Getting a job in the US? Know your payroll rights before the system fails you

Time of India

7 days ago

When a US-based employee recently posted on Reddit about a paycheck that simply never arrived, the response from their manager was what drew the most outrage.
'There have been a few glitches lately.
Just trust the system. It usually works itself out.'
The original post described how the worker waited days, sent emails, followed up multiple times, only to be told it was a 'system error.' Four days later, it was finally acknowledged as a payroll mistake. But the check still hadn't landed.
The viral post echoed what many fresh graduates and international workers in the US have begun to quietly experience: payroll systems that glitch, human error that goes unaddressed, and a workplace culture where the burden of resolution falls squarely on the employee.
Check the viral Reddit post below:
Viral Reddit post highlighting an issue of delayed paycheck in the US.
For students stepping into their first jobs in the US, this isn't just frustrating, it's a sign that career education must extend beyond resumes and interviews to include something far more fundamental: getting paid.
Payroll glitches are real and rising
Reports of missed or delayed paychecks aren't isolated. Online forums like Reddit, Glassdoor, and Blind have seen a noticeable uptick in complaints from employees across industries like tech, healthcare, education, and even finance, who report payment delays ranging from a few days to several weeks.
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Sometimes the explanation is software migration. Other times, it's payroll outsourcing, misclassification of employment status, or simple mismanagement. But the outcome remains the same: employees go unpaid, and the resolution process is unclear, slow, or non-transparent.
What's more alarming is the casual way many employers handle it. In several reported cases, HR departments have failed to respond promptly, or managers have advised employees to 'be patient.'
Young professionals and international workers hit hardest
For recent graduates, especially those on OPT (Optional Practical Training) or H-1B visas, a missed paycheck is more than an inconvenience. It can mean overdue rent, credit card penalties, or even visa-related complications if employment terms are violated.
Many hesitate to raise concerns, fearing that being labeled as 'difficult' could affect job security or long-term immigration plans. For some, the fear of rocking the boat is so strong that they absorb the financial stress in silence.
This power imbalance, where workers don't feel safe or equipped to demand what they're legally owed, highlights the urgent need for better financial and legal orientation for international hires.
Why this needs to be part of career education
While universities and overseas education consultants offer ample guidance on securing internships, crafting resumes, and cracking job interviews, there is a significant gap when it comes to real-world workplace literacy.
Understanding how the payroll system works, reading a pay stub, recognizing unlawful deductions, and knowing when and how to escalate issues are crucial aspects of professional life, especially in a foreign country.
Without this knowledge, new hires often enter their first jobs unprepared for basic but critical aspects of employment, making them vulnerable in situations that demand clarity and assertiveness.
Know your payroll rights in the US
Whether you're heading to the U.S. on OPT, a full-time role, or even a paid internship, these are your basic rights:
You must be paid on time, usually weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, depending on your employer's stated schedule.
Delays without a valid reason may violate US labour laws. Each state has its own rules, but most treat missed or late wages as a serious offensc.
You are entitled to a written pay stub. This includes gross pay, hours worked, taxes deducted, and net pay.
Always keep documentation including offer letters, pay slips, and email communication with HR or payroll.
If issues aren't resolved internally, you can file a formal complaint with your state's Department of Labour.
Following up on pay isn't 'ungrateful.' It's your legal right and a basic professional responsibility.
It's not just about fixing software
Companies often blame payroll errors on technology, but the deeper issue is one of responsiveness and responsibility. When something as fundamental as a paycheck is delayed, the system shouldn't expect silence or blind trust, it should expect scrutiny.
As the global workforce becomes younger, more remote, and more international, ensuring on-time payment is not just a legal obligation, it's an ethical one.
The bottom line
Before you sign that US offer letter, don't stop at the salary figure. Ask:
When will I be paid?
Who handles payroll?
Will I receive regular pay stubs?
What's the process if there's a delay?
Because while your skills may have landed the job, understanding how your paycheck works, and what to do if it doesn't, is what will help you stay secure, confident, and in control.
In today's workplace, trusting the system only works if the system is designed to earn that trust.
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