Welcome! If you would like to invite a foreign teacher to work in a K-12 school in the US for 1-5 years, we can help you sponsor a J-1 visa thru the Bridge USA program. The State Department has designated CHF as an official sponsor since 1951. This video summarizes how we manage teacher exchange programs, or browse our website for specific info. Our Teacher Exchange page contains the most basic information.
Read the SET-UP GUIDE for detailed instructions.
As of September 15, 2024, no longer accepting applications for teachers at new schools for School Year 2024-25.
Watch our New Program Video in English http://vimeo.com/855693869
or Spanish vimeo.com/272480420
CHF Blog: http://j1visateachexc.blogspot.com
Relocation Guide for Schools
For more details, see the Host School Responsibilities page.
CHF Director Marianne Mason’s book J1 VISA UNCLOAKED may be purchased on amazon.com.
To confirm if a teacher is qualified for J-1 teacher visa, see ELIGIBILITY.
ELIGIBILITY
To qualify for J-1 teacher visa status, foreign teachers must:
(1) qualify to teach in K-12 schools in country of nationality or last legal residence
(2) have two years’ full-time teaching experience
(3) be fluent in English (able to speak and understand)
(5) be of good reputation and character
(6) work as a classroom teacher only full-time 32 hours/wk minimum
(7) have equivalent of 4-YR US university degree in Education or subject taught
(8) be currently working as a teacher
(9) intend to come to the U.S. for exchange, not work.
CANNOT:
(10) work as a principal, intern, tutor, counselor, coach, librarian, curriculum coordinator, or any staff position other than classroom teacher 32 hours per week
11) have worked in J-1 teacher visa status in the US during the previous 2 years
(12) work in day-care schools (except Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 for language immersion schools)
These federal laws are not flexible.
For a quick estimate of costs in various US states, click on:
Economic Policy Institute’s
Family Budget Calculator
Or click on this link:
Tax Withholding
https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator
HOW TO RENEW J-1 Teacher Visa
Teacher Costs Associated with J-1 Program – CHF
CHF is not a teacher recruitment nor placement agency.
For guidance on how to find a teaching job in the US, see CHF videos “How to Teach in the US” in English and in Spanish.
FEES
Click on Teacher Exchange link for fees.
Cordell Hull Biography
Cultural Activities
See examples of activities on the Cultural Activities page.
Teachers
CHF does not accept applications from individual teachers.
Click on Teacher Exchange for details.