AIFS Professional Pathways provides J-1 visa sponsorship and program support for international teachers and U.S. schools—delivering the expertise you need to move forward with confidence.
If you're an international teacher who has secured a position—or a U.S. K-12 school that has selected a candidate—the next step is J-1 visa sponsorship.
The J-1 teacher visa is part of the U.S. Department of State's BridgeUSA cultural exchange program and allows qualified international educators to teach in the U.S. for one to three academic years. (With the possibility of extending up to five years!) This requires visa sponsorship from an authorized organization.
AIFS Professional Pathways serves as your J-1 visa sponsor, managing the process from eligibility review through DS-2019 issuance and on-program support.
AIFS Professional Pathways is part of the AIFS family of organizations, with decades of experience supporting international exchange programs and visa sponsorship.
As a designated J-1 visa sponsor, we bring a hands-on approach to helping international teachers and U.S. schools navigate the visa process and compliance.
Clear, step-by-step guidance
Proactive support for teachers, schools, and legal counsel
Strong focus on compliance with Department of State requirements
Ongoing communication throughout the process
1. Submit Initial Information
The teacher and school provide basic details to begin the J-1 sponsorship process.
2. Eligibility & Documentation Review
We review qualifications and collect final materials to assess J-1 teacher visa eligibility.
3. DS-2019 Issuance
Once approved, we issue Form DS-2019 so the teacher can apply for a J-1 visa.
4. Visa Preparation & Arrival
We guide the teacher through the visa process and provide support leading up to arrival in the U.S.
See a full breakdown of our J-1 teacher visa sponsorship fees and what’s included at each step.
If you've been offered a teaching position in a K-12 classroom in the United States, J-1 visa sponsorship allows you to teach full-time while participating in a cultural exchange.
AIFS Professional Pathways supports you through the visa process and while you are in the U.S. so you can focus on your teaching experience.
If your school has hired or selected an international teacher, working with a J-1 visa sponsor ensures that both they and you meet all program requirements. We manage the visa sponsorship, documentation, and compliance so your team can focus on your students and staff.