- The J1 visa program is only valid for three years plus two years of possible extension - for a total of five years.
- Teachers under the program are subject to Immigration and Nationality Act Section 212(e) two-year home requirement. This means that unless you are exempt, as stated in your passport and DS 2019 form, you have to go home for two years after the end of the J1 program before you can re-apply again. Some teachers luckily receive an exemption in their visa passport stamp for whatever reason.
- You can waive the two-year home requirement through waiver application.
The J1 visa program to those who started in SY 18-19 is coming to its end. Some teachers are suddenly alarmed and panicky!
Mmmm, I wonder why?
Could it be that:
- They have spent all their US dollars and have not prioritized paying off their debts?
- They have forgotten why they applied for the J1 visa program in the first place?
- They have enjoyed the $5000-$10000 credit cards - the credit agencies willingly approved them and maxed it out?
- They have bought all the earthly branded things the US dollars can buy and saved none?
- They have traveled galore as if there's no end to the program and spent their money unnecessarily?
Because suddenly some turned into VICTIM mindset:
- Blaming agencies who helped them teach in the US.
- Blaming their J1 visa sponsors for the yearly renewal of their visa and/or dependent's visas.
- Blaming the Department of Education in the Philippines for forcing them to resign. (But what's fair? Keep their jobs in Dep Ed while they earn dollars?)
- Blaming the Philippine government for everything!
- Blaming everyone but themselves for not SAVING enough money or prioritizing the use of their US dollars?
Or do you now point fingers at your spouse and children because they are in the US with you as well?
Remember, choosing to bring your family to the US vs. saving tons of money living singly in the US is a choice.
If you chose and decided to bring your family to the US, you have given your family the US experience and US education. And no one can take that away from them.
There is nothing wrong with lavish spending and traveling if you have your ducks in a row and have pre-planned the financial aspect of your life. (Yes, even before deciding to have your family join you here in the US).
As always, correct budgeting, goal planning, and living within your means would save you from all the fears you feel now if you are one of those "some teachers."
And why be afraid to go home?
- You have earned and gained five years of US knowledge, skills, and experience. (Plus all the benefits and perks of travels and outlet sales and discounts!) Are you too proud to apply as a teacher to Philippine schools again?
- Or is it because you have not paid your debts in the Philippines after enjoying your five years of stay in the US?
- Or is it because your values have changed? You no longer want to go home because the Philippines isn't the USA that provides free toilet papers in public establishments?
- Or that the teacher's salary in the Philippines is way too low, and you can't accept that anymore?
- Or are you afraid because it involves some moral actions I'd rather not say...
- Or you do not want to go "back to zero" again, which is inevitable since change always means going back to zero (in some aspects)?
Whatever your reasons are, please remember you are way better than your victim mindset. Being RESPONSIBLE with your choices and actions is still the best way to go.
Now, if you haven't done so, adjust your budgets and stop the unnecessary spending!
And please do not make the "holidays" your "another excuse" to buy all the sale items in the outlet stores and travel galore!
CHOOSE WELL!
STOP THE BLAME GAME.
BE HUMBLE.
I hope you will remember when you begged God to give you this "teaching in the US" dream some four years ago. And how you prayed and prayed for God to make it come true.
And then, He did.
Did you forget about Him?
"Fear not," He says, "for I am with you." That still holds, teachers, wherever you are! It's time to trust God once more!
AND FEAR NOT!
You are wiser, bolder, and more confident.
And your family, relatives, and friends in the Philippines await your homecoming!
Related post: PERMANENTLY RESIDE IN THE US (VIA J1 VISA): YOUR OPTIONS
Very well said. The fact that teachers know that the J1 visa is not for good and that they should go back to their home country, then they have to accept that. Being able to teach in the US definitely made them better teachers and individuals. I hope to be part of this program soon.
ReplyDeleteTrue! Go for it! See https://www.teach-usa.net to know more.
ReplyDeleteI don't fear about going home i knew it from the start.
