Before you start thinking about obtaining a J-1 visa, make sure you are eligible to participate. Visit the ELIGIBILITY PAGE first. You will begin the visa process after you receive a job offer.

Useful Download: Visa Process Resources

Each J-1 Visa Sponsor has a different process. However, there are some items that each sponsor is required to collect to process your visa application. TTSI recommends that you begin collecting these items as soon as you acquire a teaching license.

Items to Collect  and Prepare

• Resume
  By the time you get to this stage, TTSI already has a copy of your resume.
• Education Evaluation
  During the license application process, you submitted a course-by-course evaluation of your education history. Keep or make a copy to submit with the visa application.
• Passport Copy
• Employment Service Record
  This is the same document and information that you submitted during your teaching license application. Keep or make a copy to submit with the visa application.
• Supervisor Reference Letter
  The letter from a current or former supervisor needs to indicate that you have a good character, good reputation, and good teaching skills. This letter must be on school letter head and must be signed by the supervisor. 
• Colleague Reference Letter
  The letter from a colleague needs to indicate that you have a good character, good reputation, and good teaching skills. This letter must be on school letter head and must be signed by the colleague.
• Diploma
  Make a copy of the diploma for each degree you have earned, from bachelor’s degree and higher.
• Signed copy of your hiring letter
  You receive the hiring letter from a school district, and then sign it, scan it, and send it back to the district. Keep a copy of the scanned, signed copy.