Welcome to the TEACH Community Hub Program Rules page. Here, you’ll find information associated with the following topics:
Subsections:
- Program Expectations
- Program Rules
- J-1 Visa Employment Restrictions
Program Expectations
Setting expectations for the program is a critical first step in starting your J-1 teaching journey. Learn more about what you can expect from Cultural Vistas and our role in your program as well as what we and your school expect from you.
Program Rules
It is your responsibility to know and understand all the rules of participating in this program. You have already agreed to these during the application process when you signed the participant agreement. We will also provide you with these details at various points throughout the school year. Not abiding by the rules of the program can result in cancellation of your visa sponsorship.
Review our handy rules summary
J-1 Visa Employment Restrictions
You have been approved by Cultural Vistas only to work at the location listed on your DS-2019. Any changes to your position or school location must be approved by us in advance. Contact us immediately if your school suggests any changes.
All positions must be:
- Full-time, at least 32 hours per week
- Teacher of record (lead teacher) responsible for lesson planning, instruction, grades and student evaluation and feedback.
- Not in pre-schools except those approved by CV as accredited language immersion programs.
- No online teaching
Not without pre-approval from Cultural Vistas. Information about participants’ teaching location is listed on their Form DS-2019. Applicants enter the United States to teach at a specific location, and will not able to change locations unless the host employer’s application stated that your teaching would include more than one location. If financial or other conditions with the host employer change dramatically during the program, participants must contact Cultural Vistas to determine if arrangements can be made to allow them to secure a teaching position at a different site. However, as the visa sponsor, only Cultural Vistas can make a decision on a change in teaching location.
It is important to remember that participants can legally earn a wage only at the host employer listed on the Form DS-2019. Substantial penalties exist for both the employer and the participant if the participant is not legally authorized to earn a wage at that employer.
Often teachers are asked to assist the host school in other ways outside the classroom. You can do things like act as a class sponsor or club sponsor or be the head of your grade. You can also participate in after school tutoring at your assigned school but only if compensation is directly from the school. You cannot take on duties where you are employed by another organization even if they take place at your school. You also cannot take on other positions such as guidance counselor, librarian, and other non-instructional positions.
No, this program only permits full-time teaching positions which are approved by us, the visa sponsor. Your approved location is the school listed on your DS-2019. You are not allowed to work for or receive additional U.S. income from any other person or organization including private tutoring, self-employment and cash -based earnings. Changing schools is rare and cannot be done without our advance approval.
Yes, but only at your current school listed on the DS-2019 and only in a position similar to your academic semester. That means day camps, tutoring, or other positions where you are not a lead classroom teacher are not allowed. All positions require you to act as a teacher of record with typical teaching duties such as lesson planning, grading, and providing student evaluation and feedback. Summer school does NOT have to be 32 hours per week.