Work and Travel Program Orientation

What is the
Work and The Summer Work Travel
Travel program provides foreign
Program? 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 Department of State

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. In return, 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

• 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.
 ENGLISH
Sufficiently proficient in English
ELIGIBILITY
Do I qualify for the
EDUCATION
program?
Post- secondary school students enrolled in
and actively pursuing a degree.

AGE
At least 18 years of age and no older than
27 at the time of application

DATES
Must participate within the dates of your
University summer break.EVEN FINAL
YEARSTUDENTS*

* Ask your University for specific Summer break start and end dates.Check
with your local agency for guidance on the maximum dates allowed for your
country
EMPLOYMENT TYPES

There are 3 different types of employment

on the Work and Travel Program:

J anus Placed:Provided by J anus

Self Placed:Provided by J anus- approved

hospitality employer

2nd J obs: Allowed but must be pre -

approved by J anus
 WORKING HOURS
Average of 32 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 hours in the first 1-2
weeks you are in training!
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!
EARNING POTENTIAL

$ 7.25 + US / hour* = Non
Tipped Position
( Dishwasher,
Housekeeper, Food
Attendant, Theme Park
Staff, Lifeguard, Fast Food
C rew, Etc.)
$ 2.13 US / hour + Tips=
Tipped Positions ( Server)
Tips are not common in
non tipped positions!
The Overtime rate per hour = 1.5 x
regular rate
Overtime is paid after working M ORE
THAN 40 hours per WEEK at most
employers*
*IM PORTANT: This varies by
employer. M any 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!
* $ 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.
 REMEMBER

You are participating in a CULTURAL EXCHANGE program. If

your goal is $$, then this is not the program for you!
 TAXES

Expect to see US Taxes deducted from your paychecks

J-1 Participants need to pay the following taxes:

State Local Federal

*Some States (Florida and Alaska for example) do not have State Income Tax

J-1 Participants do NOT pay the following taxes:

Unemployment Medicare Social Security

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, 2017 W-2 forms would be available in
February/March of 2018).
Use your W -2 to file your taxes. Visit www.irs.gov for filing procedures. Some participants choose
to use a tax service for assistance.
PROGRAM COST
Prog ram Fees:
Paid via your agency overseas. Please
consult with your agency regarding your
program fee.

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.
YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE

CHECK YOUR COVERAGE DATES YOUR INSURANCE CARD COST

• Insurance coverage valid

• You will receive a copy Important:
from your DS-2019 start date
of your insurance ID
through your DS-2019 end Remember that
card and policy
date is included in your
information along with even with
program fee and is provided
your DS-2019 form insurance,
by International Medical
(Please check with your
Group (IMG) healthcare in
• Contact Janus International overseas agency).
• Always carry your
the United
if you would like to extend
your insurance insurance ID card with States is NOT
you in case of an FREE.
emergency!

* Note: Some of our overseas agencies have special arrangements with Janus International that include additional
insurance to cover your travel period.Check with your overseas agency for more details.
 USING YOUR
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 International Medical Group ( IM G ) for any additional
expenses.

Always take your insurance ID card with you!

SAMPLE DEDUCTIBLES

Feeling Unwell = Pharmacy

Doctor's Office = $ 100

Visiting the hospital/ emergency room for non- emergency =

$ 200 fee for "misuse of emergency room
 MORE HEALTH INSURANCE
INFORMATION

• 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.)
EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
If anyone is experiencing an emergency, the number to dial is 911. This will
connect you to an operator who will be able to dispatch the appropriate
services (example: police or ambulance)
• Do not visit an emergency room at a hospital unless you are having a real medical
emergency!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.
 WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
IN MY PROGRAM FEE?
The following are NOT included in the program and are your
responsibility:
-Housing Fees
-Public transportation to and from work
-Meals
-International airfare or domestic transportation in the US
Airport transfers
Spending Money
MANAGE YOUR EXPENSES
• Bring at least $750-$1,000 with you. If you plan to bring your
credit/debit card to the U.S, please make sure to tell the bank you’re
traveling outside the country. Otherwise they will most likely block all
transactions.
• 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
 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 APPROXIMATECOST
Monthly Rent ( per student,based on shared housing) $330 -$700
Rental Deposit $100-300
Groceries ( per month) $ 150-$ 500 depending on personal choices
Public Transportation $ 2.50-$ 5 per trip
Airport Transfer/ Airport Fee $ 20-$ 100 or more per trip
Cell Phone ( monthly) $ 35-$ 200
Meals ( dining out) $ 5-$ 15 plus tip
Fast Food Meal $ 5-$ 10
Movie Ticket $ 10-$ 15
Cereal $5
Milk $4
Bread $ 2.50
Large Pizza $ 18
Hotel/ Motel $ 50-$ 200 per night
Pack of Cigarettes $ 5-$ 15
Soda ( six pack) $ 3.00
 HOUSING TIPS
• Read and understand your housing contract
regarding housing payments, deposits,
housing rules, and check out procedures
• Be sensitive and respectful of your roommates and
housing facility. Keep your room in tip- top shape.
• You are responsible for your guests behavior
• Do not move anyone into your employer-arranged
housing that has not been authorized by your
employer and housing provider. Doing so may result in
the termination of your lease Do not make
international calls from your housing phones – you
will be responsible for all charges incurred!
• Communicate housing issues with your housing
provider
• Bugs happen! Keep your food properly stored and
take out the trash frequently to prevent bug
infestations!
 BE CONSIDERATE!
Keep your housing clean and organized,and be respectful
of your roommates and owners of your building.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!
 SMOKING AND
DRINKING ETTIQUETTE

