TIES Learning Exchange Visitor Teacher Application Process

Teacher Application:

Please submit an online application (click here). A TIES Learning staff member will review your request and send you instructions in case you need help. Be prepared to submit official documentation that substantiates your education and employment qualifications. Review the list of documents you must submit along with your application as follows:

Supporting Documents:

All applicants are required to submit the following documents along with their completed application:

• Passport: A scanned copy of your valid passport showing the photo, name, and issuance information. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the program’s end date.
• Resume or CV: An up-to-date chronological outline of your academic and work experiences, provided in English.
• Non-Tourist Visas: Copies of any previous non-tourist visas for the United States, including any past DS-7002 forms if you have participated in earlier J-1 Visa programs.
• Proof of English Proficiency: Evidence of an English proficiency test (such as TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, or a similar exam) taken within the last three years, if available. If you do not have a test score, we will reach out to you to schedule an online interview after you submit your application.
• Diploma or Certificate: A copy of your diploma or certificate in English or with an official translation. Your degree must be equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree in either education or the academic subject area in which you intend to teach.
• Credential Evaluation: Obtain a formal evaluation of your degree from a recognized credentialing service that states its U.S. equivalency. A course-by-course evaluation is not required for our purposes, although your school may need one if you apply for a U.S. teaching license.
• Teaching Certification or License (if applicable): Proof of your certification to work as a teacher in your country/region, such as a license or registration with a professional teaching body.
• Letter of Recommendation: A letter from a colleague or friend attesting to your good character, reputation, and teaching skills. This letter should be signed and dated.
• Employment Verification Letter(s): Letters from your current or most recent school employer(s) confirming that you have at least two years of teaching experience as a lead teacher or teacher of record in a primary or secondary school outside the U.S. (Note: Assistant, student teaching, or substitute experiences do not qualify). The letters should be signed by your current or former supervisor (in English) and include the start and end dates of your employment, as well as the grade levels and/or subjects taught. If you have worked at your current school for only one year, you will need two verification letters, including one from the current school.

For Applicants with Dependents:

If you intend to bring your spouse and children in the first year, please upload copies of the following
documents:

• Marriage Certificate: Must be in English or accompanied by an official translation.
• Birth Certificate(s): For each child, in English or accompanied by an official translation.
• Passports: For your spouse and children.

Please note that all documents uploaded with your online application must be officially translated into
English by either the university or a certified translator. We reserve the right to request additional
documentation if necessary.

Failure to follow these instructions carefully may delay your application.

Application Review and Evaluation

Once you submit your application, TIES Learning will evaluate your information and issues a
sponsorship decision within approximately 4 weeks. During this step, a TIES Learning staff
member may reach out with additional questions, to schedule a phone interview, or request
additional documentation.

Issuance of DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility

If we are able to approve your program, we will issue the DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility which
is required for the participant to schedule the visa interview appointment. It is then mailed to the
participant along with other important arrival documents. At this time, applicants are also e-
mailed instructions on how to apply for the J-1 Visa in their home country.

Visa Interview Appointment at the U.S. Consulate/Embassy

After making an appointment online, applicants attend an appointment at the U.S. Consulate or
Embassy with the original DS-2019. Visa approval and issuance is at the discretion of the
consular official. Visa appointment and processing wait times vary by city and time of year.
On average, this process takes 2-4 weeks. Up-to-date information can be found on the U.S.
Department of State website.