ReplyDeleteLife and work has to be balance. As the saying goes "All work and no play will make you sad and grey". lol😁😁😁 Well, i am one of those who do "travel galore" as what you call it. Yeah I have travelled to a fair amount of places in the US almost all states i also bought myself things in the outlets haha. But doesn't mean spending all my US dollars lol🙄😂. Only stupid will do that🙄🙄😁
PS.
i'm debt free in ph, bought some properties, had some savings in the bank
from:
SOMEONE WHO DOESN'T FEAR TO GO BACK TO THE PHILIPPINES
Good for you! Sana all! :)
ReplyDeleteDon’t save what is left after spending; spend what is left after saving.
ReplyDeleteI set my mind that if given the opportunity to work in the US, a 5-year duration is the maximum. Honestly, worry is something I battle with, but experiencing God's unwavering love and overflowing grace give me a sense of security that He has and will always guide me along the way.
ReplyDeleteThat's my mindset when I was still in the Philippines. 5 years max is enough. But when I experience all the opportunities here, I rather stay here and find ways to bring my family so that they can have more opportunities as well.
DeleteApplying as a J1 Visa teacher is my deepest cry to God. For the welfare of my children and for the medication of my husband. These are the reasons why I strived so hard for this. To be totally debt free. To live a life that is full of joy happiness and of abundance. Thats all my dream. So I will not make used of my money to unneccesary nonsense things. I need to be frugal and know how to manage my resources. I will not live beyond my means. I will be very thrifty enough so I could save for the future. Avoiding going somewhere else during freetime and make some luxurious life in the Phils. We should give value for every dollar that we earned. And to be totally free from debt, ill pay all my debts in the Philippines and remain living simply here in the US
ReplyDeleteKnowing that the Visa will expire in 2-3 years, I should prepare financially. Maybe a vision board will help to remind me of the things I need to do again when I am back home. To acquire a J1 visa is a big responsibility and a big privilege as well. And the last thing I want to do is to blame other people for my own actions.
ReplyDeleteAs an adult, I have to take full responsibility of my actions. As teachers, I teach values to my students. It's imperative that I walk the talk, or else I will just be a dead man talking. I would love my kids to be with me when I teach in the US, but I will be mindful of my spending. Life is a beautiful journey. Let's be wise and act our age because all the actions that we take have consequences. Remember, everything changes.
ReplyDeleteCollaboration 33b
ReplyDeleteThe article is straightforward and I appreciate it. This reminds us the attitude that we shouldn't be at the end of the program and be grateful instead. It is also true that we should remember that this is an answer to our prayers before. We begged for this. We cried a lot for this. That means, we should take care of this and be grateful. Be wiser also with finances.
Collaboration 33B
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the article, my mind has accepted what will happen to me when the time comes that teaching career ends in America. I must be thankful and grateful for this opportunities because not all are given the chance to do so. Also, this is something that I have prayed for, have worked hard and I have thanked God for this experience. I will work and live my life to the fullest in America. I will keep and stay with my future plans. I will not spend all the dollars I have earned for things which are not necessary. I must have enough money and I will be financially stable when I go back to the Philippines so that I can still provide a comfortable life for my family and when the time comes that I can apply again, I already have the money for my expenses. With God nothing is impossible. Trust HIM and HE will provide.
I am not afraid to go home after the j1 visa program. I know from the start that teaching in US is not forever so you must think and decide wisely the things that you do when you are still in US earning dollars.
ReplyDeleteI am not afraid to go home after my J1 visa. It is God's grace to be there, to be granted the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to teach in USA. I will make sure that I will become a blessing not just for my family but also to other people I come in contact with. After all, God must have a special reason for granting my prayers. As to the overspending issue, I need not worry. Since then, I buy only essentials and I am not a fan of going anywhere and spending lavishly. I am used to simplicity and will never be in vanity. I will make sure to make saving a habit while in the US so the future will be kind for me, come the expiration of my J1 program.
ReplyDeleteEverything has an end and one should be preparing for it. The opportunity to work and earn abroad is a huge blessing from God. One should always remember the reason for the application to teach in the US with a J1 Visa. For me, my reason for applying will always be my motivation to plan and prepare, save and go back home to my family. Always pray and cling on to God so we will never lose our way!
