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News!
On 1st of March Smart Staff is participating at the 23rd Annual Job Fair organized by the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce Maryland!
Recruiting session on 5th of March in Chisineu, capital of the Republic of Moldova!
Recruitment trip at the end of March in the largest university centers of Romania: Iasi, Cluj and Bucharest!
Questions regarding Career Training Program
Q. What is the cost to host a trainee through Smart Staff?
A. There are no program fees to the host company to have an international trainee.
Q. Are there any requirements for my company to hire international staff?
A. There are minimal requirements for your company to work with Smart Staff. Partnering companies must:
1. Hold a Worker's Compensation Insurance Policy.
2. Have a Dun & Bradstreet Number.
3. Complete the required Smart Staff documentation.
4. Be validated by Smart Staff for program participation.
Q. When are trainees available?
A. Trainees are available throughout the year.
Q. How long can trainees stay at my company?
A. Trainees will be allowed to stay in the US for up to 18 months, with the exception of Hospitality trainees who are limited to programs of 12 months or less. On the other hand, exchange visitors who will be pursuing training in business management at a hotel will be allowed to train for up to 18 months.
Q. I know someone overseas whom I would like to hire as an intern. What is the next step?
A. Please contact Smart Staff and we will be able to assist you with the application process and training plans.
Q. What should I pay international staff?
A. You must pay international staff what you would pay an American employee doing the same job, while adhering to State Minimum Wage laws.
Q. Do participants have Social Security Number?
A. Yes. Participants will apply for a Social Security Number when they arrive in the US. They will receive a receipt that shows that they have applied for a Social Security Number. The card should arrive within 6 weeks.
Q. Am I required to provide housing for my trainee?
A. While any help finding housing is greatly appreciated, providing housing is not required.
Q. Am I required to pay their transportation costs?
A. No. Trainees are able to arrange their own transportation independently to the host employer.
Q. Are trainees covered by health insurance?
A. All trainees are covered by Accident and Sickness Insurance for the duration of their stay in the US. Smart Staff makes sure participants have insurance that covers them in the US and makes insurance available to those who need it for a small monthly fee. Participants pay for their own insurance.
Q. Are trainees required paying tax?
A. Participants on a J-1 Visa are considered non-resident aliens. They should not have Social Security (FICA), Medicare or federal unemployment (FUTA) taxes withheld. Please consult a tax professional to find out if participants are exempt from state unemployment taxes in your state. For more detailed tax information, please review the IRS's Employer Tax Guide and Publication 515 at www.irs.gov.
Q. What is required in the Training Placement Plan?
A. The plan should demonstrate a detailed outline of exactly what the training involves, including specific rotation phases and how it benefits the trainee professionally. Please ask to see the sample plan in the Trainee Application.
Q. I had a trainee all lined up, but s/he never showed up. What should I do?
A. Please contact Smart Staff. If your trainee was hired through Smart Staff, we would like to know if s/he did not show up for his/her program.
Q. My trainee left/got fired/quit. What should I do?
A. Please contact Smart Staff. Any changes in the status of a trainee should be reported as soon as possible.
Q. What do I do if I am not satisfied with my Smart Staff trainee?
A. If you feel that a trainee is not meeting your expectations, we ask that you first talk to them and make your expectations known. We have found that a frank discussion about their performance often solves problems. Smart Staff is also available to talk to the participant. If the situation does not improve and you need to replace the employee, please call Smart Staff so that we can assist the trainee.
Q. Do I have to prove that a US citizen would not qualify for this training program?
A. No. Proof that a US citizen would not qualify for this trainee program is not necessary because this is not a working visa, it is a training visa. The creation of an individual training plan demonstrates that you created a program especially for your international trainee.
Q. What level of support does Smart Staff offer employers during the traineeship process?
A. Smart Staff offers full support throughout the entire program to employers and participants.
Q. How long does it take to recruit a trainee?
A. On average, the process will take about 2-3 months. That includes the time it will take for the trainee to apply for a visa in their home country.