Article DetailsWork & Travel USA Program Participants |
| Date Added: October 08, 2009 08:22:21 AM |
| Author: David |
| Category: Reference: Ask an Expert |
| Though the majority of jobs in American companies are filled by American residents, a small yet essential percentage of jobs remain unfilled by the local labor force each season. Many businesses have started to rely on foreign workers to fill the entry-level seasonal job void. Local businesses have two alternatives for obtaining the foreign labor force they demand: filing for H-2B visas or employing J-1 student visa workers. Both types of visas help to serve a temporary demand for unskilled entry-level workers. Lately, hiring H-2B visa workers has been essential for hospitality, catering and housekeeping industries in the hey of a season. Each season a total of 33, 000 H-2B visa holders are allowed to enter the country. H-2B visa holders arrive the States twice a year: from October 1 to March 31 (winter) and from April 1 to September 30 (summer). With two seasons allowing 33, 000 employees each, a total cap of 66, 000 H-2B visas is issued nationwide each year. Because of the complex H-2B visa application process and the existing limitation on its usage, some employers are paying attention to the J-1 student visa program instead. There are no limits on how many J-1 visa workers can arrive in the country. The law allows J-1 student employees to have several jobs at a time. Students fill out all visa forms in their fatherland and are either sanctioned or denied there. J-1 student employees have proved to be a perfect solution to the shortage of labour. For many businesses they are a viable alternative. Nonetheless, J-1 visas have the downside. J-1 student visa employees are only allowed to work 4 months a year - the period that corresponds to their summer vacation. J-1 student visa holders work for about 90 days, starting from June, and then travel for 30 days - the so-called grace period - before going back home. Thus, J-1 student workers can lawfully stay in the USA for up to 4 months. For H-2B and J-1 visa holders the Work & travel USA Program is a perfect chance become a part of the American culture as a paid employee. |