ReplyDeleteI am excited, because I am ready to share my experiences with my co teachers I'd left in the Philippines. I will reapply to Deped and surely will rehire me. Who will not accept an International Teacher honed experiences and skills in the US? I am proud and thankful of coming back, safe and sound.
ReplyDeleteMy journey in the process of applying for a job in the US had helped me become aware of the scope and limitations. That is why I was so lucky that if ever God will allow me to fly and teach there, I should make the most of my time, money and energy.And never forget my purpose.
ReplyDeleteI have first read the terms and conditions before applying as USA teacher under JI Visa. I am really aware of my rights ,limitations and responsiblities. There will be no problem when my teaching abroad contract expires in United States of America. With pride, honor and dignity to be back in the Philippines to share my teaching experiences abroad. To be back in my hometown ,this time as a retired teacher, it will be the happiest moment in my life as I will be with my husband , grown up kids, grand sons and grand daughters ,brothers ,sisters ,parents ,friends and other relatives .Missions accomplished!
ReplyDeleteI set my mind that if given the opportunity to work in the US, maximum stay will be 5 years. But why to fear if you did all your best to save for the future of the family? Right? I will definitely not fear it for I know my family is waiting for me to come back home.
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First and foremost, we are already knew or aware from the start about the rights, policies and others about J1 Visa program with the help from you (Teach-USA). Therefore, there`s nothing to fear on going back home after 5 years in the US. Share your experiences and learnings to our countrymen as well. It`s okay to spend money in a positive way like giving yourself a reward for the hardwork you`ve done on the day BUT always with limit. We should know to budget our salary and identify the needs than wants.
ReplyDeleteBefore I’ve decided to apply for the J1 visa program, I am already aware of the it’s policies and regulations, especially in the two-year home policy. Just like other aspiring participants, my main reason for applying is to be debt-free and for greener pastures. I am not afraid of going home since I am directed with my plans ( financial plans). And I am certain that with God’s enlightenment he will guide me to fulfill my plans.
ReplyDeleteWe are so overwhelmed of the offer and as a result, we forget to set our priorities. We mismanage our earning and miscalculate dollars. Ignoring the fact that the cost if living in the US is so high. And in the end we realize everything that we wasted. 3 to 5 years is not too long.
ReplyDeleteBefore joining the program, it has been clear to me that J1 Visa program is good for 3-5 years only and you need to re-apply again after the 2 year home requirement. During the 3-5 years, it will be such a fantastic opportunity to share our culture, to apply what we’ve learned here in the Philippines, and such. You can save tons of dollars if you just know how to budget and keep in mind that having that kind of salary isn’t forever. Let us keep in mind that teaching in the US has limitation for the J1 Visa holder, so whilst you have the opportunity to teach in the US make the best out of it by teaching passionately, save money, have fun, and don’t forget to thank God.
ReplyDeleteI am always thankful to God for I know to live a life of contentment. I'm proud to say that I'm still using the second hand iPhone 6s that I bought in a very cheap price last 2018 after my 1st smartphone gave up on working. I think the fear of going back to the Philippines is because of the pride that Filipinos have in their life. For Filipinos who are working abroad, some of them put themselves on the pedestal as so as their family. They enjoy their comfort so much to the extent that they forget that they had to go back to the country. These people think they are high enough compared to the Filipino teachers left in the country. They thought their experiences are 100x higher than our local teachers. If you don't want to look back where are you from, indeed, going back is a troublesome for you. But if you are looking forward to share everything that you've got, then, 5 years is just way too long for you. Always remember that you won't reach your destination if you don't know how to look back to where you are from. When it comes to financial aspect, don't spend money impulsively when you got a short break. Some people do these because they just wanted to show off the perks of being in the USA. They just wanted to brag everything in the social media. If you do this, you are assuming that you are already at the top and it would be embarrassing to go back to your original life. Let's not forget the reasons why we decided to go to the USA. Let's learn how to be satisfied and be contented on what God has provided us. We shouldn't live our life beyond our means.
