1.What is the J-1 Visa Teacher Exchange Program?
The J-1 Visa program provides an opportunity for teachers and scholars to come to the United States to participate in Exchange Visitor Programs that are created to facilitate the exchange of ideas and research in a variety of fields between people of the United States and people of other countries.
2.How can New Hope LLC assist me in the J-1 Visa process?
As a sponsor for the J-1 Teacher Category, designated by the U.S. Department of State, New Hope LLC is authorized to issue the mandatory Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status (the DS-2019) which is the basic required document needed to support an application for the J-1 Visa. New Hope screens and selects prospective exchange visitors based on the U.S. Dept. of State criteria set forth in the governing regulations of the Exchange Visitor Program.
3.How do I receive my J-1 Visa?
Step 1: Complete the New Hope Eligibility Survey HERE to determine eligibility. Step 2: Eligible candidates must submit a full application and interview process with New Hope. Step 3: New Hope will conduct a full review of your application, supporting documents, and intended host school for eligibility and compliance with the Exchange Visitor Program. Step 4: Approved applicants will be issued their DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility and provide further instruction on securing a J-1 Visa appointment at the local U.S. embassy or consulate. NOTE: Issuance of the J-1 visa, like all non-immigrant visas, is at the full discretion of Consular Officers viewing visa applications at U.S. embassies and consulates, and NOT a decision made by New Hope. This means that even if you are accepted to our exchange visitor program and have received your DS-2019, the Consular Officers decide if you receive the J-1 visa.
4.What is the Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status (DS-2019) document?
The holder of a DS-2019 certificate may apply for a J-1 visa, which is the special visa class for exchange visitors engaging in educational and cultural exchange. It is generally used for visiting teachers, researchers, specialists or others sponsored by New Hope, who are coming to the United States for educational programs of limited duration. This visa category is not intended for permanent employment nor may it be used to engage an exchange visitor in an activity that might otherwise displace a U.S. citizen.
5.Will New Hope LLC serve as my sponsor while I am in the U.S.?
Yes. New Hope LLC will serve as the participant’s sponsor throughout his or her time in the United States, up to the end date listed on the DS-2019. New Hope is committed to taking this journey step-by-step with our educators, and is available to participants throughout their stay in the U.S. to provide answers, information, resources, and cultural experiences.. In case of an emergency, New Hope offers an emergency contact line which is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To ensure our program remains cutting edge, purposeful, and impactful, New Hope also collects periodical evaluations from participants and their host schools to ensure a beneficial and positive experience, and that designated program objectives are being met.
6.Once I complete my exchange program in the U.S., how quickly can I return to the U.S.?6.Once I complete my exchange program in the U.S., how quickly can I return to the U.S.?
Exchange Teachers with J-1 visas are subject to a two-year home-country physical presence requirement. It requires you to return home for at least two years after your exchange visitor program. This requirement is part of U.S. law, in the Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 212(e).
7.Can I bring my Spouse/Family to the U.S. with me?
Yes. You may apply for New Hope’s sponsorship and issuance of DS-2019 documents for your legal spouse and/or unmarried children that are under the age of 21 at time of your J-1 application. If you are the sole caretaker of your infant child, you would not be eligible to participate in the exchange program until your infant is old enough to attend daycare. All dependents are termed J-2 Dependents, and will be linked to all aspects of your J-1 Visa and associated responsibilities. Please notify us during your application process if you would like to bring along any dependents.
8.How much does this program cost?
The cost of participation in the New Hope Teacher Exchange Program will vary, based on the length of time you plan to work in the U.S., if you plan to bring any dependents with you, and if you select any of our premium processing options. Program participants are responsible for program costs. To calculate your costs, please refer to our Fees & Refund Policy.
