Eligibility Requirements of J-1 Visa
Eligibility Requirements of J-1 Visa
The J-1 visa is also known as the “Exchange Student/Visitor Program”, and it has specific requirements for eligibility and application. If you are a teacher or you meet the certain requirements, you may have the opportunity to teach in accredited primary and secondary schools in the United States.
Does J1- visa applicant need a sponsor?
Yes, to participate in the “Exchange Student/Visitor Program”, foreign nationals must be sponsored by one of State Department designated sponsors. Many J-1 visa holders are subject to a two-year home residency requirement, and the participant must return to their home country for two years after completing their program. Additionally, applicant must meet English language proficiency requirement, sufficient financial resources and maintain valid health insurance. However, the sponsored organization may need additional specific documents for the applicant.
What are the eligibility requirements to apply for J1-visa being as a teacher?
According to State Department, the applicant must:
meet the qualifications for teaching in primary or secondary schools in their country of nationality or last legal residence;
be working as a teacher in the home country or country of legal residence at the time of application, or, if not working as a teacher, otherwise meet the eligibility qualifications and (a) have recently (within 12 months of application) completed an advanced degree and (b) have two years of full-time teaching experience within the past eight years;
have a degree-equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree in either education or the academic subject field in which they intend to teach;
have a minimum of two years (24 months) of teaching or related professional experience;
satisfy the standards of the U.S. state in which they will teach;
be of good reputation and character;
be seeking to enter the United States for the purpose of full-time teaching as a teacher of record at a primary (including pre-kindergarten) or secondary accredited educational institution in the United States (pre-kindergarten teachers must teach full-time, and at the pre-kindergarten level, may teach only language immersion at an accredited host school); and
possess sufficient proficiency in the English language.
Generally, to participate in this program as a sponsor organization, they must
involve exchange teachers in school and community cultural activities; and
monitor the performance of exchange teachers in the classroom and in carrying out official responsibilities.
In addition to above requirements, the sponsor organizations must provide participants with the following information:
The duration and location(s) of the participants’ program;
A summary of the significant components of the program, including fees and costs of the program, a written statement of the teaching requirements and related professional obligations; and
A written statement that clearly indicates the compensation package to be provided to the exchange visitor teacher and any other financial arrangements relevant to the program.
What is the first step for J1-Visa application process?
The applicant must contact a designated sponsor directly to take part in one of the exchange programs. They supervise the application process and are the main point of contact throughout the exchange program process.
Note: this information provided here is for general information and educational purposes only, and it does not constitute legal advice.
