OUR 6-STEPS INTERNATIONAL TEACHER RECRUITMENT PROCESS

The process begins by identifying qualified educators who meet the specific regulatory requirements for the J-1 Visa.

• Qualifications: Verify the candidate has a degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s in education or the subject they intend to teach.
• Experience: Ensure they have at least 2 years of full-time teaching experience.
• Language & Character: Conduct interviews to assess English proficiency and perform initial background/reference checks.

Once a pool of candidates is vetted, the agency must align them with accredited U.S. K-12 host schools.

• Needs Assessment: Determine the school’s specific subject gaps (often STEM, Special Education, or World Languages).
• Interviews: Facilitate virtual interviews between the school administration and the teacher.
• Offer Letters: Ensure the host school provides a formal offer that outlines salary (comparable to local U.S. teachers), duties, and contract dates.

The agency acts as the liaison between the teacher and a Department of State-designated J-1 Visa Sponsor. The sponsor is the entity that actually "sponsors" the visa, not the school or the agency.

• Documentation: Collect and submit transcripts, teaching licenses, and financial support evidence to the sponsor.
• The DS-2019: Upon approval, the sponsor issues Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility), which is the primary document the teacher needs to apply for the J-1 visa.

With the DS-2019 in hand, the agency guides the teacher through the formal U.S. immigration process.

• SEVIS Fee: Ensure the I-901 SEVIS fee is paid.
• DS-160: Assist the teacher in completing the online Nonimmigrant Visa Application.
• Interview Prep: Coach the candidate on the visa interview, emphasizing the "exchange" nature of the program and the intent to return home after a maximum of 3 or 5 years.

 Before the teacher departs, the agency must ensure they are prepared for the cultural and professional shift.

• Orientation: Cover mandatory topics such as U.S. classroom management, health insurance requirements, and J-1 regulations (e.g., no unauthorized moonlighting).
• Housing & Travel: Assist the teacher in finding safe, affordable housing near the school and coordinating arrival logistics.

 The J-1 program is a cultural exchange, not just a work visa. The agency and sponsor must monitor the teacher’s progress throughout the year.

• Cross-Cultural Activities: Ensure the teacher completes at least two cultural exchange activities per year (one in the school and one in the community).
• Compliance: Monitor the teacher's status and assist with annual extensions if the host school chooses to keep the teacher for additional years (up to the 5-year limit).