FAQ

E2C is designated by the U.S. Department of State as an J-1 Teacher Program Sponsor. A J-1 Exchange Visitor is a non-immigrant status holder participating in a U.S. government-approved cultural and educational exchange program. In the Teacher category, J-1 status allows qualified international educators to teach full-time at accredited primary or secondary schools in the United States for a temporary period.

J-1 Teachers contribute to cross-cultural exchange by bringing their home country’s educational perspectives into U.S. classrooms while also gaining valuable professional experience.

The DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility) is a legal document issued by E2C, a designated sponsor of the J-1 Visa program under the authority of the U.S. Department of State.

This document grants a foreign national the ability to apply for a J-1 Visa, which is required to accept a temporary, paid teaching position in the United States through the Exchange Visitor Program.

A J-1 Visa application can only be submitted after the Certificate of Eligibility has been issued, and the application must be processed through a U.S. Embassy or Consulate overseas, preferably in the applicant’s home country.

All J-1 teachers are required to file federal tax forms each year they are in the U.S. The filing deadline is April 15 if they earned income in the U.S. Teachers can use tax filing software, such as Sprintax or other similar services, to help complete their tax forms accurately and efficiently.

Before traveling to the U.S., make sure you have all the necessary documents and are prepared for the immigration process.

Use this checklist to ensure a smooth entry:

Visa and Documents

• Ensure your J-1 Visa and DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility) are accurate and valid for the dates of travel.
• Keep your passport valid for at least six months beyond your DS-2019 end date.
• Carry your SEVIS fee receipt and job offer letter.

At the Port of Entry

• Keep all documents (passport, visa, DS-2019) in your carry-on.
• Be ready to answer questions about your teaching position and stay.
• Have your school’s contact information available for verification.

Happy travels!

The maximum stay for J-1 teachers is five years. E2C charges a fee for program extensions and requires a detailed plan for the extension period. Your host school or district must confirm their willingness to continue your placement during the extension period. If approved, E2C will update your SEVIS record and issue an updated DS-2019 form. For extension requests, contact E2C.

A J-1 exchange visitor may be subject to the Two-Year Foreign Residency Requirement. If the J-1 visa holder is subject to this requirement, their J-2 dependents are also subject to it. This means that neither the J-1 nor the J-2 can change their immigration status to H, L, or Permanent Residency without first returning to their home country for two years or obtaining a waiver.  If you are subject,  the J-1 visa stamp or DS-2019 form will indicate that the bearer is subject to “212(e).”

Please refer to the Department of State website for those countries subject to 212(e).

Dependents of J-1 teachers are defined as a spouse and minor children under the age of 21. They enter the U.S. on J-2 dependent visas, which require each dependent to have an individual DS-2019 to obtain a J-2 visa stamp from a U.S. embassy or consulate and to enter the U.S. (Canadians are exempt from the visa requirement). 

J-2 status does not automatically grant work authorization. However, J-2 dependents may apply for permission to work from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by submitting an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) (Form I-765). The J-2 dependent is not legally permitted to work until the EAD is approved by USCIS.

When a J-1 teacher completes their exchange program, a 30-day grace period automatically begins. This grace period allows the teacher to remain in the United States to settle any personal affairs, make travel arrangements, and prepare for departure.

During these 30 days, the J-1 teacher is not permitted to work in any capacity, whether paid or unpaid. Additionally, the grace period does not permit reentry into the United States under J-1 status. If a J-1 teacher departs the U.S. during the grace period, they cannot return using their J-1 visa, even if the 30-day period has not yet ended. Once the teacher exits the country, the grace period effectively ends, and they would need to apply for a new status if they wish to return to the U.S.

A travel signature on your DS-2019 is required for re-entry into the United States after international travel. This signature, provided by E2C, confirms that you are maintaining valid J-1 status.

Travel signatures are valid for one year from the date they are issued and allow for multiple entries into the U.S. within that period. However, if your travel signature has expired, you must request a new one before traveling to avoid potential re-entry issues.

To obtain a new travel signature, submit a request to E2C well in advance of your departure. Processing times may vary, so it’s important to plan ahead.

Before traveling, always check the expiration date of your travel signature to ensure a smooth re-entry process. If you have any questions or need assistance, contact the E2C for guidance.