Each applicant is fingerprinted and their name run through Interagency Border Inspection System. A criminal history that includes any felony or serious offense results in ineligibility. Further review, if necessary, conducted by FBI.

• Medical Exam/Health Check

Each applicant required to undergo same examination currently required for federal residence status. Utah will apply same health-related ground for inadmissibility.

• Employer Sponsor

Employer can only sponsor an applicant if the position to be filled has been subject to appropriate notice and no eligible domestic workers have been identified for the position. Applicants who are not Utah residents must apply from their country of origin. Applicant must be sponsored within 90 days of registering as a worker.

• Surety Bond

Applicant must provide a minimum security bond with the intent of covering any cost of future enforcement if applicant does not honor terms of guest worker program.

• FICA and Medicare Equivalent Withholding

State of Utah will require employers to withhold an amount equivalent to typical FICA and Medicare withholdings (currently, about 15 percent.) Money will pay for health care and administrative costs of program.

• 10% Additional Withholding

This withholding will be taken out by the state and held in trust until the successful completion of the applicants guest worker status. Applicant is eligible for principle, while interest goes toward administrative costs.

• Health Insurance

All guest workers must be enrolled in a health insurance program. Employers may facilitate this requirement by providing employee insurance.

• Auto Insurance

Proof of valid auto insurance will be submitted to Department of Workforce Services. Expired insurance grounds for revocation of guest worker status. Waiver provided for non-drivers.

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E-mail: araymond@desnews.com