Avance USA utilizes a turn-key model of workforce marketing, recruitment and relocation that is heavily focused not just on recruitment, but retention of new hires and their families. We partner with companies and communities to develop targeted marketing campaigns, connecting with skilled workers in Puerto Rico and across the United States actively seeking new opportunities and ready to relocate. Serving as facilitators throughout the hiring and relocation process, we ensure a smooth transition for new families in the community. Working closely with local communities, we connect families with resources and encourage full community integration. Our business model is geared toward a successful outcome for all—companies, communities and candidates.

Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory since the late 1800s, is an island of approximately 3 million U.S. citizens, many of which possess a college or technical education along with skills that are in demand in the States. Some Puerto Ricans are open to relocation to the States due to a depressed economy over the past 15 years, anti-worker legislation passed in 2016 and the impact of a CAT5 hurricane in 2017 on the Island’s infrastructure. We offer what many are looking for: a variety of career options, permanent full-time positions, safe communities, good schools and lower cost of living. In addition to recruitment in Puerto Rico, we have relocated families from across the United States for new opportunities with our clients.

The quantity and quality of candidates that we can attract to the region is dependent upon available and affordable workforce housing, along with the wages and benefits being offered, strong marketing tools, and the wraparound services that Avance USA provides. We are contacted daily by individuals looking for new opportunities, many referred through others, and there is every indication that the trend will continue as the reputation and brand marketing of Avance USA grows and testimonials of positive experiences from those that have already relocated are shared.

Avance USA screens candidates based on English language fluency, education, employment history, employment references, skills and company/community fit as well as soft skills and their readiness to make a life change. Workers from Puerto Rico provide a carta de buena conducta (CBC), good conduct certificate issued by the state police of Puerto Rico, that indicates whether there is any kind of criminal history. Pre employment drug testing, health and skill screenings can be coordinated before a candidate travels. Additional screening that an employer conducts with all hires (Stateside background check, etc) are at the discretion of the employer.

All employer/employee relationships are structured as direct hire for permanent, full-time positions. Our role as marketers, screeners, facilitators throughout the hiring and relocation process serves to connect communities and companies with families and individuals seeking new opportunities. Employers that contract with Avance USA can expect to pay a flat placement fee when the new hire begins work. Additional costs for the employer include a relocation support package which typically ranges $3500-5000 (individual/family package) to cover costs such as initial housing and moving costs and transportation allowance. Most employers elect to have the new hire sign an agreement upon receiving the relocation benefits, requiring a portion of the funds to be repaid to the company should employment terminate before 12-18 months.

Avance USA provides a new hire guarantee for workers once payment has been made. If for any reason the new hire were to be terminated or would resign within the guarantee period, Avance USA offers a replacement candidate at a discount. The model and recruitment process utilized by Avance USA is geared toward a compatible match for the employer and long-term commitment from the candidate.

After an agreement has been signed between the employer and Avance USA, it can take any average of 30 days to launch the initiative and have new hires ready to interview and relocate. Variables include available housing, marketing tools, as well as the speed at which the employer responds to candidates, conducts interviews and makes hiring decisions. Once a candidate has accepted an offer letter, they are ready to travel within 1-3 weeks.