Frequently Asked Questions

Camp America Work Adventures is a 12 month working visa programme for Australian/New Zealand citizens with student status. Below are some FAQ’s to help you with questions you may have before submitting your application. If you do not find your answer, click here.

• Do I have to work at a camp/resort for 9/12 weeks at the start of the working visa?
  Yes, this is a compulsory part of our programme. Advantages include – ability to work straight away without a Social Security Number, no need to worry about finding accommodation upon arrival, time to make contacts in the US for accommodation/work after camp/resort placement.
• Can I apply to be placed with friends?
  We encourage everyone who is eligible to apply, however we cannot guarantee to place friends together at camp/resort. If you will be travelling during the same program year as a friend, you can plan to meet up and travel together once your placement is finished. Please note one of the visa regulations is that spouses cannot apply together for this visa.
• How will I find a job after my camp/resort placement?
  Camp America work Adventures online participant site will have a job board and links to websites plus great tips on where to look for work. There will also be selected job opportunities through our resorts and camps.
• After the placement, what types of work am I likely to find?
  We expect most applicants will find jobs in tourism/hospitality industries (eg in restaurants, hotels, resorts, shop work, national parks). However, applicants on a similar visa have done a variety of jobs from working on a fish trawler in Alaska to caddie on a Californian golf course
• What will the rate of pay be at these types of jobs?
  Rates of pay can obviously vary a lot depending on the job and the employer. The rate of pay for retail work/resort work is usually around US$6-8 per hour.
• How do I find accommodation after camp/resort placement and how much will it cost?
  Camp America Work Adventures website will have information and links to websites. Your handbook will also include lists of hostels and other options.
• What visa obligations do I have after I arrive in the US?
  Once you complete your camp/resort placement, you will need to contact our US office with your updated contact address and employer details (or travel plans if not working). You will need to update our US office with this information every 60 days in order to revalidate your visa. This is an important visa requirement and failure to comply will mean that the visa is terminated. In addition, you will have to provide Camp America with the details of someone back in Australia/New Zealand (e.g. mum or dad) who we can contact in the event that we have trouble reaching you. Instructions on how to do this will be provided at your orientation.
• How long can I work/stay in the US?
  The visa allows you to legally work for up to 52 weeks. After the 52 weeks you will receive a further 30 days which can be used for travel (not work). Note, extra insurance must be purchased through Camp America before the end of the 52 weeks if you wish to stay in the US longer than 52 weeks.
• What if I want to come home before the end of the 52 weeks?
  You can return home anytime before the 52 week visa deadline without any penalty as long as you have completed your initial camp/resort assignment of 9/12 weeks. If you decide to leave, you must inform the Stamford office when you depart the US.
• Apart from the visa are there any other documents I need to find a job after camp/resort?
  Yes, you will need to obtain a social security number, which is similar to a Tax File Number. Details are in the Camp America Participants Handbook.
• Do I have to pay tax on my pocket money?
  You will usually get the camp/resort pocket money without any taxes being deducted (Your Camp America Direct personal page will show the pocket money you should expect to receive for your 9/12 week placement). After this placement, however, you will be liable to pay State, Federal and Local taxes on your income (approximately 10-12%). You can then claim for a tax refund after the end of the tax year you worked in (note, in the US taxes are calculated by calendar year). Camp America will give contact details of a company who can help you with this claim. Participants should not have to pay Social Security taxes, Medicare or Federal Unemployment tax.
• What is a W4 form?
  This is a form an employer will give you to complete when when you start work at any job, to make that you are taxed at the correct rate. Camp America will provide you with details on how to complete this form if you are having difficulty.