Yes. Exchange visitors may work overtime and on weekends or holidays and must be compensated at the legally required rate. Employers should not schedule excessive hours that prevent exchange visitors from having time for cultural exchange activities outside of work.

Yes. Exchange visitors apply for their Social Security number (SSN) after arriving in the U.S., so the card is not always available on day one. If an employer needs proof of an in-process application before the card arrives, the exchange visitor can request a receipt letter from the Social Security Administration at the time of application. Employers can accept this receipt as temporary confirmation while the card is being processed. Contact AWA if you have questions about accepting an exchange visitor before their SSN arrives.

J-1 exchange visitors are generally exempt from FICA (Social Security and Medicare) taxes as nonresident aliens. They are subject to federal income tax and applicable state income taxes. Employers must withhold and report income taxes accordingly. Consult your payroll provider for specifics.

Contact AWA immediately. Our 24/7 emergency line handles urgent situations. For non-urgent matters, contact your assigned AWA program coordinator. Do not attempt to resolve visa, legal, or immigration matters without consulting AWA first.

Yes, subject to current U.S. Department of State BridgeUSA regulations. Exchange visitors must reapply through the standard process each season. A proposed 2026 DoS rulemaking would limit total BridgeUSA SWT participation to three visits, but this rule is not yet in effect. AWA will keep host employers informed as regulations are finalized.