 5 students every year. There are 4 main reasons that ERDT would terminate you in SEVIS:
If you do not arrive at your job by the start date on your visa, and work at the job on your job offer for at least 3 weeks;
If you start a new or 2nd job without getting permission from ERDT.
If you do not respond to emails from ERDT within one week. Saying "I did not have internet" or “the email from ERDT went to my spam” is not an excuse.
If you move to different housing and do not complete a Request to Change Housing within 1 week;
HOUSING: Local laws in the U.S. usually limit the number of people in an apartment or home to 3 per legal bedroom, though this can vary depending on where you live. If you live with too many people in an apartment or house, it is illegal. If you have questions about this, contact ERDT.
IF YOU LOSE YOUR JOB: You are expected to be employed during the dates on your J1 visa. If you quit your job or lose your job, you have 3 weeks in which to find a new job. If you are out of work for over 3 weeks during your program, ERDT must end your program early. This is not bad, but you will need to return home within 30 days.
Contact ERDT if you need help finding a new job. If you are fired for doing something illegal (such as stealing money or goods from your company) and the employer has proof of this, we will either terminate your visa or end it early, depending on how serious the situation is.
You must work for the employer listed on your DS-2019 form for at least 3 weeks. Do not quit or get fired in the first 3 weeks.
GETTING A NEW OR 2ND JOB: Visit this web page, complete the procedure, and wait for permission from ERDT before starting a new or second job.
If you begin a new or 2nd job before getting permission from ERDT, your program will be terminated immediately, with no questions and no second chance. Once you are terminated, your name will be put on a list of illegal aliens to be found, detained and deported by U.S. Immigration, and a permanent mark is put on your U.S. immigration record, which could affect your ability to get a U.S. visa for the rest of your life.
You may not remain on the J1 program if you move to a big city, to an area without seasonal employment, or to the home of a relative or family friend. If you do, ERDT must end your program early. This is not bad, but you will need to return home within 30 days.
GETTING ENOUGH HOURS TO COVER YOUR EXPENSES: On your job offer, your employer wrote the average hours you can expect to work over the summer. Your hours will probably be lower than this during the first week or two, as you receive training and are added to the working schedule. Because your first paycheck won't come until a couple of weeks from your first day of work, it isn't unusual for you to use most of the $1000 you brought with you on the program to pay for expenses within these first few weeks. You are welcome to begin looking for a 2nd job at any time, just be sure to follow the above procedure.
IF YOU ARE ARRESTED: If you are arrested, you will get one phone call. Call ERDT, who will speak with the police to try to help you, assist you with locating a lawyer if needed, and inform your family.
YOUR INSURANCE: Have proof of insurance in your wallet at all times. You never know when you could have a medical emergency. Failure to provide proof of insurance could cause thousands of dollars in medical bills for you and your family. If you need another copy of your card, email your Home Country Agent immediately.
IF YOU NEED HELP FROM THE U.S. GOVERNMENT: If any problems arise while you are in the United States, contact ERDT at (424) 259-1192 or emily@erdtworkandtravel.org. If you are having difficulty in resolving an issue with ERDT, you can contact the U.S. Government.