For Teachers

J-1 Teacher Exchange Program

J-1 Exchange Teachers are part of a long and rich history of cultural exchange in the United States.

Are you a teacher who is passionate about cultural exchange and interested in teaching in the United States on the J-1 Visa? Let’s see if you qualify!

How to Qualify

If you are currently a teacher outside the US, and have at least two years of teaching experience and meet the following qualifications:

  1. You have at minimum a Bachelor’s degree in Education/Teaching or the subject field that you intend to teach.
  2. You are a licensed teacher in your home country
  3. You possess an advanced level of professional written and spoken English

1. Find a US Host School

The first step is to get a written job offer from an accredited school in the US. Need our help? Carefully review the requirements above and submit a contact request.

2. Apply for the Visa

The next step is to go through the visa sponsorship process with ACS. We will screen your application to make sure that you are eligible for the J-1 visa and meet ACS criteria. Once approved for sponsorship, you will attend an interview at a US Embassy to obtain your visa.

3. Travel to the US

Now that you have your visa, it is time to travel to the US to start your J-1 Teaching Program! We are here to support you every step of the way.

Budgeting for Your Program

It’s important to financially prepare for your time in the US

As a J-1 Teacher, you will be a salaried employee of your US Host School. The cost of living in the United States varies greatly depending on where you are living. Please visit our costs page to see detailed information regarding ACS fees, insurance fees and information, United States tax information, and other estimated expenses.

Program Fee Refunds:

Prior to issuing the sponsrship, ACS will offer a full refund for any reason.

After ACS has issued the SEVIS Number/DS2019 form, we will offer a full refund minus $100 for any of the following reasons:

  • Visa denial at the embassy and the applicant wishes to withdraw their application, without seeking a second interview
  • Applicant no longer wishes to pursue the program for any reason
  • Host school no longer wishes to pursue the program for any reason

NO REFUND shall be provided after which a visa has been obtained by the participant.