Teachers who want to teach in the US can choose to take the J1 or H1B route.

H1B and J1 visas are both non-immigrant visas.

The J1 visa is under the US Department of State. Max duration is five years. You go home for the two-year home requirement before you can reapply.

J1 visa runs for three years with possible two years extension. You will have to go home for a two-year home requirement if your 212e rule is not waived.

The max duration of the H1B visa is six years under USCIS. You are not required to go home to apply for permanent residency (green card) if filed within the period of your visa.

It is a dual intent visa and provides for an opportunity to apply for permanent residency.

Which is better?

TIME

The J1 visa route would be better if you want a more straightforward process. But if you want the possibility of permanently staying in the US, H1B visa it is.

With the availability of sponsors for the J1 visa, you can fly to the US in 2-3 months. In contrast, the H1B visa is more lengthy, competitive, and challenging to reach. But, possible.

If you are willing to wait, then H1B is way better but very, very challenging to get!

If you are in a rush, J1 visa it is. It is way easier, faster, and less hassle!

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The J1 or H1B visa holder would have the same based on their credentials and experience.

DEPENDENT VISA AND OPPORTUNITY TO WORK

With the J1 visa, all J2 dependents can work if they apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Learn more: https://j1visa.state.gov/basics/j2-visa/

With the H1B visa, certain H4 dependents can also do the same: https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/h-1b-specialty-occupations-and-fashion-models/employment-authorization-for-certain-h-4-dependent-spouses

AGENCY FEES

With the J1 visa process, you have three options:

1) go direct

2) apply with local recruitment agencies with partners in the US

3) join US registered agencies like Teach-USA

https://www.pinoyteacherstories.com/2022/01/how-your-options-to-j1-visa-program.html is a good guide to help you.

Teach-USA J-1 service fee can be found here:

For Filipino Applicants - - https://www.pinoyteacherstories.com/2022/05/teach-usa-service-plan-fee.html

For Non-Filipinos Applicants - https://www.pinoyteacherstories.com/2022/05/j1-visa-service-fee-for-non-filipino.html

With the H-1B process, you have three options:

1) go direct

2) apply with local registered recruitment agencies

or be radically different and join the Teach-USA H-1B Possibility Program

To join the program, use this link: https://www.teach-usa.net/the-h-1b-possibility-program.

Teach-USA H-1B service fee can be found here:

For Filipino Applicants - https://www.pinoyteacherstories.com/2022/06/h-1b-service-fee.html

For Non-Filipino Applicants - https://www.pinoyteacherstories.com/2022/07/h-1b-service-fee-for-non-filipino.html

GUARANTEES

With both visas, there are no guarantees.

There is no guarantee that you will be offered a job.

For a J1 visa sponsor to approve your sponsorship, all requirements from all parties (host school and applicant) have to be met. Sometimes, there is no guarantee that visa forms are still available, depending on timing.

There is no guarantee that the school district will offer you an H1B visa (since they will have to shoulder all legal and filing fees for sponsorship, it's costly on their part or they may have changed their directives or rules about sponsorships).

There is no guarantee that the US Embassy will approve your visa for whatever reason.

BUT STICK TO YOUR DREAMS!

If you want to achieve your dream of teaching in the US anyhow or whatever visa it takes, then go for it!

As they say, do your best, and GOD will do the rest! And if it's meant to be, it will be!

WE CAN HELP!

Whatever you choose, Teach-USA can help!