Global talent
J-1 program solutions for retail and grocery
J-1 students can fill seasonal roles at your stores. We run the program around you, working with Department of State-designated sponsors who select every participant.
45+
business clients served
Day 1
associates ready on their first shift
4
J-1 sponsor partners
$0
fees charged to workers, ever
Two ways to work with us
Alto as host employer: where our structure meets program requirements, participants are Alto employees. We employ and pay them, provide full-time on-site supervision and control the worksite.
You as host employer: your company hosts the participants. We manage readiness, sponsor matching, paperwork, housing, transportation and support. Participant orientation is run by the sponsor, not by Alto.
Sponsors screen and select every participant. Participants work in eligible seasonal roles only: no warehouse or distribution work, no jobs worked mostly between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., and no jobs that need a driver’s license. Participants never pay Alto a fee.
What we handle around your program
Role review
We check your roles, hours and locations against program rules before anything is agreed.
Sponsor matching
We introduce the sponsor partner that fits your roles, season and stores.
Paperwork
Host employer documentation prepared for your sponsor’s review.
Housing and transport
Arranged before participants arrive, with no car needed to reach work.
Ongoing support
A local contact for participants and your managers through the season.
Who J-1 programs suit
- Retail and grocery stores with summer peaks
- Resorts and hospitality businesses
- Employers with customer-facing daytime and evening roles
- Employers who can plan months ahead
How it works
Step 1: Check your roles
We review whether your roles and schedule fit program rules.
Step 2: Match a sponsor
We introduce you to the sponsor partner that fits your roles, season and locations.
Step 3: Prepare and support
Paperwork, housing and transport arranged, with support through the season.
Why Alto HR
A workforce partner that has worked the floor
Built by store operators
Founded by former big-box retail operators. We know the store floor, not just recruiting.
Local, not remote
Our office is in Miramar Beach. We can meet you in person and walk your store.
Ready on day one
Associates are screened and prepared before their first shift, so your managers are not starting from zero.
We carry the paperwork
Alto associates are our W-2 employees. We run their pay, tax forms and employment records.
What a client says
We were struggling with high turnover in our frozen foods section. Alto HR built us a reliable core team and handles everything. Scheduling headaches are a thing of the past.
Common questions
Can you guarantee a number of participants?
No. Sponsors screen and select every participant, and numbers depend on the program and the season. We will tell you honestly what is realistic.
Does Alto issue visas or program documents?
No. J-1 programs run through sponsors designated by the U.S. Department of State. Sponsors handle participant selection and program documents.
J-1 program solutions across the Florida Panhandle
We staff from Pensacola to Panama City, all from our office at 495 Grand Boulevard in Miramar Beach.
Keep exploring
Get a quote
A few details and we will send a quote within one business day. No commitment.
Prefer to talk? Call (850) 805-3774 or email info@altohr.com.