General Guidelines

The J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued by the United States to exchange visitors participating in programs that promote cultural exchange, education, and training.  Below is the general overview of the steps involved in applying for a J1 visa:

1. Designated J-1 Visa Sponsors  - Sponsors are organizations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to administer J-1 exchange visitor programs. The sponsor will assist you throughout the visa J-1 via application process.

2. Know If You Are Eligible - The J-1 visa enables foreign nationals to engage in exchange programs in the U.S., including opportunities for teachers. Eligibility criteria for teacher applicants vary, and it is recommended to consult the program sponsor for accurate information. The general eligibility requirement includes:

• Educational Qualification - Teachers must have completed a degree from an accredited institution of higher education. In some cases, the teacher may be required to have a certain level of teaching experience or professional credentials.
• English Proficiency- Teachers are required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. This may involve taking a standardized English language proficiency test. 
• Employment Offer- Teachers must have a job offer from a U.S. school or educational institution. The employing school must be approved by the U.S. Department of State and be willing to sponsor the teacher's J-1 visa. 
• Program Approval- The teacher's exchange program must be approved by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). 
• Intent To Return- Teachers are expected to have a residence in their home country and demonstrate an intent to return upon the completion of the exchange program. 
• Cultural Exchange Component- The J-1 visa program for teachers emphasizes the cultural exchange aspect. Teachers are expected to engage in cultural activities and share aspects of their home country's culture with their U.S. students.
• Minimum Program Duration- The exchange program for teachers typically has a minimum duration requirement, often ranging from several months to a few years.
• Health Insurance- J-1 visa holders, including teachers, are required to have health insurance coverage for the duration of their stay in the U.S.

3. Apply To The J-1 Program- The sponsor will provide you with the necessary forms and instructions you need. This may include completing an online application and providing supporting documentation. 

4. Receive DS-2019 Form- Once accepted into the program, the sponsor will issue you a DS-2019 form, which is the Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status. This form is crucial for the visa application and embassy interview process. 

5. Pay The SEVIS Fee- Before scheduling a visa interview, you need to pay the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee. The fee supports the program and is used to maintain accurate and current information on exchange visitors.

6. Complete The DS-2019 Form- Before scheduling a visa interview, you need to pay the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee. The fee supports the program and is used to maintain accurate and current information on exchange visitors.

7. Schedule A Visa Interview- Schedule a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. Be prepared to pay the visa application fee.

8. Attend The Visa Interview- Attend the scheduled visa interview. Bring all required documents, including your DS-2019 form, DS-160 confirmation receipt, passport, visa application fee payment receipt, and any other documents specified by the embassy or consulate.

9. Receive Visa and Travel To The US - If your visa application is approved, you will receive a visa stamp in your passport. You can then travel to the U.S. within the specified entry period on your DS-2019 form.

     Resources: https://j1visa.state.gov/programs/teacher

• Must hold at least a bachelor’s degree (equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree) in education or in the academic subject field they intend to teach.
   

• Must have a minimum of two (2) years of full-time teaching experience at the primary, secondary, or postsecondary level outside the U.S.
   

• Must meet the qualifications for teaching at the primary or secondary level in schools in their home country.
   
• Must be of good reputation and character.
   

• Must demonstrate English language proficiency (speaking, reading, and writing) through a recognized test or a documented interview conducted in English.
   

• Must have an offer of employment as a teacher from a U.S. accredited primary or secondary school (public, charter, or private).
   

• Must be currently teaching in their home country at the time of application
   

• Must intend to return to their home country upon completion of the program to share the exchange experience and contribute to their home education system.
   

• The J-1 Teacher Program is valid for up to 3 years, with a possible 2-year extension (maximum of 5 years total).
   

• After the program, teachers may be subject to a two-year home-country physical presence requirement, meaning they must return home for at least two years before applying for certain U.S. visas or permanent residency.