EXCHANGE LEADERS INTERNATIONAL
The Role of
US 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.
The Role
of Exchange Leaders International
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.
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).
Teacher Category: Purpose and Intent
“The Teacher category of the EVP promotes the exchange of foreign teachers to U.S. host schools and enhances mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries. Exchange teachers sharpen their professional skills and are required to participate in crosscultural activities in U.S. schools and communities. They return home to share their experiences and increased knowledge of the United States and its educational system, culture, and society [22 CFR 62.24(a)]. Qualified foreign teachers teach full-time in accredited academic public and private U.S. primary and secondary schools (K-12) [22 CFR 62.24(a)(c)(1)]. The Department does not consider K-12 institutions offering predominantly vocational or technical programs academic for purposes of exchange teachers’ placements. Exchange teachers may also teach at the pre-kindergarten level, but only in language immersion programs at accredited schools for at least fifty percent of the school day where regular courses of study are in a language not native to the majority of the student population [22 CFR 62.24(c)(6)]”.
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. It is essential for you to understand and follow the Exchange Visitor Program regulations, U.S. laws, and your sponsor's rules. Staying in regular communication with your sponsor will ensure you remain informed about any changes that could impact your J-1 visa status. Below are some key federal regulation requirements and where to find more information.
Resources to Review
-
BridgeUSA Program Regulations: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-62#62.24
-
BridgeUSA Program Website: https://j1visa.state.gov/programs/teacher/
-
William Wilberforce- Know Your Rights - Pamphlet (Feb 2025) (PDF) https://j1visa.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Updated-Wilberforce-Know-Your-Rights-Pamphlet-PDF-version-.pdf
Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/temporary-workers.html
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.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Teach in accredited US schools. Immerse yourself in new cultures, languages, & perpectives!
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.
Contact Us
Address
Torribio Dr Northeast,
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Contact
Office Hours
Mon - Fri
9:00 am – 5:30 pm MST