Your program includes:
Each U.S. state has slightly different requirements for J-1 Exchange Teachers. For example, in the state of Arizona, J-1 Exchange Teachers must apply for an International Teaching Certificate (see more information here). The International Teaching Certificate requires that you apply for a fingerprint clearance card, which should occur before you leave your home country. Before you depart your home country, IAG will guide you on the requirements that must be completed for the state where you will teach.
Specific school sites/assignments will be determined through the application process. If selected, exchange teachers will be provided detailed employment offer information (including employer name and address, position, job duties, work hours, wages, other compensation and benefits, deductions from wages, and insurance costs)
Yes, IAG will support your application for a J-1 visa by providing the necessary paperwork, a DS-2019 form, and job offer from your American school.
If you have questions about the Visa process, please email: visa@iagusa.org
To participate in the IAG program, you must apply for a J-1 visa. IAG always recommends that you review the website of your local embassy or consulate to ensure accurate information specific to your home country. For more information on applying for a J-1 visa, see the U.S. Department of State’s website here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/exchange.html If you have questions about the Visa process, please email: visa@iagusa.org
Yes, IAG offers sponsorship for a spouse and/or dependents on the J-2 visa. The fee is $500 for one J-2 and $250 for any subsequent J-2. They also must purchase health insurance that meets minimum regulatory requirements and maintain close communication with IAG through the Exchange Teacher’s program. The J-1 will be responsible for J-2 insurance enrollment and costs. Insurance is included for participants of the IAG program.If you have questions about the Visa process, please email: visa@iagusa.org
Your job responsibilities may include: teaching in the classroom, preparing lesson plans, attending school meetings, taking professional development classes, and meeting with students and parents. You should expect to work full time at the school and a minimum of 32 hours per week of teaching or teaching-related administrative activities. Some weeks you will work more, and some weeks you will work less, but your hours should average out to be full time.
Your salary will be commensurate with teachers from the U.S. with the same level of education and years of experience. Each school district typically has a plan or “wage schedule” that outlines the salary for every employee. You should receive a paycheck directly from your school on your school’s pay schedule (typically every 2 weeks).
You will notice that federal and state taxes will be taken out of your paycheck at a rate between 15-20% of your paycheck. Additionally, your paycheck may include a deduction for your medical insurance premium, depending on the type of insurance you select. If your paycheck includes any deductions that you do not understand, please ask your school’s financial officer or Human Resources department. Your host school should provide you a written explanation for any deductions from your paycheck. If you elect to join the teacher’s union, dues may be deducted from your pay.
Be sure to read IAG’s orientation materials, including the Exchange Teacher Handbook and online FAQ, before you arrive in the United States. Detailed orientation materials will be provided upon acceptance to the program.
Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a process to have education and transcripts evaluated for certification and is needed for the visa appointment. The FCE report is valid for 5 years. Your documents will need to be translated into English. The FCE company can translate transcript for an additional cost. Please note: an FCE documenting a course-by-course evaluation with a US equivalency is required to apply with IAG. List of Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) companies:
If you are hired in another state, you will be required to have an additional foreign credential evaluation completed by a NACES-accredited evaluation company. If you already have an FCE from another foreign credential evaluation company, you do not need to have one completed by AZ ICE. If you have questions, please contact AZ ICE at info@iceinaz.com
As part of the IAG exchange program, it is important that participating teachers follow the program rules.
It is important that you carefully plan a budget for your IAG program. As part of the application process, you will complete a Budget Exercise to calculate your expected income and expenses. Participating teachers should be aware that your teaching salary may not cover your total expenses — including the cost of the program, visa application/ SEVIS fees, travel, housing, transportation, and living expenses – so you should plan to bring additional personal funds. You should have at least $4,000 – $6,500 available to you when you arrive in the United States for settling costs, including transportation to your host school, housing deposits, food, and other personal expenses until you receive your first paycheck. For additional information, please review the ‘Financial Considerations’ section on our Teacher’s page.
IAG does not partner with any third-party recruitment or placement agencies in the administration of its J-1 Exchange Teacher program. Accordingly, we encourage you to work directly with IAG and not pay any fees to a third-party recruitment or placement agency located in Participant’s home country or in the U.S. If you have already registered with a recruitment or placement agent, it is important that you disclose the agent fees paid and provide IAG with a copy of the agreement signed between you and the agency.
