The World is a Classroom – Use the USA as your Teaching Board

The United States of America thrives on diversity and a melting of ideas and culture hub. Whether you want to teach at a K-12 school or lecture in a university as a visiting scholar, the United States offers you an opportunity.

If you have a public teaching background, you might want to try coming to the USA on a J-1 visa for teachers. You gain experience as an international teacher, teach in the USA. in a multicultural environment, try local cuisine and explore new things.

 The country needs international teachers to fill in for its teacher shortage, and if you have what it takes to handle this position, try the J1 Visa program. Teachers begin a rewarding journey as they share their rich exchange of knowledge and values.

Read: Which Is the Fastest Way to Pay Sevis Fee?

What is a J-1 visa?

A J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa category that allows individuals to participate in exchange visitor programs in the United States for up to 3 years. Teachers use the J-1 Teacher Exchange Program to enhance their teaching skills, experience the U.S education system, and engage in cross-cultural exchange.

How long is a J-1 visa valid?

The J-1 visa is valid for up to 3 years.

What are the qualifications for J-1 visas?

·         Sponsorship:  The J-1 Teacher Exchange Program requires teachers to have sponsorship from an approved exchange program sponsor, such as an educational institution, government entity, or cultural exchange organization

·         Teaching qualifications:  As an international teacher, you must meet the USA teaching standards. Your degree must be equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree in the subject you want to teach. 

·         English-speaking: You must be proficient in the English language.

·         Actively teaching: You must be currently teaching at the time of your application to be eligible for the program.

·         At least two years of experience: You need experience in the field of education and must also satisfy the requirements in the state where you wish to teach.

·         A temporary stay: A J-1 Visa is a temporary exchange only, not a Green card to stay in the  U.S. In addition, character and reputation play a solid role in teaching in the U.S.A.

What is the difference between a J-1 visa and an H-1B visa?

An H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. employers to temporarily hire foreign professionals with specialized knowledge and expertise in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (S.T.E.M.) and other professional occupations.

1.      The H-1B visa allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialized occupations.

2.      The J-1 visa is for individuals participating in cultural exchange programs.

3.      The H-1B visa requires employer sponsorship.

4.      The J-1 visa requires sponsorship from an approved exchange program.

What is a J-1 Teacher Visa?

The J-1 teacher visa is a non-immigrant cultural exchange designed for teachers with certain qualifications who wish to teach in accredited primary and secondary schools for up to three years with the possibility of a one—or two-year extension.

Read: Everything You Need to Know About SEVIS

Key Documents Required For J-1 Teacher Visa

1.      DS-2019

2.      DS-160 Online Non-immigrant Visa Electronic Application

3.      Sponsorship letters

4.      Offer letter from a listed school

5.      Valid passport

6.      Recent photographs

DS-2019 and the sponsorship letter are the main forms for a J-1 teacher visa.

Certification and Qualifications

1.      International teachers must meet both their home country’s and the United State’s teaching qualifications. The teacher must hold a bachelor’s degree in education or the specific subject area they plan to teach.

2.      You need to complete an accredited teacher preparation program.

3.      You must pass the U.S state-specific certification exams

Application Process

You can qualify for the J-1 visa for teachers under the Teacher Exchange Program if a teacher exchange program sponsors you. Here is the process to become a teacher in the United States:

Find a sponsor: You must find a J-1 sponsoring organization in the U.S.

Submit DS-2019: Before scheduling an interview at the United States consulate or embassy, you should complete the DS-2019 form or the “Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status.”

Pay SEVIS 1-901: Pay SEVIS 1-901 with the Pay4Me App. 

SEVIS fee for J-1 scholars

J-1 scholars must pay their SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee. The Pay4Me App makes it seamless and fast when you use it as your payment platform.

How to Pay SEVIS Fee for J1 Visa?

1. Download the Pay4Me App from App or Play Store. Register using personal details such as email address, full name, phone number, and country of residence.

2. Begin your payment by navigating to payments and selecting SEVIS fee for J1 visa.

3. Upload your SEVIS fee coupon either in PDF or a screenshot.

4. Pay your SEVIS fee in local currency using instant bank transfer or a local card.

What is a Visiting Scholar?

 A visiting scholar is any academic temporarily relocating to another university in another city or country.

J1 Visa Professors and Researchers

A qualified researcher or professor using the J1 visa must:

a.       Be teaching, lecturing, consulting, observing, conducting research at an accredited post-secondary school, research institutions, corporate research facilitates, and others

b.      The person must not be in a tenure-track position.

J1 Visa Professor & Researcher Validity Time

Professors and scholars get a period of stay for up to 5 years. Meanwhile, professors and researchers under a J1 visa who finish a program at one school (or institute) but do not use up the five years can:

a.        Extend the current J1 visa program to a maximum of 5 years

b.       Transfer to another school (or institute) to use up the maximum of five years, or (3) return to their home country.

J1 Visa Short-Term Scholar

A qualified short-term scholar under the J1 visa must be:

a.       a professor, research scholar, or in another similar position, and

b.       is coming to the United States to observe, lecture, consult, attend professional meetings, participate in workshops, conferences, seminars, or train (or other special skills) at post-secondary schools), research institutions, libraries, or museums.

c.       The maximum period for a short-term scholar under the J1 visa is six months, and no extensions are permitted.

Read: Paying SEVIS Fee for J1 Visa: A Comprehensive Guide

Final Thoughts

The J1 Visa Exchanges make it easier for international teachers who want to make a positive impact in American classrooms. These exchanges promote educational enrichment and cultural understanding by connecting international teachers with U.S. students.

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