Are there any kinds of jobs that I cannot take?

Yes. Summer Work & Travel participants may work in many types of jobs. There are a few exceptions, however, which are listed below:

• Promote or work in any casino gambling floors as a slot host, cashier, or dealer. This includes other gambling venues, such as horse tracks and sports betting parlors;
• Work as a camp counselor under any circumstance;
• Work in positions that require you to treat patients, have patient contact, or provide in-home childcare;
• Work as domestic employee;
• Work in positions that require purchase of inventory or the leasing of equipment;
• Work in door-to-door sales;
• Staffing or temp agencies;
• Work at an employer’s place of residence (telemarketing, on-line business, travel agencies, etc.); or
• Employment establishments that are not listed in public records and phone directories.

Can I change jobs?

• Generally the YMCA does not approve changing of jobs. From time to time, some participants may have a very good reason to change jobs. In these instances, you must contact the YMCA before changing jobs. You may not change jobs without first: 1) contacting the YMCA; 2) submitting a new Employer Offer Agreement Form to the YMCA; and 3) receiving written e-mail permission from the YMCA.

Can I take a second job?

• Taking second jobs are generally approved by the YMCA as long as you first receive permission from your initial employer and it does not interfere with your work schedule established by your initial employer. However, you must first get written permission from the YMCA before you begin any training or working at the second job. The same procedure for changing jobs applies to taking a second job.

Does my employer need to confirm I am legally allowed to work in the USA?

• All employers are required by law to verify that all employees-- both US citizens and non-resident aliens-- are eligible to work. Your supervisor will ask to see your passport, the copy of the Exchange Visitor Visa Form (DS-2019), and your I-94 Entry Control Card. These are the documents that prove your eligibility and identity. You will also be asked to sign a form (I-9) that the host institution keeps in its files. The form proves that the host institution has verified your eligibility.

What if my employer says he can't pay me without a Social Security Number?

• Employers may be unwilling to pay you if you don't have a SSN because it makes payrolls difficult, but they are legally allowed to pay you as long as you have a receipt from the SSA proving that you have applied for the SSN.