The Recruitment Compass (TRC) is a licensed U.S.-based international recruitment company that connects qualified candidates from around the world with vetted U.S. and Canadian employers. We specialize in work visa programs including H-2B, EB-3, Canada work programs, Super Yacht (C1/D), and J-1 exchange programs.
Our mission is to stay with every candidate from the moment they apply to the moment they arrive — and beyond.
TRC officially launched as a company in August 2025 and was formally re-registered from a separate sole proprietorship to an LLC in January 2026. However, our founders have been individually and successfully bringing workers to America for over 5 years before TRC was established as a formal entity.
The company was built on years of real, hands-on experience — not theory. That foundation drives everything we do today.
TRC's founders bring over 10 years of significant experience in hospitality management, human resources, and international recruiting. This gives TRC a real edge — we understand both the employer side and the candidate side, and we know firsthand what it takes to get someone successfully placed and thriving in a new country.
Absolutely not. While TRC's founders and staff are from the Caribbean — which gives us natural strengths in cultural sensitivity and regional immigration experience — we welcome candidates from all over the world.
Some of our top candidates have come from the Philippines, Costa Rica, Canada, and many other countries. If you are qualified and serious about the program, your nationality is not a barrier.
There is no maximum age limit for TRC programs. However, all applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old to work legally in the United States or Canada
- Possess the physical capacity to perform the duties required for their specific role
Age is not a disqualifying factor as long as you are able to fulfill the requirements of the position you are applying for.
TRC is a registered LLC based in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. We encourage every candidate to verify us directly through the Georgia Secretary of State's public business search:
We encourage every candidate to verify us before submitting anything. Here is how:
If you encounter any of the following, stop and contact TRC directly to verify before proceeding:
The C1/D Visa is a combination visa for crew members working on international vessels — including luxury super yachts and cruise ships.
- C1 (Transit Visa): Allows you to transit through U.S. ports while the vessel is docked or sailing in American waters.
- D (Crew Member Visa): Allows you to work as a crew member on the vessel.
Through TRC's Super Yacht program, you are placed in crew positions aboard internationally-sailing luxury vessels. You live onboard with shared cabin accommodation, all meals provided, and crew facilities included — all while earning in USD.
The J-1 Visa is a non-immigrant visa for participants in work-and-study-based exchange visitor programs. It is designed to promote cultural exchange between the United States and other countries.
TRC helps connect candidates with reputable J-1 sponsors. Note that the J-1 sponsor organization charges their own program administration fees (typically $500–$2,000) per U.S. government regulations — TRC assists with the connection but does not set sponsor fees.
It depends on the program:
- H-2B & C1/D (Super Yacht & Cruise Ship): TRC's services are completely free to candidates. We never charge recruitment fees — the employer pays us. You pay the $205 USD U.S. Embassy visa application fee (a government fee, not a TRC fee). Extensions are $1,500.
- EB-3: There is a $3,000 program fee covering your full Green Card process — PERM Labor Certification, I-140 petition, document preparation, credential evaluation (for teachers and nurses), and case management throughout. Your employer separately covers the immigration attorney for the embassy interview.
- Canada: TRC's placement services are free to candidates. The Canada SAWP (Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program) government fee is $368.23 USD ($500 CAD), paid at the time of application.
- J-1: You pay the J-1 sponsor organization directly (typically $500–$2,000). TRC assists with connecting you to reputable sponsors but does not control sponsor fees.
- H-2B: Employer provides or assists with housing. $150 per biweekly paycheck, deducted automatically — no upfront payment. Shared accommodations. Married couples may room together; no co-ed or general family placements.
- EB-3: Employer provides a furnished apartment and covers first month, last month, and security deposit. $150 biweekly after the initial period. Salaries support independent living long-term. Only married couples may room together.
- Canada: Varies by employer and role — confirmed during placement. Some employers provide housing; others provide a housing allowance.
- C1/D (Super Yacht): You live onboard. Shared cabin with 1–3 crewmates. All meals, utilities, and internet are included — no separate housing cost.
