Some teachers ask.
Some teachers wait.
Some teachers go home for years.
And some teachers come back to the U.S. with a green card.
This is Kareen’s story.
Kareen’s J-1 Teaching Journey
Kareen was part of Teach-USA Batch 2. She came to the United States on a J-1 visa and taught with dedication, professionalism, and heart.
Like many international teachers, she loved teaching in the U.S. but wondered what long-term opportunities might look like.
Asking for Sponsorship
At Year 4 of her J-1 program, Kareen took a brave step.
She asked her school district if they would consider green card sponsorship.
They said yes.
This moment is important. Many teachers are afraid to ask. Kareen asked respectfully, at the right time, after building trust and showing her value.
Preparing Early with USCIS
Before she left the United States, Kareen and her district prepared and filed her immigrant petition with USCIS.
After she returned to the Philippines to complete her 2-year home residency requirement (212(e)), USCIS approved her petition.
But this did not mean she could return right away.
Because she was subject to the 212(e) rule, she still had to complete the full two years in her home country before moving to the final step.
Completing the 2-Year Home Residency Requirement
So Kareen went home.
She waited.
She completed the requirement.
This is one of the hardest parts for many teachers—waiting and trusting the process.
Consular Processing and Return to the U.S.
After completing the two years, Kareen continued her process through the U.S. Embassy (consular processing).
She was approved to return to the United States as a permanent resident.
Today, Kareen is back in the U.S. with a GREEN CARD.
What Teachers Can Learn from Kareen’s Story
Every teacher’s journey is different. Sponsorship is never guaranteed, and timelines vary. But Kareen’s story shows a few important lessons:
- Ask respectfully and at the right time
- Build trust with your school and district
- Prepare early, even before leaving the U.S.
- Understand the 212(e) home residency rule
- Be patient and follow the process step by step
Sometimes, the path is long.
But it is still possible.
Dreaming of Your Own J-1 to Green Card Journey?
If you are a teacher dreaming of teaching in the U.S. or exploring long-term pathways, we are here to help guide you with clarity and integrity.
📩 Email: apply@teach-usa.net
🌐 Teach-USA supports international teachers with application facilitation, preparation guidance, and educational resources.