EMPLOYERS PACKAGE
Overview
Guest Worker Programs are currently a Hot Topic. The government is constantly changing the laws and requirements for employers. The H2 guest worker programs has existed for many, many years and will continue on in some form for the many seasonal employers who need it.
The Need?
Hiring good, seasonal workers that are legal has been a problem experienced by seasonal employers for many years. The H2 Guest Worker Programs are a proven solution that fits that need.
The benefits:
Skilled workers. Most participants have work experience in similar work environments.
Dedicated workers. Our participants are willing (and most wish) to put in longer hours.
Loyal workers. Participants are with you for the whole season, which means no quitters mid season.
Legal workers. All participants have legal working papers, so no fear of losing your crew mid-season.
The costs:
The H2A and H2B Programs may vary in cost. Total employer costs for smaller H2 programs can be as little as $3,500. By all comparison these programs are a very cost effective solution vs the other alternatives.
The Need?
Hiring good, seasonal workers that are legal has been a problem experienced by seasonal employers for many years. The H2 Guest Worker Programs are a proven solution that fits that need.
The benefits:
Skilled workers. Most participants have work experience in similar work environments.
Dedicated workers. Our participants are willing (and most wish) to put in longer hours.
Loyal workers. Participants are with you for the whole season, which means no quitters mid season.
Legal workers. All participants have legal working papers, so no fear of losing your crew mid-season.
The costs:
The H2A and H2B Programs may vary in cost. Total employer costs for smaller H2 programs can be as little as $3,500. By all comparison these programs are a very cost effective solution vs the other alternatives.
PROGRAMS
Blends Travel offers employers in the United States and Canada an opportunity to internationalize their business by participating in one of Blends Travel's work exchange programs. Whether you hire an eager university student from abroad for the winter or summer season, or participate in the training of a newly graduated, highly skilled professional, your business will benefit from the new, fresh ideas and exemplary work ethic of our participants!
USA Work & Travel Program (J-1 Visa):
Participants work for up to 4 months during their university summer break;
Participants arrive during winter and summer;
No cost to the employer for this service;
If you hire over 50 participants, join us on our international hiring tour!
Internship/Training Programs (J-1 Visa):
Participants train in your business for up to l8 months;
All have experience or a university degree in the chosen field;
No cost to the employer for this service;
Highly motivated and eager to learn!
Hospitality Internship/Training Program (J-1 Visa):
Highly motivated Hotel Management and Culinary graduates train in your hotel for up to l8 months;
CHI offers participants from the top schools from around the world;
No cost to the employer for this service.
Short Term Enrichment Program (B1/B2 Visa):
Participants volunteer in your business for up to 3 months (6 months in Canada);
All volunteer participants completed a professional English Language program;
No cost to the employer for this service.
Contact us for further information on how you can become an international employer without leaving your country!
USA Work & Travel Program (J-1 Visa):
Participants work for up to 4 months during their university summer break;
Participants arrive during winter and summer;
No cost to the employer for this service;
If you hire over 50 participants, join us on our international hiring tour!
Internship/Training Programs (J-1 Visa):
Participants train in your business for up to l8 months;
All have experience or a university degree in the chosen field;
No cost to the employer for this service;
Highly motivated and eager to learn!
Hospitality Internship/Training Program (J-1 Visa):
Highly motivated Hotel Management and Culinary graduates train in your hotel for up to l8 months;
CHI offers participants from the top schools from around the world;
No cost to the employer for this service.
Short Term Enrichment Program (B1/B2 Visa):
Participants volunteer in your business for up to 3 months (6 months in Canada);
All volunteer participants completed a professional English Language program;
No cost to the employer for this service.
Contact us for further information on how you can become an international employer without leaving your country!
H2B Program
Blends Travel will connect you with our affiliates that will ensure that you are free of the day-to-day headaches and uncertainties of a very tedious process. They simply eliminate the risks to ensure you get the seasonal workers needed.
“NON-AGRICULTURAL” - H2B EMPLOYER REQUIREMENTS
Payroll Records:
Two years of employer’s payroll records may be necessary to demonstrate your peak/seasonal need.
Hourly Wage:
The DOL sets the prevailing wage rate based on the job to be performed. The employer is responsible for all regular local, state and federal payroll taxes, including paying Social Security and unemployment (FICA, FUTA and SUTA). The employer is responsible for assisting guest workers in obtaining Social Security cards upon their arrival.