- J-1: Varies by program and sponsor. Costs typically $400–$1,000/month, often in shared housing with other J-1 participants.
- H-2B: No. H-2B workers cannot bring dependents. You travel and live alone.
- EB-3: Yes — this is one of its biggest advantages. Your spouse and children under 21 receive derivative Green Cards and can accompany you. Your spouse can work freely in the U.S.
- Canada: Varies by permit type. Some Canadian work permit pathways allow spouses to obtain an open work permit. Confirm during your application.
- C1/D (Super Yacht): No. Crew members travel alone due to vessel space limitations and contract terms.
- J-1: Depends on your program category. Some J-1 categories allow J-2 dependent visas for your spouse and children.
TRC's Canada Work Program places international candidates with vetted Canadian employers through temporary work permit pathways. Canada is an excellent option for candidates seeking North American work experience in a country with strong workers' rights, competitive pay, and a clear route to permanent residency.
Starting on a temporary work permit and building Canadian work experience is one of the strongest foundations for permanent residency. Key pathways include:
- Express Entry — points-based federal system for skilled workers
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) — provinces nominate workers they need
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC) — for those who already have Canadian work experience
TRC's Canada placements are designed to support this longer-term pathway, not just a single work season.
Canada has strong labor protections for all workers including those on temporary permits:
- Minimum wage and overtime pay protections
- Paid vacation entitlements
- Protection from workplace discrimination and harassment
- Access to provincial healthcare (after a waiting period depending on the province)
- The right to change employers under an open work permit in certain circumstances
TRC places candidates in crew positions aboard luxury international super yachts and cruise ships using the C1/D visa. This is a unique opportunity to earn in USD, travel internationally, and work in a prestigious maritime industry — with your accommodation, meals, and utilities fully covered onboard.
Common crew positions across both vessel types include:
- Deckhands and yacht stewards/stewardesses
- Chefs and galley crew
- Engineering and maintenance crew
- Captain and officer roles (for qualified maritime professionals)
For entry-level positions, prior maritime experience is helpful but not always required. A strong hospitality, service, or maintenance background can qualify you. However, most commercial vessel crew members need:
- STCW Basic Safety Training — required for virtually all crew roles
- ENG1 Medical Certificate
- Specific qualifications for officer/deck roles
TRC will advise you on exactly what your target role requires during the application process.
Super yacht crew are paid monthly in USD. Because accommodation, meals, and utilities are fully covered onboard, your living costs are minimal — meaning most of your salary can be saved. Entry-level positions typically start at $1,500–$3,000/month and scale significantly with rank and experience.
On charter vessels, tips from guests can also be a meaningful additional income source on top of your base pay.
No. TRC does not charge candidates placement or recruitment fees for the C1/D program. You are responsible for the U.S. visa application fee paid directly to the government and any required maritime certifications you need to obtain. The vessel employer pays TRC's placement fee.
TRC operates under a strict no-refund policy across all programs. You are not paying TRC for a job — you are paying government visa application fees and, in the case of EB-3, legal and immigration processing costs. Once submitted, these fees cannot be recovered.
If you withdraw from any TRC program: You will receive a cancellation letter from the relevant government body that you may apply toward a future process, or you may choose to forfeit it. No monetary refund will be issued.
For H-2B and C1/D candidates: once your visa is approved and you begin working, your employer will reimburse your $205 visa application fee as part of your employment benefits.
TRC is dedicated to staying with candidates every step of the way — from application to America (or Canada), whether you are new to the program or a returnee. The TRC Aftercare Program is automatically included with your program upon payment confirmation.
- Resume preparation — presenting your experience in U.S. or Canadian employer format
- Visa interview preparation — so you arrive at your Embassy appointment confident and fully ready
- Overseas culture adaptation — practical guidance on life in the U.S. or Canada, from workplace norms to financial basics and building community
- Ongoing support sessions — TRC stays with you before, during, and after your arrival