ReplyDeleteJoining the program means that you put yourself in an agreement that is bound with rules and regulations. You have to prepare yourself for all the possibilities that you might encounter. In my opinion, 5 years in the US is a great year for us to grow and learn. It's a great opportunity for us to improve ourselves and contribute what we have. Whatever God gave us we should be grateful and content. God knows what's best for us so if it's time to go home, always look at the brighter side of life and you will see what God has in store for you. Use what you've gained to share with others whether your knowledge or experiences, be a blessing to others.
ReplyDeleteI don't have fear or doubts to go home. In fact, I am looking forward to june 2023 where I can go home. Everyday, I keep looking and browsing cheapoair because I plan to book my ticket early. The experience are worth it. I am so excited to see the property I was able to buy from my years of saving up. I am debt free and able to finish a lot of projects which I would not be able to do If I didn't come here to teach. Thanks to you Ms. Gemma Hilotin...
ReplyDeleteYou should always be prepared in every move that you make. Application of J1 visa has its reason, and just a mx of 5 years stay in the US. So be mindful of that. Extension is just a bonus. Because of this, it is just right to have in mind that you will be staying and working for max of 5 yrs only. Thus, pay all due, and save as much. Focus on your goal always.
ReplyDeleteThe J1 Visa Program is not a permanent placement opportunity, it has an expiry, and I believe that those who availed or will avail of this program well-made aware of the provisions of this program. In such case, let us make use of this opportunity at the greatest advantage- plan ahead, resist impulse, save up, learn a lot, and keep your eye on the prize There is no point playing the blame game just because we were so obsessed with fleeting comforts, and forgetting why we are working in the US in the first place.
ReplyDeleteI take the challenge. I need to be wise of spending my salary. I will focus and embrace my Big WHY. I am not afraid of going home since I am aware of this program and I do believe that If I will do my best, God will do the rest.
ReplyDeleteAlways remember that having experienced teaching in the US is a dream of other teachers who are still in the Philippines or in other countries. Just be happy that you have achieved such a wonderful experience. Not everybody gets to experience teaching in the USA.
ReplyDeleteAs a Boholano, We always looked forward in going home to our beloved place " BOHOL" especially during the month of MAY( Fiesta Season of Bohol). But anyways, the phrase that caught my attention upon reading the article is "As always, correct budgeting, goal planning, and living within your means would save you from all the fears " . I think I will engrave this phrase into my mind and heart as I travel and work in the US. That I will not forget the very reason to apply teaching in the US. The reason for having an opportunity to earn more and pay my loans. And definitely save something for realizing my dream.
ReplyDeleteWhile reading this, I realized that I should spend money wisely, pay my dept here in the Philippines and save more! I am not going to spend lavishly because 3 years is just a wink of the eye and the extension of another two years is a huge blessing. Doing the right thing should always be in the mind and heart.
ReplyDeleteI am responsible and accountable for my own choices. No one is to blame instead I will take everything as charge to experience. If the not-so-good situation comes, better be ready and face it with courageous faith that everything happens for a reason. I am becoming wiser, bolder, and more confident in creating my own beautiful story.
ReplyDeleteThis blog enlightens everyone who will read it about the consequences of spending too much in the US. It reminds us the main objective why we applied in the US is to be able to pay our debts, save money and provide to our family in the Philippines. I think after five years of staying in the US I would be able to establish a small business in the Philippines to sustain our expenses by the time of returning in the Philippines. We are given five years to earn some dollars so it's up to us how to spend the money wisely. We will not be there forever so make every drop count. God bless everyone. Hopefully everyone would be able to maintain their goals.
ReplyDeleteBefore applying, it is very clear that J1 visa is not a guarantee that I will live permanently in the USA. I understand that if given the chance to be hired, I am only allowed to stay for 3-5 years, and after I need to come back to my home country. Having allowed teaching and receiving a high salary is something to be thankful for. I will always put in mind the reasons why I applied… for my personal and professional growth... for my family… for our future… so I will always be reminded to SAVE rather than SPEND. So that when the time comes that I need to go back to my home country, I am prepared. I am equipped with all the knowledge and learnings that I got from my teaching experiences in the USA and at the same time, I am financially able to start anew in my homeland.