Insurance:
Employer must provide workers’ compensation insurance for all guest workers.
Housing:
Guest workers pay for all their housing costs and related expenses. While employers are under no legal obligation to provide housing, it is preferred that arrangements are made for affordable and proper housing prior to engaging in the program. We can help.
Transportation:
Guest workers pay for their round trip transportation from their homes abroad to the place of employment. It is also the worker’s responsibility for daily transportation. If the travel distance is to great and/or public transportation is not available, then daily transportation will need to be arranged prior to engaging in the program. This also needs to be affordable and we can help.
Social Security:
When workers arrive employers are required to take participants to apply for social security cards. This is very simple, you can contact your local SS Office for instructions. We can help.
Work Supplies:
Employer furnishes all tools/supplies necessary to perform the work at no cost to the guest workers.
Environment: Employer needs to unsure everyone in the workplace will treat participants with respect and dignity.
The H2B Process for guest workers takes approximately 4 months, from the initial application to the arrival of the employee in the USA.
Step 1: They discuss your business and staffing needs to ensure the H2B Program will match your needs. They will need to collect and review payroll records for the last 2 years that are required in the program.
Step 2: They arrange your presentation of all paperwork and supporting documentation to file with the Department of Labor.
Step 3: Job advertisements are created and placed in local newspapers to ensure there are no suitable workers available. At the same time they start recruiting and screening international guest workers applications for you to review or you do the selection yourself.
Step 4: Upon receiving DOL approval, you decide which international guest workers to hire. They send Employment Agreements to guest workers for their signatures. For a very small fee background and drug screening can also be done.
Step 5: They submit H2B paperwork to the U.S. Government. Once approval has been received, they notify you and the employee.
Step 6: They arrange for employees to apply for the H2B Visa in their home country. After guest workers receive their visa, they arrange transportation to the USA, and to your location.
Step 7: Guest Workers arrive at local greyhound station and are your responsibility. On-going support is provided for both employers and guest workers.
“NON-AGRICULTURAL” - H2B EMPLOYER REQUIREMENTS
Payroll Records:
Two years of employer’s payroll records may be necessary to demonstrate your peak/seasonal need.
Hourly Wage:
The DOL sets the prevailing wage rate based on the job to be performed. The employer is responsible for all regular local, state and federal payroll taxes, including paying Social Security and unemployment (FICA, FUTA and SUTA). The employer is responsible for assisting guest workers in obtaining Social Security cards upon their arrival.
Insurance:
Employer must provide workers’ compensation insurance for all guest workers.
Housing:
Guest workers pay for all their housing costs and related expenses. While employers are under no legal obligation to provide housing, it is preferred that arrangements are made for affordable and proper housing prior to engaging in the program. We can help.
Transportation:
Guest workers pay for their round trip transportation from their homes abroad to the place of employment. It is also the worker’s responsibility for daily transportation. If the travel distance is to great and/or public transportation is not available, then daily transportation will need to be arranged prior to engaging in the program. This also needs to be affordable and we can help.
Social Security:
When workers arrive employers are required to take participants to apply for social security cards. This is very simple, you can contact your local SS Office for instructions. We can help.
Work Supplies:
Employer furnishes all tools/supplies necessary to perform the work at no cost to the guest workers.
Environment: Employer needs to unsure everyone in the workplace will treat participants with respect and dignity.
The H2B Process for guest workers takes approximately 4 months, from the initial application to the arrival of the employee in the USA.
Step 1: They discuss your business and staffing needs to ensure the H2B Program will match your needs. They will need to collect and review payroll records for the last 2 years that are required in the program.
Step 2: They arrange your presentation of all paperwork and supporting documentation to file with the Department of Labor.
Step 3: Job advertisements are created and placed in local newspapers to ensure there are no suitable workers available. At the same time they start recruiting and screening international guest workers applications for you to review or you do the selection yourself.
Step 4: Upon receiving DOL approval, you decide which international guest workers to hire. They send Employment Agreements to guest workers for their signatures. For a very small fee background and drug screening can also be done.
Step 5: They submit H2B paperwork to the U.S. Government. Once approval has been received, they notify you and the employee.
Step 6: They arrange for employees to apply for the H2B Visa in their home country. After guest workers receive their visa, they arrange transportation to the USA, and to your location.
