No J-1 Teacher, can I change schools in the 2nd year?

The J-1 Teacher visa is part of an exchange program aimed at promoting teaching and culture, allowing foreign teachers to teach at schools in the United States. Within this program, each participant operates under the supervision and support of a sponsoring institution, which is responsible for ensuring that all rules and conditions of the program are met.

Regarding the possibility of changing schools in the second year, the answer is neither simple nor automatic. As a rule, any significant change – such as transferring from one institution to another – must be authorized by the sponsor of your J-1 visa. This is because the change can impact the objectives of your exchange, and the sponsoring body must ensure that the new position fits the criteria established by the program.

If you wish to make this change, it is essential to seek guidance from your sponsoring organization. They can advise you on the necessary process to request this change and update the documentation, such as the DS-2019, which is essential to maintain your legal status in the United States. Also, remember to always follow the country”s immigration laws and be cautious with vague information or miraculous promises that may appear in dubious marketing campaigns.

In short, changing schools in the second year of the J-1 Teacher program is not automatically allowed and depends on an approval process by the sponsor. Keeping open communication with your organization and consulting reliable sources is the best way to proceed legally and safely.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.