J-1 Exchange Program Sponsor: The TIES Learning program offers qualified individuals the
necessary J-1 Visa sponsorship to secure full-time, paid teaching positions at accredited K-12
schools. This initiative aims to facilitate a cross-cultural exchange of ideas between the U.S. and
other countries within American classrooms. Participants will gain exposure to American
teaching methodologies, while host schools’ benefit from new perspectives and cultural insights,
enhancing their students’ intercultural competency and fostering a global outlook.
As the official visa sponsor, TIES Learning will issue the required visa document (Form DS-
2019) for participants to obtain the J-1 Visa and teach in the U.S., as well as provide in-country
support throughout the program. Our sponsorship includes assistance with securing and
maintaining medical insurance, guidance for obtaining teaching certificates or licenses,
orientation and acculturation support, networking Opportunities, cultural events, ongoing
support, and access to a 24-hour emergency hotline. However, we do not provide housing or
transportation services. Schools can collaborate with TIES L Learning to place international
teachers in their institutions.
J-1 Exchange Program Cultural Component: The TIES Learning aims to give participants the
chance to engage with Americans, share their culture, enhance their English language skills,
and develop abilities that will benefit their future careers. With the help of their host schools,
teachers will create cross-cultural activities to share their home culture with U.S. audiences and
foster engagement between U.S. students and those in their home countries.
J-1 Exchange Teaching Positions: The J-1 Teacher program allows for full-time roles as the
lead teacher, responsible for delivering instruction, lesson planning, grading, and assessing
student progress. Positions can be offered for grades K-12 or pre-kindergarten if they are part of
an accredited language-immersion elementary program. Duties, responsibilities, hours of
employment, and compensation must align with those of similarly situated teachers in the
school or district. Teachers will be temporarily appointed to positions, even if they are
considered permanent, and these positions do not lead to tenure.
J-1 Exchange Program Duration: Teachers are expected to begin their program at the start of
the school year (Fall). The initial program can last for 1, 2, or 3 school years, with the possibility
of annual extensions up to a total of 5 years. This is a non-immigrant visa intended for
temporary experiences, and teachers are expected to return home upon completion of the
program. Non-immigrant visa applicants must demonstrate this intent to both the consular
officer and us to be approved for the visa.
J-1 Exchange Teaching Job Offer: The host school in the United States must provide a formal
written offer to the international candidate detailing the terms and conditions of employment,
compensation and benefits, and any costs or deductions involved. Schools are required to
include a copy of this offer as part of the application process.
Credentials Evaluation Report: All participating teacher candidates must submit a formal
credential evaluation report that they can obtain from a professional agency stating the
equivalence of their degree in U.S. standards. Degrees less than 4 years may not qualify as a
bachelor’s degree. The educational requirements are as follows:
The TIES Learning program’s requirement is that all participating teachers hold a degree
equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree (or higher) in education or in the subject they intend to
teach. As J-1 sponsor TIES Learning has the responsibility to verify their education and
experience to ensure their eligibility for the program and the J-1 Visa. To facilitate this process,
we require a formal evaluation of their teaching credentials from an accredited agency that
specializes in assessing the U.S. equivalence of degrees earned abroad. This evaluation
process is commonly used by U.S. universities for international admissions. Teaching
certification/license process also requires a credential evaluation report along with the
application.
Several organizations offer credential evaluation services. It is recommended to select an
agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services
(NACES). To secure a state teaching certificate or license, teachers must utilize services that
have been approved by the Department of Education in the state of Arizona. TIES Learning will
assist participating teachers with this process.
To obtain a credential evaluation report, requirements may vary by agency. Participating
teachers are required to provide a copy of their diploma and official transcripts or grade reports
issued by their university, often accompanied by translations (if applicable).
A general diploma evaluation typically costs between $100 and $200 as a base fee. The total
cost may vary based on the specific services requested, such as expedited services, the
number of report copies requested, and the method of document submission or report delivery
(U.S. mail/FedEx/electronic). The processing time after the submission of request and
documents can range from 1 to 4 weeks.
Teaching Licensure/Certification: J-1 teachers must comply with all state laws regarding
licensing and any other applicable requirements for teaching. It’s important to consider the
steps, requirements, and costs necessary for teachers to obtain the appropriate documentation
for employment at the host school. This process often includes submitting an application,
undergoing fingerprinting for background checks, having transcripts evaluated, and possibly
completing courses or tests. Both the school and the teacher should investigate these
requirements and timelines prior to applying to ensure that the teacher can obtain the necessary
documentation. Teacher will apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) upon arrival, which may
take several weeks and could affect these steps.
Medical Insurance: Teachers and their dependents are required to have medical insurance that
complies with the specific requirements of J-1 Visa regulations, and it is our duty to ensure they
are always covered by a suitable policy. Most school insurance plans do not provide all the
necessary coverage. New teacher applicants must purchase a policy from third-party options
offered by TIES Learning for the entire duration of their program participation. Teachers have
the option to enroll in both school-provided and third-party insurance policies to ensure they
meet the required coverage. It’s crucial for teachers to understand the anticipated costs
associated with any insurance policy provided by the school.
Cost of Living: Participating teachers should assess the various expenses associated with
relocating to the U.S. and will need assistance from the school to evaluate potential costs in the
host community, including housing and transportation options. During the application process,
teachers will be required to submit an estimated budget to demonstrate their ability to cover
these expenses. When calculating the total program costs, remember to factor in initial
expenses related to securing housing, such as security deposits, upfront rent, connection fees
for utilities like cable and internet, and any necessary furnishings, in addition to ongoing monthly
expenses. It’s important to have sufficient savings, as teachers may not receive their first
paycheck for up to 30 days. It is essential to thoroughly investigate public transportation options
in rural or smaller cities.
Taxes Responsibilities: Teachers should understand the expected tax deductions from their
salaries and that they will be responsible for paying applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Generally, a J-1 teacher is classified as a Non-Resident alien for tax purposes during their first
two years. Therefore, a teacher may transition from Non-Resident to Resident status during
their program, leading to changes in tax withholdings from their paycheck. While classified as
Non-Resident, teachers should not be required to pay FICA (Social Security and Medicare) or
FUTA (Unemployment) taxes. However, J-1 teachers are subject to all other federal, state, and
local taxes unless exempted under specific country tax treaties. It’s also important to note that J-
1 visitors may need to comply with the requirements of the Patient Protection and Affordable
Care Act (PPACA), which is based on the teacher’s tax status as a Resident. TIES Learning
provides guidance for Non-Residents to assist with federal tax returns, which also allows
teachers to file state taxes.
These components work together to create a comprehensive framework that supports
international educators in their teaching journey while fostering cultural exchange between the
U.S. and other nations.
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