Step 7: Guest Workers arrive at local greyhound station and are your responsibility. On-going support is provided for both employers and guest workers.
EMPLOYERS CONCERNS
What is a Guest Worker Program?
A program for employers to bring people to the USA to work legally as “Guest Workers” in positions that would otherwise go unfilled.
Is my business eligible for an H2 Program?
If you experience peak/seasonal hiring demands or for any special “one time” hiring needs you can qualify. We can discuss your needs to help you determine if you qualify.
What countries can we recruit workers from?
Our program participants can come from: Mexico, Jamaica, South Africa, Costa Rica, Barbados, Bulgaria, El Salvador, Greece, Peru, Nicaragua, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Philippines, Romania, Serbia, Spain, United Kingdom, Ukraine and others.
How do you get guest workers?
We can recruit new workers with relevant work experience for each specific position in the US. We can also process workers (family & friends) who have been referred to you by current employees.
How long does the process take?
The H2A process can take anywhere from 50–70 days. We prefer to start the information gathering process for H2A programs about 3-4 months before your workers would actually arrive. The H2B process can take anywhere from 95–125 days. We prefer to start the information gathering process for H2B program about 5-7 months before your workers would actually arrive.
Can I get the same workers the next year?
One of the biggest benefits is that workers can come back to you season after season. You already know them and they can hit the ground running from day one.
How long can workers stay in the US?
The H2 workers can stay up to 10 months and then are required to return home.
What positions can I recruit for?
Any position that is a seasonal need. In other words a position that you might hire employees for less than a year.
How much do they get paid?
H2A Workers are paid the Adverse Effect Wage Rate which is determined by the DOL. H2B Workers are paid at or above the Prevailing Wage which is determined by the DOL. This is probably very close to what you currently pay starting employees.
Please contact us to see how you can benefit from an H2 Program.
A program for employers to bring people to the USA to work legally as “Guest Workers” in positions that would otherwise go unfilled.
Is my business eligible for an H2 Program?
If you experience peak/seasonal hiring demands or for any special “one time” hiring needs you can qualify. We can discuss your needs to help you determine if you qualify.
What countries can we recruit workers from?
Our program participants can come from: Mexico, Jamaica, South Africa, Costa Rica, Barbados, Bulgaria, El Salvador, Greece, Peru, Nicaragua, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Philippines, Romania, Serbia, Spain, United Kingdom, Ukraine and others.
How do you get guest workers?
We can recruit new workers with relevant work experience for each specific position in the US. We can also process workers (family & friends) who have been referred to you by current employees.
How long does the process take?
The H2A process can take anywhere from 50–70 days. We prefer to start the information gathering process for H2A programs about 3-4 months before your workers would actually arrive. The H2B process can take anywhere from 95–125 days. We prefer to start the information gathering process for H2B program about 5-7 months before your workers would actually arrive.
Can I get the same workers the next year?
One of the biggest benefits is that workers can come back to you season after season. You already know them and they can hit the ground running from day one.
How long can workers stay in the US?
The H2 workers can stay up to 10 months and then are required to return home.
What positions can I recruit for?
Any position that is a seasonal need. In other words a position that you might hire employees for less than a year.
How much do they get paid?
H2A Workers are paid the Adverse Effect Wage Rate which is determined by the DOL. H2B Workers are paid at or above the Prevailing Wage which is determined by the DOL. This is probably very close to what you currently pay starting employees.
Please contact us to see how you can benefit from an H2 Program.
Why Blends Travel
If you seek a solution to your seasonal staffing needs, Blends Travel could be your best bet. As a Liaison we provide employers with qualified enthusiastic seasonal staff from around the world. This legal staffing solution will provide you with international staff for four months to a year, depending on the country of origin. Whether you need summer staff or winter staff, Our partners offer an exciting alternative that will not only fill your staffing needs, but also add an international cultural dynamic to your establishment.
Staff is provided from a variety of backgrounds with a wide array of experience in areas such as kitchen, maintenance, housekeeping, and office, among others. Their applicants are between the ages of 18 to 35 and are full-time university students in their home country or new graduates. All applicants are fully screened through a detailed application process and are evaluated on their language ability, if English is not their native language.
Blends Travel is dedicated to providing excellent and quality cultural exchange experience for all. We strive to ensure both participants and employers have a successful and enjoyable experience by providing individualized connection and ensuring each applicant is placed with a job or position that is appropriate to his or her skills and experiences.
