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The BridgeUSA Teacher Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) is a program of the U.S. Department of State in collaboration with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). The purpose of the Exchange Visitor Program is to provide foreign nationals with opportunities to participate in educational and cultural programs in the United States and return home to share their experiences, and to encourage Americans to participate in educational and cultural programs in other countries. Exchange visitors enter the United States on a J visa.  Its main objective is  to provide international teachers with opportunities for cross-cultural enrichment and professional development. The program facilitates the exchange of teachers between different countries, allowing them to teach in the United States and interact with colleagues and students. The program offers various benefits, including professional skill development and participation in cross-cultural activities at host schools and communities throughout the United States.

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The Role of the U.S. Department of State

The U.S. Department of State oversees the program to ensure its integrity and alignment with federal policies. Key responsibilities include:

• Creating program regulations and maintaining compliance for sponsors, participants, and schools.

• Communicating directly with sponsors to ensure participants' health, safety, and well-being.

• Approving program placements, processing extensions, and issuing DS-2019 forms for teachers who require J-1 visas.

 

Exchange Leader International’s Role as Your J-1 Visa Sponsor

Exchange Leaders International (ELI) serves as the primary sponsor for your J-1 visa throughout the program. Our mission is to assist you every step of your exchange experience by offering guidance, resources, and support. Here’s what we do:

• Recruit and Place International Teachers: ELI thoroughly recruits international Teachers and places them in accredited K-12 US Schools, as well as monitor teachers in U.S. schools while they are in the program.

• 24/7 Program Support: We are available around the clock to ensure your health, safety, and overall well-being during your time in the U.S.

• Comprehensive Assistance: From school and visa interviews to helping manage your arrival logistics, ELI works closely with host schools to make your transition seamless.

 

Through these collaborative efforts, both the U.S. Department of State and Exchange Leaders International aim to create meaningful cultural and educational experiences for international teachers and U.S. schools alike.

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Program Regulations

The BridgeUSA Program promotes global understanding through cultural and educational exchanges. Upon completing your program, all exchange visitors must return to their home country to share their experiences.

At Exchange Leaders International, your safety and well-being are our top priorities. We are dedicated to supporting you throughout your stay in the U.S.

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• BridgeUSA Program Regulations: Specific BridgeUSA Teacher Program regulations can be found at https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-62#62.24 

• BridgeUSA Program Welcome Brochure: The U.S. Department of State provides a brochure for teachers.. Follow this link to access the brochure:   https://j1visa.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Brochure-The-Exchange-Visitor-Program.pdf 

• BridgeUSA Program Website: The U.S. Department of State’s official website for the BridgeUSA Program provides a variety of resources. Link to official website of the BridgeUSA Program:   https://j1visa.state.gov/programs/teacher/

If you are a teacher interested in applying for J-1 visa sponsorship to teach in the U.S., click the REGISTER ONLINE below and complete the Registration Form. If you have obtained a job offer, you will need to provide the name of the specific host school where you intend to teach, rather than just the school district.

If you require assistance in finding a teaching position in the U.S., you can submit a request for more information, and the program administrators can provide guidance and support in locating suitable opportunities.

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