SEVIS Step 1 (Check In): Complete Arrival Information in your Online Application within 24 hours after arrival.
Please read, then click on the red button to complete SEVIS Step 1 (Check In). You can also complete SEVIS Step 1 (Check In) using the reminder email you received on your arrival date.
WHEN AND HOW CAN I APPLY FOR SOCIAL SECURITY?
You may apply for Social Security 2 business days after completing your SEVIS Check-In.
Bring your passport, J1 visa and DS-2019 form with you to the Social Security office.
On your Social Security Application, list your employer's address, as your housing address may not yet be registered with the U.S. Postal Service.
If you have any problems at Social Security, ask the official who you spoke with to write down the problem, his/her name, his/her phone extension and email address. Then, email ERDT with this information at emily@erdtworkandtravel.org. Important! Without a phone extension or email, ERDT cannot help you.
After you have successfully applied for Social Security, they will give you a letter. Show this letter to your employer. This letter allows you to begin work immediately. For more information, see this website: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/employer/hiring.htm or contact ERDT.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO ON MY FIRST DAY OF WORK?
I-9 FORM: You will need to show your employer your passport, DS-2019 form and I-94 record - available at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/recent-search
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.
HOW CAN I AVOID TERMINATION AND DEPORTATION?
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.
Before starting working or training at a new or 2nd job, get permission from ERDT.
Check your email at least once a week for emails from emily@erdtworkandtravel.org, and reply within 1 week.
If you move to different housing, submit a Housing Request as soon as possible, no later than 1 week after moving.
LOST DOCUMENTS: If you lose your passport, J1 visa, or DS-2019 form, contact ERDT immediately.
ERDT EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER: If you have an emergency, call or text (424) 259-1192 at any hour. You will need to provide a phone number for us to call you back. In a non-emergency, please email ERDT.
MOVING TO A DIFFERENT TOWN: After you have worked at your assigned job for 3 weeks, you are allowed to quit your job if you do not like it. However, ERDT rules prohibit you from moving to a big city for work. If you move to a big city, ERDT will end your visa and 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 students to use most of the $1000 they brought with them 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 simple procedure listed on our website.