• 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 other illicit drug use) is illegal and can
result in jail time or fines!
• We recommend you to quit smoking, as it is a very expensive
habit in the US. If you smoke, please do so in the designated
areas only
 LEGAL ISSUES
For your protection, and for the success of your program, it is
important that all J-1 Work and Travel participants follow all of the
laws within the United States.
This includes but is not limited to:

• Sexual activities with minors

• Violations of personal space/sexual harassment
• Trespassing
• Simple assault
• Theft
• Downloading movies/visiting illegal websites
• Drinking/Drug Use
GOING TO JAIL IS POSSIBLE, EVEN AS AN
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT
Going to jail is absolutely a possibility for international students who break the law.
Participants are responsible for obeying all federal, state, and local laws. Familiarize
yourself with the laws of the United States before your departure from your home
country. Breaking these laws will be met with the same punishment as American
citizens.

You will be held responsible for your actions. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse.
 Now that we've gotten that
information out of the way, here is
some better news.....
PROGRAM SUCCESS RATES
Over 95% of Janus International
sponsored Work & Travel participants
complete their program successfully.
Unsuccessful
5%

Successful
95%
 How can I
ensure I have
a successful
program?
 Manage your Expectations!

Being away from family and on your own may be very challenging at times. You will
experience first hand what is like living and working in the US. By signing up to
participate on this exchange program you take on big responsibility. It is inevitable that
you will encounter challenges, but you are responsible for own your success. Be
prepared to be uncomfortable at times and take personal responsibility for the
situations you encounter.
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!
 HAVE THE RIGHT
EXPECTATIONS
• While on your adventure in the U.S, you will live in basic housing. Please
do not expect the same environment as you used to in your home country.
The housing challenges might include but not limited to the new
roommates, imperfect cooking facility, unwelcomed visitors such as bugs
or wildlife and disturbed quiet hours.
• U.S. regional accents vary, give yourself time to adjust to the local accent
• Speak slowly at first for others to understand your accent
• 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 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!!
• 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
• Be aware of the wildlife in the area you will be living in! It is not uncommon to see animals like bears,
snakes, coyotes, bugs etc… in the U.S.
 CLIMATE

THE UNITED STATES WILL HAVE A DIFFERENT CLIMATE THAN WHAT YOU ARE USED TO!
The climate in the United States varies greatly by region – It may be much hotter and more
humid OR colder and dryer than the climate in your home country or in other places you have
visited in the US
-It is VERY important that you do your research on the climate that you will be living in. It is
YOUR responsibility to check the weather for the area they will living in
-It may take several weeks to adjust to the climate that you will be living in. To help you adjust
be sure to:

• Stay hydrated – be sure to drink plenty of water

• Wear sunscreen to prevent any burns . Sunscreen needs to be applied a minimum of every
2 hours.
• Get plenty of sleep. Being well-rested will help you adjust better to the climate.
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption – This can lead to dehydration and excessive fatigue.
This is will only exacerbate the effects your new climate
 WILDLIFE
Just like in your home country, wild animals are common in
the United States! It is not uncommon to see animals like
bugs, frogs, toads, raccoons, opossums, groundhogs,
deer, snakes, coyotes, skunks, foxes, bears, moose etc…
in the U.S., even in more urban locations. Here are some
tips on dealing with wildlife:

• Educate yourself on the wildlife species present in the area in

which you’re planning on living/visiting
• Do not try to approach, feed, touch, pick up, hug etc… the
wildlife! No matter how cute the animal may be, they are still
capable of carrying diseases or of biting, stinging, kicking, and
scratching if they feel threatened.
• Do not try to take selfies with wild animals! Take photos from
a safe distance.
• Even if the animal is a “domestic” animal, such as a cat or
dog, this does not mean that it wants to be approached,
petted, etc… Always ask the owner for permission before
approaching their animal. If you cannot locate the owner, do not
approach the animal.
• Keep your food properly stored and take out the trash
frequently to prevent bug infestations!
 ARE YOU
READY TO
GO THE U.S.?
 ARRIVING TO THE U.S.

