As of May 27, 2025, the U.S. government has implemented a temporary pause on all new J-1 visa interviews, including other student and exchange visitor categories. This decision was made to accommodate additional security checks, including expanded social media screening.
If you’re a teacher who has already received your job offer and DS-2019, this means you’re approved—but you cannot book a new visa appointment until the pause is lifted.
While this delay is understandably frustrating, there are concrete, productive actions you can take right now to stay prepared and ahead of the process.
1. Monitor Visa Appointment Availability Daily
The U.S. embassy may not issue a formal announcement when appointment slots reopen. Updates may be quiet, and availability could disappear within hours.
To avoid missing your window:
- Log in to the U.S. embassy appointment portal at least once a day
- Follow the official U.S. embassy website and Facebook page for your location
- Join reliable forums and teacher groups that share live updates
- Prepare to book immediately once slots are released
This simple habit is your most important task while waiting. Many teachers miss their opportunity by assuming they’ll be notified—don’t let that happen to you.
2. Organize and Finalize Your Interview Documents
When appointments resume, you’ll want to move fast. Avoid scrambling by preparing everything in advance:
- Review and print your DS-2019 (or I-797), SEVIS receipt, sponsor letter, and passport
- Organize supporting documents that demonstrate:
- Ties to your home country
- Previous teaching experience
- Proof of qualifications and intent to return (if required)
- Prepare your visa fee receipt and compliant ID photo
- Review your social media accounts to ensure they reflect a professional and consistent public presence
The new screening procedures include online activity, so it’s smart to present yourself clearly and responsibly across all platforms.
3. Prepare for a Fast Departure
Once your visa is approved, things may move quickly—especially as school start dates approach. Use this time to ensure you’re travel-ready.
- Draft a relocation budget for your first month in the U.S.
- Begin packing your essentials—professional clothing, key documents, and weather-appropriate layers
- Sort your documents and store digital backups
- Research short-term housing options near your school
- Finalize your arrival logistics: airport pickup, transportation, and initial accommodations
For Filipino teachers: You must also complete the CFO Pre-Departure requirements before leaving the Philippines. This includes:
- Registering online via the CFO OF-CORS portal and paying the reference fee
- Completing the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS)
- Uploading documents such as your DS-2019, passport, visa, sponsor guarantee, insurance, and clearances
- Downloading your CFO digital certificate and, if required, your travel permit
These are mandatory for departure. Without them, you may be stopped at immigration.
4. Strengthen Your U.S. Teaching Preparation
You may not be in the classroom yet—but you can prepare like you are.
- Watch U.S.-based classroom videos to observe behavior expectations and daily routines
- Download sample lesson plans based on Common Core or your school district’s standards
- Familiarize yourself with teaching tools such as Google Classroom, Zoom, Canva, and learning platforms
- Prepare your first-week classroom plan: student greetings, routines, rules, and classroom culture
If you’re a Teach-USA candidate, now is the time to review your Wise Up training modules, demo lessons, and classroom tips.
What you do now will save you time and stress later.
5. Protect Your Focus and Mindset
Delays happen, but they don’t cancel your goal. Stay mentally strong and focused.
- Write down your weekly progress to stay encouraged
- Reflect on what this opportunity means and how far you’ve come
- Build a daily routine that includes quiet time, gratitude, or prayer
- Stay connected with people who support your journey
Remind yourself: The delay is temporary. The opportunity is real.
The Bottom Line
The embassy may be paused today. But it will open.
When it does, the most prepared candidates will move first.
- Check daily
- Organize your documents
- Pack with intention
- Complete your requirements
- Stay classroom-ready
This isn’t just a waiting season. It’s a preparation season.
And when the door opens—you’ll be ready to walk through it, fully equipped and confident.
Your U.S. teaching journey hasn’t been canceled.
It’s simply getting ready for takeoff.