4 tips for teachers applying for US visas
Teaching can take you anywhere in the world, and I set my sights on moving to the United States - specifically, New York City.
It’s easy to see why - NYC is a mesmerizing hub that attracts people from across the globe. The city plays host to a multitude of educational establishments. Surely, I thought to myself, the opportunities would be endless? Not quite so.
But the reason wasn’t a lack of jobs. Immigration is hugely complex. It’s a word we hear all the time on the news, splashed across newspapers and talked about among friends, yet it takes on a whole new meaning when it affects you and how it may shape your very own American Dream.
But, of course, it is possible to get a visa and work in the US. So how can you make it through the process relatively pain-free? Here are my suggestions for what you need to do in order to get across the pond and into the classroom.
1. Check the school’s situation before taking the time to apply
Before you submit your job application, check the school can employ non-residents. This is essential in order to ensure you do not waste time on doomed applications.
I made this mistake by applying to any school I possibly could. It seemed like a good idea to cast a wide net, but this isn’t sensible when applying for US jobs. Although it may be disappointing to hear there is no way for a potential school to get you a visa, it is better to know early on rather than hear the crushing news that your job offer can’t be taken up owing to visa issues.
2. Have all your personal information ready
It won’t surprise you to hear the application process is long and detailed. You will be asked for a huge amount of personal information - and to verify it.
If you are lucky, the school you are hoping to work for will have a good legal team to help you organize what is needed.
This includes all the things you would expect, such as academic background, previous addresses and employment history. However, you also need to provide all active social media accounts and dates that you’ve travelled in and out of the US.
Once the application has been filled there will be an embassy interview that, although sounds scarier than it is, may have questions to clarify answers. It is at this point where everything needs to be as accurate as possible.
3. Quick move after embassy visit
Although the application process to find the right school took many months, and the visa application process was drawn out, once the embassy visit had happened everything came together quickly.
After my paperwork was submitted, I had to wait for six weeks for my embassy visit, in order to be interviewed and receive my visa. After almost a year to of working hard to get to New York, it seemed to happen all at once. I was in the embassy in London on Monday morning. I was on a plane by Saturday morning.
Make sure you have everything you need in place to go as soon as your embassy visit has happened to avoid unexpected obstacles at the last minute.
4. Non-UK Passports
Visas are a challenge. There are many ways to get them, though, even for non-UK passport holders. The US Department of State offers details on the many different visas available on their website. In particular, the J visa is available for foreign passport holders to apply for teaching positions.
The visa and immigration process is a long and arduous journey that will understandably make you feel frustrated and stressed at times. With perseverance and determination, you can get to your United States destination and live your American dream.
Matt Payne is head of Lower School at Nord Anglia International School, New York