ReplyDeleteWe should always go back to our whys to set our priorities straight. From the very start, we all know that J1 visa is not forever. As for myself, when the right time comes, I will not be afraid in going home because I know that I did set my priorities right as I have planned before.
ReplyDeleteFor me, there is no fear of going home after my J1 visa program ends. After the 2-year stay in my home country, apply again. There's no big deal with that. I don't think applying the second time around is as difficult as the first. Why not again and enjoy life in the US all over again. If you are fearful because you have not saved enough, you have nothing to blame but yourself. Set boundaries. Make wise choices.
ReplyDeleteHonestly , reading all the comments here, enlightens me to spend my money wisely. I always dream of working in the to experience new place, new culture and professional growth , and the given 5-year duration of this program will really be a great help. So there's no fear of going back home after the program. Going home without savings?
ReplyDeleteI can re apply again, most importantly the experiences that I got there that money can't buy is all that matters.
Endings are not always bad. Sometimes it is an opportunity. Opportunity to share the learnings you have gained for the 5 beautiful years in teaching and living in USA. You can always reapply after staying for 2 years. That is the very reason why you really need to save as much as possible while you are still working for in the USA. So that, when time comes when your contract ends, you will have means you can use while finding for jobs when you back to the Philippines. Another thing is that, since you have the experience in teaching in USA, then you have the edge among other applicants when you apply for a teaching position back in the Philippines. Blaming is never an option. You were oriented of the possibilities after your contract will end. Its up to you what to do in order for you to have smooth transition from working in the USA to going back to Philippines.
ReplyDeleteThis will be an eye opener for those first-timers who will pursue a career in the US. One thing that I have learned from this story is that, let us be wise in making decisions once we are given the opportunity in working in the US.
ReplyDeleteFrom the start, a J1 Visa holder already knows what he or she is into. There are a lot of benefits as well as there are also its limitations. Before diving into it one should know that it is .part of the contract. Going home is part of the journey so why would anyone fear? This truth must be faced ahead of time.
ReplyDeleteSpend your money wisely. Pay all your debts, invest education for all your children, invest in a productive business and save more money in the bank. In this way, you will not be afraid in going home after the program. Live simply and be content with what God's grace given you.
ReplyDeleteCOLLABORATION #33B
ReplyDeleteBefore I decided to continue my Teach-USA application, I searched and studied the J1 Visa Program. I know the number of years that allowed. I know the 2 year rule about going home. So right now, I am starting to have a Budgeting mindset.. 😊 I have to be responsible in each penny that I will spend (in case I work abroad). I have to prioritize more important things than my "wants". Have the guidance of The Lord and we will not pick the wrong direction. 🙏🏻
In every decision we make, we are always hopeful that everything would work just as planned. When God gave us what we need and hope for, we should never forget our goal. Keep in mind the biggest why's and set your priorities. Regret is for the fool. Fulfillment is for the wise.
ReplyDeleteIf there is a beginning, there is an end. One thing that bothered a person and afraid of, is just because he is not prepared for it. We know already the fact that J1 visa has its end and a 2-year rule home requirement. Being not prepared for it means that you're not wise enough and use your time to save and concentrate on your priorities. You forgot your biggest why and embrace the earthly things while in the US. Be contented on what we have and save for the future.
ReplyDeleteIt is always our decision if what are we going to prioritize if ever we are already here in the US.but for me let set our minds to our biggest why we choose to teach in the US.that teaching in the US is God's way to help us to make our dream come true so lets do it in a proper way.
ReplyDeleteWe cannot point fingers to others since we are the one making our choices. We must be responsible for all our actions. When applying to US, we pray for it, plan and prepare for it so do the same as we end our program and go back home. As we begin our USA journey, it is important that we set our goals/objectives just like when we teach so that we will be guided. Have a time frame in reaching your goals and of course, always ask for God's guidance.
