Visa to work in the United States: Which visa should teachers get?

If you are a teacher and dream of teaching in the U.S., it is important to know that you must get a visa that will allow you to practice your profession legally within the country. There are different types of visas to work in the United States. In this article, we explain which options are available for foreign teachers, their requirements and costs, as well as the benefits they offer. Keep reading!

What visa do I need to work as a teacher in the U.S.?

For teachers from Latin America to work legally in the United States, the available visas are:

• H-1B (Visa for specialized workers): Granted to professionals from Latin America with a university degree and allows them to work in an educational institution sponsored by a U.S. employer. It has an initial duration of up to 3 years, renewable for another 3.
• H-1B1 (Visa for professionals from Chile and Singapore): Similar to the H-1B, but exclusive to citizens of Chile and Singapore under free trade agreements. It allows working for up to 18 months with the possibility of indefinite renewal. It does not require a selection lottery, which facilitates obtaining this visa.
• J-1 (Exchange Visa): Designed for students and teachers participating in educational exchange programs. It allows working for a period of up to 3 years in U.S. institutions, with the possibility of extension for 2 more years.

The choice of the ideal visa for you depends on your nationality, your expectations regarding residence in the U.S., and the conditions of the employment contract.

Main differences between the J-1, H1-B, and H1-B1 visas

The employer generally covers some costs of the H-1B visa, while participants in exchange programs often have to pay for the J-1 visa. The H-1B1 visa has lower costs and is more accessible for Chilean and Singaporean citizens.

Basic requirements to receive a work visa to be a teacher in the United States

You may request the visa at the United States embassy or consulate in your country of origin, once you have already received a job offer.

It is advisable to start the visa application process in advance before your trip, as it may take several weeks until it is approved and you are given authorization to work legally in the U.S.

To apply for the visa, you must meet some basic requirements. They are:

Visa H-1B:

• Have a university degree (minimum bachelor's degree) in education or another relevant specialty.
• Have a job offer from an educational institution in the U.S. that sponsors the visa.
• This visa must be processed by the employer, not by the teacher directly. The educational institution interested in hiring the teacher must submit the petition to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and meet the requirements, such as demonstrating that there are not enough U.S. workers available for the position through a Labor Condition Application (LCA) and ensuring that the salary offered is in line with the labor market.
• Present certifications and licenses required to teach in the state where you will work.
• They are usually granted through an annual lottery process, with limited quotas.

Visa H-1B1:

• Be a citizen of Chile or Singapore.
• Have a university degree in a relevant area.
• Have a job offer in the U.S. in an educational institution or in another accepted professional field.
• Present an LCA by the employer and demonstrate that the salary offered meets the standards of the U.S. Department of Labor.

Visa J-1:

• Participate in an exchange program approved by the U.S. Department of State.
• Have at least two years of experience as a teacher in your country of origin.
• Have a university degree in education or in the subject that will be taught.
• Meet specific requirements of the exchange program and return to the country of origin at the end of the work period (in some cases, an exemption from this requirement can be requested).

Do work visas to be a teacher in the United States allow bringing family or dependents?

All three visas allow teachers to bring their families, but under different conditions:

• H-1B: Spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of age can apply for the H-4 visa. However, only some H-4 holders can obtain work authorization, depending on the status of the main applicant in the permanent residence process.
• H-1B1: Also allows spouses and children under 21 years of age to apply for the H-4 visa, but they cannot work in the U.S.
• J-1: Dependents can apply for the J-2 visa, which does allow working in the U.S., but they must apply for an employment permit (Employment Authorization Document - EAD).

Take the next step towards your future as an international teacher!

As you have seen, there are several visas that allow you to work as a teacher in the United States. Now you can take the next step and find the ideal job offer for you!

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