If you’re a teacher currently in the U.S. on a J-1 or H-1B visa and you’re exploring options to stay long-term or apply for a green card, the National Interest Waiver (NIW) might be for you.
The NIW allows certain professionals — including qualified teachers — to apply for permanent residency without employer sponsorship if their work is in the national interest of the United States.
Let’s find out if you might qualify.
How It Works:
Copy the questions below, paste them into an email, answer them as best you can, and send it to:
📩 gemma@teach-usa.net
Subject line: NIW Pre-Qualification
We’ll review your answers and let you know if you may be eligible for a referral to a trusted immigration attorney.
Copy & Answer These Questions in an Email:
Section 1: Personal & Visa Information
- Full Name:
- Email Address:
- Are you currently living in the U.S.? (Yes/No)
- What is your current visa type? (J-1, H-1B, Other):
- When did your current visa program start?
- When is your current visa expected to end?
- Who is your visa sponsor?
Section 2: Educational Background & Teaching Field
- What is your highest educational degree? (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate, Other)
- What is your field of study or major?
- Are you currently teaching in a STEM or high-need field (e.g., Math, Science, Special Ed, Bilingual Ed)?
- What grade level(s) do you teach? (K–5, Middle School, High School)
Section 3: Work Setting & Experience
- Do you teach in a Title I or underserved district?
- What state and school district are you currently working in?
- How many years have you been teaching in the U.S.?
Section 4: Accomplishments & Contributions
- Have you received any awards, certifications, or recognitions in your teaching career? (If yes, please describe)
- Have you published research, presented at conferences, or contributed to professional knowledge in your field? (If yes, share brief details)
- Have you led any school or district programs with measurable student or community impact? (If yes, describe)
💬 Section 5: Intent & Next Steps
- Why do you want to stay long-term in the U.S. as a teacher?
- Would you like us to refer you to a trusted immigration attorney to explore your NIW eligibility? Choose one.
( ) Yes
( ) Not yet — just exploring
( ) I need more information first - Anything else you’d like to share about your situation?
What Happens Next:
Once we receive your email, we’ll review your answers. If it looks like you might qualify for the NIW, we’ll connect you with a trusted lawyer from our Legal Help for Teachers network who can guide you on next steps.
We don’t charge for referrals, and we don’t offer legal advice — we’re simply here to help international teachers navigate their path forward.