• TU img
  • TU img
  • TU img
  • TU img
  • TU img
  • TU img
  • TU img
  • TU img
  • TU img
  • TU img
  • TU img
  • TU img

FEES AND EXPENSES

Program Fees

Registration Fee $50 USD
Application Fee $250 USD
Acceptance Fee - Placement Option (First Year) $2500 USD
Acceptance Fee - Independent Option (First Year) $1500 USD
Program Renewal Fee (Annual fee due in May of each program year) $1000 USD

Fee Inclusions: 

  • Insurance Fee - Economy (First 90 days of coverage included in program fees of first year)
  • Application processing
  • Application screening
  • Interview
  • CV/Resume assistance
  • Job placement at an accredited U.S. Host School (placement program)
  • Host School vetting and application processing
  • DS-2019
  • Visa sponsorship
  • Assistance with Embassy appointment
  • Pre-departure orientation  
  • SEVIS check in and regular compliance review
  • Medical insurance coverage for the first 90 days
  • Access to Teacher USA Footprints portal for documents, instructions and support
  • 24/7 emergency support while in the U.S.
  • Reminder and review of required participant annual report
  • Administrative costs

Additional Fees

(These fees are not included in your program fees.)

SEVIS Fee $220 USD
SEVIS Extension Fee $367 USD
(Fee paid directly to the U.S. Department of State and subject to change)
Embassy Visa Interview Fee $160 USD
Foreign Credential Evaluation Fee $200 - $400 USD
(exact amount depends on number of transcripts being evaluated)
Annual State Teacher Certification fee varies by state
Criminal Background Check fee varies by state and country
TOEFL Test (if applicable) $190 USD
J-2 Dependent Application Fee $550 USD (only if applicable)
Medical Insurance Upgrade $1.10/per day

Expenses to consider

Airfare (international and domestic) to and from the U.S. varies
Housing $1000 - $2500 USD/per month
Transportation $40 - $60 USD/per month
Food $600 - $900 USD/per month
Utilities and Leisure $100 - $400 USD/per month
*All expenses are dependent on the state and area you will be living

Taxes

Tax Deductions from Paycheck:  Teachers on the J-1 visa program are typically subject to the federal, state, and local taxes where they apply. Tax rates vary based on the state and location of your host school, where you are living and your income.   Free Paycheck Calculator: Hourly & Salary – SmartAsset (Average of 10-15% of your gross pay).

*Medicare and Social Security Taxes (FICA) and Federal Unemployment Tax (FUCA): Teachers on the J-1 visa program are typically subject to FICA and FUCA taxes after the first two tax calendar years in the US. In most cases, these payments will begin January 1 of your second year on the program. Free Paycheck Calculator: Hourly & Salary – SmartAsset (Average of 8% of your gross pay). Please note that a teacher will need to begin paying these taxes right away if the teacher was in the US previously on a F, J, M, or Q visa.