Visa Help, Teaching Tips, and Money Advice for International Educators
gemma@teach-usa.net 
Applying for a U.S. visa can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation, you can confidently approach your interview at the U.S. embassy. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the general requirements you’ll need to prepare — plus, we’ll share some common interview questions you can expect. General Requirements for a U.S. Visa Application … Read more
What Teachers Can Do Next—Even If Their Sponsorship Was Free So, here you are. ✅ You taught in the U.S. under the J-1 program.✅ Your school paid for your visa sponsorship.❌ But now… you weren’t renewed. And you’re not sure what comes next. If this is your story, take a deep breath. You’re not alone—and … Read more
What Every Teacher Needs to Know Before Saying Yes For many aspiring international teachers, a school offering to cover your J-1 visa sponsorship fees feels like a dream come true. No upfront costs. No agency fee. Just a job offer and a ticket to the U.S. But before you jump in—read this first. Because while … Read more
Teachers often confuse the IELTS requirements for Canada and the U.S.—but they’re not the same. This guide breaks down which test you need and why.
Before you apply to teach abroad, make sure your English proficiency test is up to date. This guide breaks down the accepted tests and minimum score requirements every international teacher needs to know in 2025.
Getting a U.S. teaching job is a dream.But what if your visa doesn’t get approved? 😟 Visa refusals can be heartbreaking—but they’re not always final. Many Filipino teachers receive a 221(g) or other refusal notice, and still end up working in the U.S. later. Let’s talk about what these visa codes mean—and what you can … Read more
From car costs to classroom supplies, here are 10 hidden expenses every J-1 teacher should know—plus simple tips to prepare and budget smart.
Confused about J-1 waivers? This guide breaks down the 5 main types—like No Objection, Hardship, and IGA—so you can see which one fits your situation.
🔒 Coming Soon 🔒 We’re Building Something Important for You If you’re an international teacher navigating the complex world of U.S. immigration—whether you’re on a J-1 visa, considering a J-1 waiver, transitioning to an H-1B, or exploring PR pathways—you already know this journey isn’t easy. That’s why we’re working on something special: A curated Legal … Read more
Before you apply to teach in the U.S., here’s what you need to know about J-1 teacher salaries, living expenses, and how far your paycheck can really go.
(And What You Can Do to Avoid Them) Teaching in the U.S. is a dream for many J-1 visa teachers. But even qualified educators get rejected—often before the visa process even begins. The truth is, most rejections happen not at the embassy or sponsor level, but during the application or interview process with U.S. schools. … Read more
This blog is for international teachers—especially from countries like India and South Africa—who dream of teaching in the U.S. through the J-1 visa program. A recent U.S. visa update might just change your path—and open doors you didn’t think were possible. If you’ve been dreaming of teaching in the U.S. but holding out for an … Read more
J-1 Teachers, Don’t Risk It (Part 2) These real cases didn’t all involve J-1 teachers. But the mistakes? They’re exactly the kinds of things that can end a J-1 teaching contract—fast. That’s why we’re sharing them here: not to scare you, but to protect you. This is Part 2 of our most-read survival guide for … Read more
Planning to apply as a J-1 teacher? Make sure your English meets the B2 level based on the CEFR. Here’s what it means—and how to check if you’re ready.
Here’s What You Need to Know—and Why You Shouldn’t Wait 👉 Fill out this form to express your interest: Form For Interested Educators Canada teaching opportunity for J-1 and international teachers is now officially open again in 2025—and this time, it’s even better. Along with teaching jobs, Canada is offering permanent residency (PR) pathways for … Read more
Nothing worth having comes easy—especially your dream to teach in the U.S. There are no guarantees, only faith, preparation, and God’s perfect timing. This post is a heart-check reminder to keep going, even when the outcome is uncertain. Keep pushing. Keep praying. Keep preparing. Believe—it will happen.
The H-1B visa is a golden ticket for many overseas teachers dreaming of working in the United States. However, getting this visa approved isn’t always easy. Many applicants face denials due to avoidable mistakes in their applications. If you’re planning to apply for an H-1B visa as a teacher, here’s what you need to know … Read more
Know Before You Switch: J1 to H1B Visa Guide ⚠️ Important Notice: Changing visa status is the sole responsibility and accountability of the J1 teacher. Any decisions made are at the teacher’s own risk. Pinoy Teacher’s Stories and Teach-USA are not liable for any outcomes resulting from visa status changes. In-country change of status is … Read more
Fast-Track Your Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) with Educational Perspectives – Special Discount for Teach-USA Teachers! Are you a Filipino teacher dreaming of teaching in the U.S.? One of the key steps to making that dream a reality is having your credentials evaluated. If you’re processing your J-1 or H-1B visa, a Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) … Read more
✅ Yes, for the first 2 years—H-1B visa holders may qualify for tax treaty benefits if they are considered nonresident aliens under the Substantial Presence Test (SPT). After 2 years, they become resident aliens and generally lose treaty benefits. Unlike J-1 visa holders, who often receive clear-cut exemptions, H-1B tax treaty benefits vary and depend … Read more