FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the basic procedure?

To start the process, you are required to complete the application forms and submit all the necessary documentation (copy of passport, ID, drivers license, resume/cv, police clearance / proof of application and medical release). The local agent will perform a background check, and verify that the information provided is correct. You will be required to register on establishment of your suitability for placement abroad.
You will then be entered on our database until you have been placed.
Once your information has been verified, your agent will immediately forward your documentation to Employment USA in the United States in order to match you up with an employer in your requested field. It is absolutely imperative that you are very honest in filling out the documentation in order for us to match you up with a suitable employer according to your skills and your expertise. For example, those who lied about having "dairy experience", without ever having seen a cow, almost always ends up returning home because "it just didn't work out". It is Employment USA's main goal to make a suitable match. It is not possible to transfer to another employer if you are not suitably matched. See questions on transferring for more information.
It is in your best interest to always contact your US employer and ensure you know exactly what will be expected from you and what you can expect in return. Employment USA only facilitates the job placements. It is up to you to ensure that it is what you want by using the tools provided i.e. Details of job and employers contact details. See questions on transferring for more information.
Normally a number of applications will be submitted for a specific position, the employer will choose according to the information that you have submitted (a motivational letter explaining why you are suitable for the position will supplement a one page resume and could secure you a position). The agents will be notified of the successful candidate. At this stage Employment USA insist that all applicants make contact with the employer. In some instances the employer will call you for an interview.
We would strive to get the cheapest airfare by making group reservations or block bookings, and if you prefer, you could also personally inquire about fares to ensure you get what suits you best. You are responsible for notifying your employer of your arrival schedule if you make your own travel arrangements.
Arrangements will be made for your prospective employer to meet you at the nearest airport or make alternative arrangements to get you to your place of employment. If you have any concerns, we encourage you to contact your agent. Please keep in mind the time difference when deciding to make arrangements, or contacting the U.S All applicants are subject to interviews at the consular officer's discretion. You are responsible to supply your agent with all the relevant supporting documentation in order to obtain your visa.
If you experience problems or have any concerns at your place of employment, please do not hesitate to contact us. It is our mission to ensure the best possible working conditions for our clients, and the sooner we become aware of any breach of contract, the sooner we will be able to deal with it. You are requested to contact our US office and notify us of your arrival.
If you decide to quit your job without a valid reason, you have to return to South Africa within 10 days. Your employer is legally required to report to the USCIS that you terminated your contract. You are not allowed to work for any other employer than the one named on your visa.
Upon completion of your contract, you have a maximum of 10 days to depart the USA. Since 9/11 US Immigration applies a zero tolerance policy and in order to not jeopardize future crossings, Employment USA strongly advise you to take care of your "status" at all times. It is imperative to carry your passport with you at all times, especially when traveling.

Please explain the various visa types?

H2A Visa

H2A is a non-immigrant, seasonal agricultural (farming) visa. Seasonal demands determine placement periods and can be for a maximum of ten months. H2A workers will receive reimbursement for their transportation costs to and from their place of employment. The employer at no cost will provide furnished housing for the duration of the contract; the employee is responsible for his/her own cooking and provision of food. Hourly rate is a flat rate (minimum "Adverse Effect Wage Rate" determined by the Labour Department - differs from State to State). No taxes are withheld. Employer provides Workman's Compensation or equivalent insurance for work related injuries.

H2B Visa

H2B is a non-immigrant, skilled or unskilled, non-agricultural visa. A H2B visa is mainly issued for the Service Industry, Manufacturing, Tourism, Trucking, and Construction etc. Once again seasonal demands determine placement periods and can be for a maximum of ten months. H2B workers have to pay for their own accommodation (normally $50 - $75 per week if supplied by the employer). Your transportation cost does not get reimbursed.

H1B Visa

H1B is a non-immigrant, specialty occupational visa. It requires a bachelor's degree or higher (or its equivalent) or 10 years relevant experience in specific specialty occupations. It is normally valid for 3 years, extendable for another 3 not to exceed 6 years.

J-I Visa

The J1 program is a cultural exchange program. It offers international students the opportunity to live and work in the US. The length of time an exchange visitor in student status may remain in the United States in J-1 status is determined by the general limitations for the category and the length of time needed to complete the exchange objective. Employment USA mainly works with organizations that use the 12 to 18 month programs. Employment USA is proud South African Country Partners of; IEE (International Education Exchange) MAST (Minnesota Agricultural Student Trainee) and InterExchange (Career Training USA). Please note that there are third party fees involved on the J-1 program and this are normally determined by the length of your program. Medical Insurance are also compulsory for J-1 applicants. $100 - SEVIS Fee (Payable directly to the Federal Government, only applicable on J-1 visas). Please ask us about the payment procedure.

What guarantee do I have that I will get what I've paid for?

Employment USA operates a full disclosure and reputable business. You will have an employment contract before departure, which will spell out all conditions of employment. Word of mouth is our best advertising and we strive to resolve all problems encountered. Employment USA realizes the implications involved in financing and implementing this life-changing decision.

What types of jobs are available?

Landscaping, custom application, custom harvesting, crop farming, feedlots, pigs, horses, poultry, dairy, bee keeping, ranching, mechanics, maintenance of machinery, electrical, steel construction, truckers, hotel workers, and life guards.

(If your line of interest is not included in the list above, please contact Employment USA and we will attempt to find you suitable employment. In the event that you are in the US and are offered a position with a US Company for the future, Employment Personnel can assist with obtaining necessary documentation).

Can I choose where I would like to go?

Yes, however, we cannot promise that we will be able to place you near any specific location, as it depends on what the labor market demands.

How soon can I go to the United States?