Organize your travel to work/housing location from the airport in advance. Check the web-sites for:
bus (http://www.greyhound.com), (www.megabus.com), train (http://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!

ACCESSING YOUR I-94

-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 the
student lost or misplaced the form, everything is going to be online.
-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/#/home
-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
ACTIVATE YOUR
SEVIS RECORD
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!

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
JANUS INTERNATIONAL AS YOUR SPONSOR MUST KNOW
ABOUT YOUR WHEREABOUTS. IF YOU CHANGE YOUR
HOUSING ADDRESS YOU MUST REPORT THAT CHANGE
THROUGH HTTP://JANUS-INTERNATIONAL.COM/SEVIS/

FAILURE TO SUBMIT CHANGE OF CURRENT

ADDRESS WITHIN 10 DAYS IS GROUNDS FOR
IMMEDIATE TERMINATION OF YOUR SEVIS
RECORD AND J-1 PROGRAM
 APPLYING FOR YOUR
SOCIAL SECURITY CARD
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 business 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.)
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
Keep your social security
card in a safe place!
BEGINNING YOUR WORK
You've arrived in the United States and are ready to begin the work
portion of your program! Here are the facts you should know:
• J-1 Work and Travel Participants are expected to arrive at and begin their work for the
employer with whom they received their visa. Failure to do so can result in the termination
of your program.
• Want to extend your program? ALL Program extension requests must be received at least 30
days prior to your DS-2019 end date and will have a processing fee of $35.
• 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!
• You are not allowed to take a secondary job without first receiving approval from Janus
International
• 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!
• You are not allowed to work overnight shifts – only until 2:00am at latest!
• ALWAYS contact Janus SECOND JOBS
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.
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 such as chemical pest control, warehousing, catalogue/online
order distribution centers, factories, manufacturing, moving companies and
the construction sector
 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
• Some employers may provide transportation at a cost – Check
your job description for this information
• Do your research prior to your arrival!

BIKE SAFETY
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.

•
MONTHLY
MONITORING
What is monthly monitoring? You will receive an email from
Janus International on the 15th of every month reminding you
to complete your monitoring! You will need to login into your
Janus account at app.janus-international.com and follow the
instructions in the “Monthly Check-In” tab.
This procedure is for your safety and well-being. We need to hear
from you AT LEAST ONCE EVERY MONTH! If you need help
accessing your account, please contact us a student@Janus-
international.com

If we get your email wrong, you won’t get any updates.

Provide us with the correct email address that you check
regularly! Don't forget to check your SPAM filter as well! YOU
are responsible for ensuring that you complete your monthly
monitoring. If you do not receive it, YOU are responsible for
contacting Janus International to let us know.

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.
YOUR SAFETY
IN THE U.S.
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.
DEALING WITH ISSUES
We hope that your program in the United States will go as
smoothly as possible. But in case you encounter any issues,
please refer to this chart:

YOUR
YOU EMPLOYER JANUS DOS
You are experiencing a Try to resolve any If it is not a work-related Afteryou have
problem work-related issues issue,or if your contacted Janus
with your employer employer is International,you are
first unresponsive to your also free to contact the
issues,contact Janus Department of State
International
 CONTACTING JANUS
INTERNATIONAL

For general inquiries, please send an email to student@janus-

international.com*

If you need assistance immediately, please call our toll-free 24-hour

emergency number 1-866-249-3888
For life threatening/medical emergencies call 911

!
As a reminder, you will need permission from Janus FIRST before any of the
following:
SHORTEN / EXTEND Program Dates Important:
Program extension requests must be
received at least 30 days prior to your DS-2019 end date
Program extensions will have a processing fee of $35
CHANGE Employers
CHANGE Housing
* Janus International strives to respond to all professionally sent e- mails to janus- international.com
accounts within 2- 3 business days. In case your request wasn’t answered in a timely matter, please
resend us an e- mail to student@ janus- international.com.
 YOU ARE
FIRED!
WORK TERMINATION IS
ABSOLUTELY POSSIBLE
WHY MIGHT I GET FIRED?

The following are the most common reasons we

see 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!
 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.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM FIRED?

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.
 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.
Reasons for SEVIS termination include but are not limited to:
• 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
 SUCCESSFUL PROGRAM COMPLETION!

YAY!

So you have successfully completed the work portion of the program, now what?
TRAVEL 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.
TRAVEL OUTSIDE OF
THE U.S.
If you are planning to take a trip outside of the US you will
need to do so during the dates on your DS-2019 form.
Before traveling:
1. 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.
2. Janus International must also sign your DS- 2019 form prior
to your trip, to facilitate your re-entry to the US.
3. 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 4 weeks prior to your
intended travel plans so we can give you the proper
instructions!
ARE YOU READY
FOR AN
AMAZING
SUMMER?!
 18067 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY
RUTHER GLEN, VIRGINIA 22546, USA