Exchange-Teacher Visa

The exchange-teacher is a three-year visa intended to allow non-US citizens the opportunity to live and work in the US. It is an exchange visa and holders are expected to leave the US at the end of the term. It should not be seen as a gateway to permanent residence, and at the visa interview, US government officials pay close attention to an applicant's motives.

IST does not sponsor this visa; we work with a visa sponsorship organisation which must approve all candidates before a visa application can be approved. As well as the US government requirements, there may also be sponsor requirements. However, the final decision rests with the US government official who conducts the visa interview.

Visa appplicants must :

• have a four-year degree ( a three-year degree and post-graduate diploma may count)
• have a teacher qualification (certification)
• have at least three years' relevant experience as "teacher-in-charge" (teaching practice and internships do not count)
• submit a complete medical history (failure to disclose a pre-existing condition may lead to the cancellation of the visa)

IST provides exchange-teachers with :

• emergency medical and repatriation insurance*
• housing near the school, close to the University of Arizona and to major bus routes**
• US bank account and credit card***

Exchange-teachers are responsible for their own flights to and from Tucson and for shipping their personal effects.

IST pays exchange-teachers on the same salary scale as local hires. However, Tucson is a low-wage city in a low-wage state. While our salary-scale puts IST in the upper half of Tucson compensation levels, it is unwise to convert a Tucson salary to another currency or even to another area of the US.

Working Holiday Visa

Currently limited only to Australia and New Zealand citizens. A one-year visa for candidates who are still at university or who have graduated in the last year - the eligibility-clock starts ticking from the date of the last examination and not from the date of the graduation ceremony.

Employment Visa sponsorship

IST does not usually sponsor a regular employment (H-1-B) visa.