Foreign teachers who wish to teach in primary and secondary school
in the United States.may qualify for a J-1 teacher visa.
Who May Apply?
In order to apply for a J-1 teacher visa, the foreign teacher must:
- Possess the required qualifications for teaching in primary or secondary schools in their home country or last country of residence;
- Have a minimum of three years of teaching or related professional experience;
- Meet the teaching standards of the state in the U.S.where they will teach;
- Have a good reputation + character;
- Intend to enter the countryfor the specific purpose of teaching full-time at a primary/ secondary school that is accredited; and
- Haveenough proficiency in English to participate in the program.
What Are the Sponsor Requirements for this Visa?
Sponsors are an integral past of the
J-visa process. They must review and select qualified alien teachers who can positively
contribute to the education of US students and intend enter the country tolearn
U.S. teaching methods. Also, sponsors
must monitor the foreign teacher’s stay, make sure that they are adequately performing
their teaching duties, and ensure that they are participating in cross-cultural
programs where they can educate themselves about the US.
During the application process, sponsors
must provide the foreign teacher with the following:
- The length and location/s of the program;
- A basic summary of the coreelements of the program, which includes a statement of the teaching requirements and obligations; and
- A statement providing the details of the compensation packageas well asall other relevant financial arrangements.