IAG fees are covered by cooperating host school districts’ program fees. These fees cover IAG administrative costs for screening, orientation, and supervising participants, as well as the participant’s supplementary medical insurance (from departure from home country to when you transfer to your school’s medical insurance coverage, plus repatriation and evacuation coverage throughout your program). Beyond the program fees paid by the host school, IAG will not charge participants program fees, other than collecting and paying direct costs of the program on behalf of the applicant.
Costs that participants will likely incur while in the U. S. include:
*See budget exercise for estimates/ranges for these costs: Sample Budget Exercise
It is important that you carefully plan a budget for your IAG program.
As part of the application process, you will complete a Budget Exercise to calculate your expected income and expenses. Participating teachers should be aware that your income may not cover your total expenses, including the cost of the program, visa application/ SEVIS fees, travel, housing, transportation, and living expenses. For more information, visit our ‘Financial Considerations’ section on our Teacher’s page.
You should have at least $4,000 – $6,500 available to you when you arrive in the United States for settling costs, including transportation to your host school, housing deposits, food, and other personal expenses until you receive your first paycheck.
IAG does not partner with any third-party recruitment or placement agencies in the administration of its J-1 Exchange Teacher program. Accordingly, we encourage you to work directly with IAG and not pay any fees to a third-party recruitment or placement agency located in Participant’s home country or in the U.S. If you have already registered with a recruitment or placement agent, it is important that you disclose the agent fees paid and provide IAG with a copy of the agreement signed between you and the agency.
The exchange visitor (EV) is responsible for a Visa application fee is $185.
Exchange visitor (EV) is responsible for the SEVIS fee ($220).
EV may find information on SEVIS by visiting below site:
Insurance is included in the IAG program. All J-1 International Teachers through International Alliance Group (IAG) are required to carry Department of State (DOS) compliant insurance.
EV participants in our program can check out our J1 Benefit Resource Site for additional information: International Alliance Group Employee Benefits (capficonsulting.com)
We offer US DOS compliant insurance for our EV participants.
USDOS REQUIREMENTS
Per USDOS requirements, the medical insurance must provide at a minimum
The average cost of food per month for one person ranges from $200 to $500, depending on age. However, these national averages vary based on where you live and the quality of your food purchases. For additional information on cost of living, please review the ‘Financial Considerations’ section on our Teacher’s page. Here’s a monthly grocery budget for the average family:
Monthly Food Budget + Grocery Calculator
Short-term Housing Arrangement
Before arriving in the United States, it is important that you make a short-term housing arrangement so that you have a safe place to stay while you search for a more permanent housing solution.
You can make a hotel reservation online through hotels.com or orbitz.com
IAG can provide assistance with securing short-term housing.
Long-term Housing Arrangements
We recommend talking with your teacher, co-workers, or supervisors for suggestions on affordable, and safe housing options in your work area.
To reduce housing expenses, you may want to consider sharing an apartment, or home with another teacher or local community member.
IAG can assist exchange teachers in locating and securing reasonable housing options.
Housing costs in the United States vary, but you should expect to pay 20-40% of your take-home salary in rent.
You also typically have to pay separately for utilities, such as electricity, heat, air-conditioning, water, garbage, and internet.
Most apartments or rental homes require a move-in deposit, typically “first and last month’s rent” (meaning two months’ of rent) when securing the apartment.
Most will require a lease, which is a contract typically of one year to pay rent to the landlord. For additional information on cost of living/living expenses, please review the ‘Financial Considerations’ section on our Teacher’s page.
Here are a few resources:
Your salary information will be provided to you as part of the Letter of Intent to Hire. You should receive a paycheck directly from your school on your school’s pay schedule (typically every 2 weeks). You will notice that federal and state taxes will be taken out of your paycheck at a rate between 15-20% of your paycheck. Additionally, your paycheck may include a deduction for your medical insurance premium, depending on the type of insurance you elected.
If your paycheck includes any deductions (for housing, transportation, or anything else) that you do not understand, please ask your school’s financial officer or Human Resources department. Your host school should provide you with a written explanation for any deductions from your paycheck.
At Armada Management Group, we connect international teachers, nurses, and skilled professionals with career opportunities in the U.S.
through TN, J-1, and H-1B visa programs — creating pathways for cultural exchange, professional growth, and lasting impact in education, healthcare, and beyond.
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