As a liaison for most designated sponsor of a J-1 cultural exchange program, they ensure thorough screening of our applicants in other to enable the most positive experience for all, they take the time to screen each participant and employer for suitability to the program and their motivations for participation.
Programs
Blends Travel connects you with sources that offer a choice in how your go about the recruitment process. For those who want the option to recruit their own staff and want help in the facilitation of the visa process, they offer the Independent Option-Self-Arranged Job option. For those who would like support in finding quality staff and the ease of using matching service, some offer Placement Option.
Through the Independent Option- Self-Arranged Job Option, you have the flexibility of recruiting your international staff through your own efforts. Once you have hired an applicant, you simply have them contact your preffered source and they will finalize the hiring process. Your source ensures the applicant is provided with a formalized Placement Offer on your behalf and will provide all necessary documentation for the J-1 visa.
Through the Placement Option, you have access to Your preferred source`s individualized matching service and hundreds of pre-screened applicants. You simply tell them your staffing needs and they will make every effort to match your request with the skills and experiences of their applicants. Once you have selected your staff, they will provide a formalized Placement Offer on your behalf and begin to facilitate the J-1 process.
Benefits
Regardless of which option you choose, all employers will have access to a number of services and benefits:
In addition, for those who elect to participate in the Placement Option, you will also have access to hundreds of pre-screened qualified applicants and exclusive review of the applications that are sent.
How to participate
If you would like to join the program, please complete the following details and return the form to Blends Travel. As soon as we receive your form we will contact and direct you to our sources to discuss your staffing needs and answer any questions you may have. We look forward to hearing from you! To complete the form, please, Please contact us to see how you can benefit from the program.
Staff is provided from a variety of backgrounds with a wide array of experience in areas such as kitchen, maintenance, housekeeping, and office, among others. Their applicants are between the ages of 18 to 35 and are full-time university students in their home country or new graduates. All applicants are fully screened through a detailed application process and are evaluated on their language ability, if English is not their native language.
Blends Travel is dedicated to providing excellent and quality cultural exchange experience for all. We strive to ensure both participants and employers have a successful and enjoyable experience by providing individualized connection and ensuring each applicant is placed with a job or position that is appropriate to his or her skills and experiences.
As a liaison for most designated sponsor of a J-1 cultural exchange program, they ensure thorough screening of our applicants in other to enable the most positive experience for all, they take the time to screen each participant and employer for suitability to the program and their motivations for participation.
Programs
Blends Travel connects you with sources that offer a choice in how your go about the recruitment process. For those who want the option to recruit their own staff and want help in the facilitation of the visa process, they offer the Independent Option-Self-Arranged Job option. For those who would like support in finding quality staff and the ease of using matching service, some offer Placement Option.
Through the Independent Option- Self-Arranged Job Option, you have the flexibility of recruiting your international staff through your own efforts. Once you have hired an applicant, you simply have them contact your preffered source and they will finalize the hiring process. Your source ensures the applicant is provided with a formalized Placement Offer on your behalf and will provide all necessary documentation for the J-1 visa.
Through the Placement Option, you have access to Your preferred source`s individualized matching service and hundreds of pre-screened applicants. You simply tell them your staffing needs and they will make every effort to match your request with the skills and experiences of their applicants. Once you have selected your staff, they will provide a formalized Placement Offer on your behalf and begin to facilitate the J-1 process.
Benefits
Regardless of which option you choose, all employers will have access to a number of services and benefits:
- Professional and comprehensive support from a team of experienced staff.
- Detailed applications including three written references, a medical form and police background check for each participant.
- An Interview Report for each participant.
- International recruitment events for qualifying employers
- J-1 visa documentation
- Comprehensive medical insurance for your staff for the duration of their stay in the U.S.
- A comprehensive Participant Handbook
- Local orientation for each participant before departure to the U.S.
- 24-hour emergency assistance
- Youth hostel accommodation for participants upon arrival into New York City.
* Benefits are different for each company.
In addition, for those who elect to participate in the Placement Option, you will also have access to hundreds of pre-screened qualified applicants and exclusive review of the applications that are sent.
How to participate
If you would like to join the program, please complete the following details and return the form to Blends Travel. As soon as we receive your form we will contact and direct you to our sources to discuss your staffing needs and answer any questions you may have. We look forward to hearing from you! To complete the form, please, Please contact us to see how you can benefit from the program.