ReplyDeleteBefore we commit to some stuff, we should think outside the box – the pros and cons; the what if. We should be responsible enough to our own decisions and actions. When time comes that you faced it already – the American dream turn into reality – go back. Think and reflect! Ask why you are in that place; what is your main reason and purpose; why you do it. Let your faith prevail and ask God’s enlightenment of your heart and mind to do what is worthy. Do not do things that you may regret in the end. Spend your time and what you have wisely. There should no one to be blame of in whatever circumstances you will face because you are the director of yourself. Every action that we do comes with great responsibility and consequences.
ReplyDeleteSpending a lot on material possession without taking into considerations your priorities may lead to nothing. I am not against on spending a lot/travel galore, it’s up to you. We are all different on how we perceive things in life. Mine, is to be WISE enough! Know your priorities!
First and foremost, we are the ones who create our own destiny. Teaching in the US is our choice. If given the chance, I would be more than grateful to have given that rare opportunity. It's a blessing, hence we shouldn't waste that great opportunity. Five years I think would be more than enough to save for the family. I live a simple life here in the Philippines. Earning dollars would be such a blessing to me and I would see to it that it would not go to waste. My main goal in teaching in the US is to provide more for my family and save. Going back home is the sad reality and I am well aware of that. No worries cause I could still go back to teaching in the Philippines equipped with the experience and learnings I got in the US. I would be more than thankful to God and the people who have helped me out along the way.
ReplyDeleteAlong our journey we will be facing situations filled with joy, and filled with heartache. However, it is us on how to react on it. Before applying to Teach USA, I know already about the policies and rules. I am thankful for this once in a lifetime opportunity given to me, and I will make it a better one. Spending money wisely and looking forward for doing things in the right way will be my weapon in pursuing my journey in this job opportunity. We need not to point or blame anyone if there something bad happened, because good planning and thinking in advance will made you decide to still pursue or withdrawn in working abroad. The thinking of going home after J1 visa program also fear me, but despite of this I am grateful and bless if given the opportunity because it will give me the opportunity of embracing new knowledge and experiences that will help me to develop my teaching ability. And I know in everything I do God is always there and my family as well.
ReplyDeleteAs J1 teachers, I think we all have better opportunities of returning back to public institutions, deped or sucs.The mandate for us is to share everything we have learned here in USA. I am confident that I am a better teacher now than I was before I came here. Yes, we need to be reminded every now and then of the main purpose why we are here in the first place... to earn money and save enough for our future, a better life in the Philippines. And this is what motivates me and my husband to send the biggest chunk of our salaries in the PhilippineBank every payday, 15th&30th. This way our hardly earned $$$ is safe from black friday temptations🤣. Now that we are earning much more than we were in the Philippines, we raise our standard of saving and giving back to the Lord, because we are only stewards of His wealth.
ReplyDeleteGetting career in the US means I have to leave I currently have in the Philippines. Years from that point of time, I my contract ends too. This time, I have find another job and start over again. But this time is different because I will no longer be starting from scratch , but from experience. I have to be brave for my decision, because this is life changing for my family and myself. I havr to invest whatrver I earn so that one day, I can make a living in case I can no longer go back in the US to work.
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ReplyDeleteWe can see from the start of the program that we won't be remaining in the US permanently and that we must return home. Setting our minds on it, we work toward our goals and provide our best service to them. Everything has a purpose; trust Him fully.
Just focus on your goals and your whys. We know that J1 visa is only for 3 years and 2 years extension so please don’t blame others on your choice of living. Make this great opportunity to improve our selves, personally and professionally. Make sure to achieve the things we put in our vision boards.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is very vivid that as a J1 visa holder, you have only 3-5 years of permissible jobs in the US. If you always keep in mind the real purpose of your goal, you'll never blame anyone and you can still move on.
ReplyDeleteI am actually quite excited about what's going to happen next. Knowing that I'd be gaining so much after the 5 year experience. My thinking now is to reconnect with my family, relatives and friends in my 2 years home residency and get back to the US as the Lord leads and paves the way for me and my family.
ReplyDeleteI think PLANNING is important within the 3-5 years of stay. Not only living the dream but to continuously dream for the next 6 years and up. Nothing is permanent, and what a fresh start to build for more dreams and trusting His ways. What can be more excited than the feeling of coming home to my family!
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