Making the Most of Your Two-Year Home Requirement

They say, if life gives you lemons, make lemonade!

And why not?

You may not deserve the lemons, but you know that anything that doesn't kill you makes you stronger, better, and wiser! Plus, the lemonade is heart!

Sharing some Q&A that may ignite a light and fire within you! 

Question #1: Is it OK not to teach again during my two-year home requirement? 

Answer: YES. Basis: https://www.pinoyteacherstories.com/2022/06/not-currently-teaching-eligibility.html.

Question #2: What Will I Do? How Will I Make the Most of My Two-Year Home Requirement?

Answers:

Teach again!

Generously share your US experience to your former school

Share your insights and learning to different schools and universities

Enjoy your money!

Start a business

Help in your family business

Write a book

Start a podcast

Visit the sick, old, and dying

Rebuild your relationships with family, relatives, and friends

Plant a tree/Garden

Shop galore!

Renovate your house

Sell the US stuffs you acquired through the years

Volunteer in schools

Volunteer in the orphanage

Be of service to non-profit organizations

Help your barangay

Travel within the Philippines

Travel outside the Philippines - but be wary of the number of days/weeks/months you are out because it will count against your two-year home requirement.

And more!

And then, you will realize the two years have passed you by that quickly!

Question #3: When can I start applying with J1 visa again?

Answer: Around 2-3 months before the end of your two-year home requirement. 

Question #4: When can I start applying with H1B visa again?

Answer: Around 6-8 months before the end of your two-year home requirement. 

Your Options to your next J1 stint or H1b visa opportunity:

1. Do-It-Yourself

2. Apply with POEA-licensed agencies in the Philippines

3. Apply with other third-party agencies in the US

4. Apply with Teach-USA

Enjoy!

Applying for a J1 Waiver with CFO-NOS

 

Let's make it clear:

The J1 visa program is only for three years plus a possible two years extension.

When you sign up with a J1 visa sponsor, you also agree to the following statements:

No change of visa status:

• I intend to enter the U.S. for the J1 cultural exchange program only.
• I will not seek to change my visa or apply for work visas.
• I do not intend to abandon my permanent residence and/or citizenship in another country.

If you'd rather wait for the right time, I highly suggest you do it and aim for the H1b visa instead. It might take time, but you will reap the fruits in the long run. Read to learn more: https://www.pinoyteacherstories.com/2022/01/which-is-better-h1b-or-j1-visa.html

But life does happen.

So, a J1 waiver is possible if you want to stay in the U.S. for good.

How? 

Read more here: https://www.pinoyteacherstories.com/2022/07/all-about-securing-waiver.html.

BIG QUESTION: When is the best time to apply for a waiver? 

ANSWER: After the approval of your extension (4th year). Otherwise, your J1 visa sponsor will disapprove of your request for an extension because that is part of the agreement you signed up - from the very beginning. 

CFO No Objection Statement UPDATES:

1. The application process is now open with the CFO - https://evpcommittee.ph/programs-and-services/no-objection-statement-nos-application.
2. Is the approval guaranteed? No. 
3. Will payment of fees and submission of documents guarantee approval? No.
4. Will my documents be reviewed for consideration? Yes.

SHOULD YOU TAKE THE RISK AND APPLY? With a meritorious project/proposal, go for it! Otherwise, two years in the Philippines isn't bad, if you prepared for it, right?

Here are some PROACTIVE TIPS BEFORE YOUR J1 VISA PROGRAM ENDS: https://www.pinoyteacherstories.com/2021/12/proactive-tips-before-j1-visa-program.html

Heeding The Call

It's Never Too Late To Try Again

Do you Hold A Doctorate in Education?

Apply for Your US Teaching License Now!

Insanely True!

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What Happens When Your J1 Program Ends? Refund Your Retirement!

 

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