As soon, a job offer has been received from a labor certified employer. Availability of certain jobs depends on the time of the year that you apply. The late winter and early summer months (February through April) are generally higher agricultural intake periods, while demands for seasonal employees are lower during the fall and early winter months (October through December). Employment USA is pursuing contracts with employers throughout the States in different sectors, to offer our clients a wide range of variety throughout the year.

What is the maximum amount of time that I can work in the USA?

H2A and H2B seasonal visas are valid for up to 10months, but the period of the placement will depend on "what the season demands".

Do I have to return home after my visa expires, and how long can I stay without violating any immigration laws?

You have to leave within 10 days after completion of your contract. You have to ensure that your I94 is valid at all times.

What happens if I do not return home after my visa expired?

You will be deported. You will be placed "out of status" and this will jeopardize your chances of being accepted into the United States in the future. Employment USA will report candidates who pre-maturely leave their employment without returning home, to the USCIS in order to protect this program.

Will I be allowed to stay longer if my employer wishes to retain my services?

You will have to return to South Africa, but can pursue a placement the following season.

Will my prospective employer provide me with accommodation?

On a H2A visa you get free housing. H2B employers are not obligated to provide you with accommodation, however, we strongly recommend our clients to assist in finding suitable housing, which you are responsible for. In all instances it is your duty to upkeep your accommodations and the employer has the full right to "charge" you in the event that his property is not being looked after. Some employers demand a deposit.

What type of housing do they provide?

It could be a trailer home, or a rental apartment. Depending on the job, you might also be staying in motels. It can also be a room in a farmer's house. The State Labor Departments has set minimum requirements and enforces this strictly. This does not mean you will live in luxury, but the standards have to be met before the Labor Department approves the visa.

What is the hourly wage and will I get paid overtime?

The wages differ from state to state and obviously from job to job. Salaries start from around $8.00 per hour, up to possibly $10.00 or more depending on your qualification and skills. If you are on a H2A visa you do not get paid overtime (time and half) for over 40 hours, you just get paid your flat hourly wage. On a H2B visa, you get time and half after 40 hours. Also, remember that on H2A visa no taxes are withheld, and on the H2B visa taxes ARE withheld, but you can claim it back after the season. You cannot claim back any Social Security and Medicare taxes paid.

Will I get a Social Security Number?

Yes, as soon as you get to the United States and you have a valid visa in your passport, you can apply for a Social Security Number. (Contact Employment USA if you need assistance in this matter). Your Social Security card will indicate that you can only work with USCIS authorization.

Who will apply for the work permit?

Employment USA, LLC will take care of all of the legalities and paperwork.

Will I have the visa before leaving?

Yes, Employment USA will not allow any travel before the work visa has been obtained.

Must I organize my own travel plans?

We are working with various very reputable travel agents. Your agent can assist you with your travel needs or you can endeavor to make your own arrangements. You are required to supply a full itinerary to your agent in order for Employment USA to notify your employer of your arrival time.

Does my airfare get reimbursed?

Only if you are going to be working on a H2A (Agricultural) visa, 50% will be reimbursed after you've completed 50% of your contract, the rest when you're done with the job. In the event that you are dismissed while working on a H2A visa, your transportation cost does not get reimbursed. Total amount reimbursed would be equivalent to the cheapest fare available in the particular season that you are crossing.

Will I know in advance when I start working in America?

Your agent will have all of this information. In most instances, we will already have certification, and will only be awaiting USCIS approval. In some cases you might only have a few weeks to get everything in order to leave for the United States. Please indicate if you need more than a months notice in advance.

Would anybody meet me upon arrival in the United States?

This is the employer's responsibility and we encourage you to confirm your arrival date and arrangements with them prior to departure. The onus will be on your to take an additional bus trip to the nearest town. Your employer will meet you at a place that is convenient for them.

What happens if things just don't work out at my place of employment?

Inform us immediately so that we can handle the problem and resulting complications. However, should an insurmountable problem arise, inform Employment USA immediately. Only if there is no solution will we endeavor to accommodate both you and your employer. As this is an extremely difficult process at this stage, we encourage you to take at least one month to consider your decision. You have to settle into a different culture, but you are here to work, and as long as you do that, the Americans will love you.

What happens if the employer is not happy with me although I have tried my best?

The employer has invested a lot of money and effort in this venture; we seriously doubt that this will be an issue if you deliver the goods.

Are there any jobs available for women?

Yes, depending on what they want to do. In America women do everything and all sorts of positions are available. If you want to get placed as a couple, we need to know in advance and you might be limited as to where you could go, but it is possible as there is some request for couples.

Are there any jobs for couples?

See question 24 also. Yes, but it all depends if the American Consulate will issue the visas to couples, sometimes they do and sometimes they do not. (It does not matter if you have work authorization already or not.) We do not have any control over this process, and it will be a risk for you to take.

Can I bring my children with?

This depends on what visa you are coming on. If you come on an H1B visa, which is valid for 3 years, extendable for another 3, you can definitely bring your children if you obtained visas for them. You will not be able to get visas for your spouse and children on a seasonal visa unless you can prove very strong ties remaining in your home country.

What if I have a family member residing in the USA?

This has to be mentioned on your visa application. The consulate furthermore requires a copy of the relevant family member's visa, as well as any in-country-transfer documentation, to accompany your application.

Do I have to have my own medical aid/Insurance?

Your employer has to have workman's compensation, which will cover you for work related injuries. It is advisable that you take out alternative insurance for injuries/illness.

**If interested please fill out our contact form, so we can send you an application and discuss your individual circumstance to best meet your needs.

** Employment USA's experienced staff is definitely the group you want handling your plans to work abroad this season!