The inevitable 5th year in the J1 visa program is near.
Teach-USA highly suggests the following proactive tips for J1 Visa Teachers Before the End of their J1 Visa Program
#1 Reciprocate your current US teaching license to other states. By doing so, you will have a chance to apply to accredited schools with fewer hassles if you have plans to teach in the US again via the J1 visa or H1b program after the 2-year home requirement.
After fulfilling the 212(e) rule, please know that you have an option to apply directly with the school districts in your chosen states, join another agency, or continue your relationship with Teach-USA.
Teach-USA has a current presence in the following 16 states (to date)/ (not including our H1b states):
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Illinois
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Missouri
- New Mexico
- Nevada
- North Dakota
- Oregon
- Texas
- Utah
- Arkansas
#2 Before the end of every school year, be sure to collect recommendations from your supervisors, coordinators, administrators, or department heads. Reference letters will be handy when you apply to Philippine schools if you plan on doing so during your two-year home requirement or when you apply to US schools again after fulfilling your 2-year home requirement.
#3 Teachers who are blessed to have been given a chance by their school districts to study in US colleges or universities, kudos! Additional learning is always good in the resume and professional growth. Please feel free to ask your sponsor if you can attend short-term classes in US colleges and universities at your own expense as well. Be sure to ask for the original certifications or transcript of records.
#4 Collect contact information. Administrators are like players in a musical chair game. They come and go, from one school district to another, usually in the same state or another. Expanding your reach and influence will come a long way. So, make connections! But it is still best to be so good at your teaching job that US people will still remember and want to contact you even if you go back to the Philippines.
#5 You should have paid all your debts in the Philippines and the US at this time. It would not be delightful if you have enjoyed the US dollars and not have fully paid your debts in the Philippines after five years.
If you don't pay your credit card bill in the US, expect to pay late fees, receive increased interest rates, and incur damages to your credit score. The three credit bureaus or credit reporting agencies gets your credit report and use sensitive information to keep track of your credit history. This information includes your Social Security number, your name, date of birth, address, and employment history.
#6 Send your things via balikbayan boxes. Remember you are only allowed two checked-in luggage for international flights. Lest, you pay for excess baggage.
#7 Decide on what to do with your car if you purchased one. Selling your car is the next best option if you do. Timing is the next issue.
#8 Request the school for your children's report and vaccination cards (if applicable to you).
#9 Secure your refundable from your school district - this may include federal or state taxes, retirement funds, etc. Connect with your school district HR person for details.
#10 Withdraw and close your bank accounts after remitting all your monies to your Philippine bank accounts. Remember, a person may only carry up to the amount of USD 10,000 (or equivalent in any other foreign currency), in cash or other monetary instruments, into and out of the Philippines.
#11 Book your one-way flight to the Philippines at least six (6) months in advance to get the best rate!
#12 Remember to not burn bridges with anyone. Relationships matter every time.
#13 As part of the J1 visa program, please feel free to share your 5-year US knowledge, experiences, and skills to Philippines schools.
#14 Breathe in, breathe out, and be grateful your dreams came true (while others are still dreaming).