Q. Can I delay the start of work if I am pregnant at the time of receiving work authorization?
We would determine this on a case-by-case basis. Generally, you should be prepared to work while pregnant unless your health is at issue. If you are in your 3rd trimester, we would wait to send you to work until the baby comes and you are cleared by your doctor to start work.
But in most healthy pregnancies, the doctor is totally fine with work almost up until birth. Of course, any complications or circumstances might affect this.
Q. Can I take off time for maternity leave during my work commitment?
You will most likely not be eligible for maternity leave (with pay) if you have worked less than a year for your sponsor at the time of leave request. FMLA (the Family and Medical Leave Act) is not offered until after a year of full time work.
However, you may be able to request 6 weeks off after a healthy birth. Your sponsor could save your position for you to return and continue working when you are ready.
Q. Should I return to work after my recovery and make up the time I missed?
Yes. You should make up the time you were absent during your pregnancy/recovery. You should fulfill the contract of working for the sponsor for a total of 12 months.
Q. Can my Sponsor make lactation accommodations?
If you plan to pump at work, please let us know so we can contact the sponsor about possible accommodations. US employers are required to provide a space for you to nurse; see the Department of Labor guidelines here.
If you have not started work yet, our Client Services team may request a doctor's note describing how much time you need to recover and the date you'll be ready to start work.
If you have already started work, you will need to provide this doctor's note directly to your sponsor's manager or Human Resources.