U.S. NETWORK FOR EDUCATION INFORMATION



General Information

Overview

Teaching is a professional occupation that is regulated in different ways at different levels (see Primary and Secondary Levels and Postsecondary Level). Because it is regulated and is paid work, there are definite restrictions governing the eligibility of non-U.S. citizens to practice in the United States. Certain general principles, however, apply to teaching at any level and some information resources cross levels.

Basic Facts

It is not easy to come to the United States to teach, especially if you do so on your own and intend to stay here for a period longer than a few weeks.

Regardless of how long or short a time you want to teach, as a foreign national you are required to follow the laws governing the visa with which you are issued as well as other regulations that apply.

The U.S. labor market for teachers is tight, and employers and state regulators generally give preference in hiring to persons who are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents and who have been educated in the United States and hold valid U.S. credentials.

Immigration to the United States, if that is your goal, is a restricted and lengthy process for which you will need to consult both the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate and the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). Please understand that falsification of an intent to permanently reside in the United States in order to obtain a visa is a serious crime under U.S. law and may result in prosecution, deportation, and being permanently barred from entering the United States.

The qualifications and credentials you already possess are not necessarily going to be recognized in the United States, and you may discover that you have to undertake additional study and earn new credentials. Remember that in the United States the hiring employer, not the government, determines who is qualified and at what level.

Regulations Governing Foreign Workers

The U.S. Consulate or Embassy nearest you can provide you with general information regarding who is eligible to obtain a work visa, or to perform paid work while on another visa, and under what circumstances. Go to Preliminary Information: to locate U.S. diplomatic posts abroad and to learn about employment visas and entry into the United States.

Learning About U.S. Education

For general information and statistics, go to General Introduction.

For information about how U.S. education is organized and governed, go to Organization of U.S. Education.

For information about the structure of the U.S. education system, go to Structure of U.S. Education.

To learn about the variety of U.S. institutions and study programs at all levels, go to U.S. Institutions and Programs.

Learning About Life in the United States

You may also wish to consult the resources listed under Visiting the United States: General Information Sources and Studying in the United States.

Getting Credentials Evaluated

Regardless of what type of teaching you want to do and a whatever level, you will need to get your degrees and professional qualifications evaluated to determine U.S. equivalency. For assistance in how to do this, please refer to General Information Sources: Credential Evaluation.

General Resources

Organizations that provide information and resources for persons interested in temporary teaching exchanges and positions at various educational levels include:

American Council for International Studies (ACIS)

Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE)

International Education Services (IES)