Application Steps
Whether you’re a certified teacher or representing a U.S. secondary school welcoming global educators, AIFS Professional Pathways assists you every step of the journey, beginning with our streamlined, step-by-step application process.
Important deadlines: Steps 1 to 5 below must be completed before the first day of school (for Fall start dates) or before the January term classes begin (for Winter/ Spring start dates).
Teachers:
Create an account or log in to apply.
Host School Representatives:
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Representatives of U.S. K-12 Schools provide basic school information, contact information, details about the selected teaching candidate, a position description, and information about compensation and benefits
Schools will be asked upload proof of accreditation, the teacher’s offer letter, and a copy of insurance plans offered to teachers.
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Participants (future visa holders) provide biographic, academic, and professional information; insight into their goals and intent in pursuing this opportunity; and information around their financial resourcing to live in the U.S.
Teacher applicants will be asked to upload a series of documents.
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Once the materials of both the school and participant are received, the sponsorship application is deemed complete and will be evaluated by AIFS Professional Pathways. All parties may be contacted during this time for follow-up information.
AIFS Professional Pathways will conduct an interview with the teacher and an orientation call with a school representative.
Once determined eligible, applicant and school will sign program agreements, and AIFS Professional Pathways will issue the DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility and I-901 receipt. These are the documents required for the participant to apply for their J-1 visa.
(Non-Canadians only) Participants apply for and obtain their visa through the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. This process usually takes 2 to 6 weeks, though wait times vary greatly based on location and time of year.
AIFS Professional Pathways Application Processing Timeline:
From the time of application completion to DS-2019 issuance, please plan for a 4-week turnaround with standard application processing. Expedited application processing is available for a 1-week service upon request.
When planning, please consider both these processing times and local U.S. Embassy/ Consulate wait times. In general, we advise applicants start this process 3 months prior to their anticipated U.S. arrival date. J-1 holders can enter the U.S. up to 30 days before their position start date. (Please note that J-1 holders cannot apply for a Social Security Number until after their arrival.)