J-1 Visa – Cultural Exchange

Visa Status Maintenance

Teachers in Cultural Exchange status are responsible for learning, understanding, and complying with U.S. federal laws and regulations governing their visa. Failure to do so may violate their legal status in the United States. A sponsor has the right to terminate a participant’s role in the program if the sponsor determines that the participant or any accompanying spouse or dependent willfully fails to remain in compliance.

Your responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

Perform the Approved Activities for the Visa

All Cultural Exchange Visa holders are required to perform the activities for which their visa has been granted.

Maintain Required Insurance Coverage

The U.S. The Department of State requires that each participant and all dependents maintain insurance coverage for the full duration of their Cultural Exchange program in the U.S.

Participants must maintain the required health insurance (including Basic Medical Health Insurance, Medical Evaluation, and Repatriation Insurance) for themselves and any dependents throughout their stay in the U.S. Minimum coverage must provide:

• Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
• Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000
• Expenses associated with medical evacuation to the home country in the amount of $50,000
• A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness

All exchange visitors and their family members must have insurance arranged by Whizzix USA through a licensed insurance provider. Whizzix USA is not an insurance provider. After the program ends, visitors may remain in the U.S. for up to 30 days during the grace period. During this time, all visitors must maintain insurance compliance until their exit.

Maintain a Valid Passport During Your Stay in the U.S.

All participants and their dependents must maintain a valid passport throughout their stay in the U.S.

Report Address Changes to USA Employment

All participants are required to report any changes in address and phone number to USA Employment within 10 days of any move. USA Employment must have both your work and residential addresses, even if you choose to receive mail at a P.O. Box.

Report Program Changes to USA Employment

Participants must seek pre-approval from USA Employment before making any changes to their employment status or location. This process requires that participants receive approval prior to any change taking place. A revised form must be issued to reflect the new work location, revised salary, and any other compensation information. The
employer holds the financial responsibility on the official form, and updated information is mandatory before finalizing any commitments with a new employer. Participants and employers may face penalties if the proper procedure is not followed.

Report the Arrival of All Dependent Travelers in the U.S.

Keep USA Employment informed when any dependent family member arrives in the USA. Participants should not depart the U.S. for more than one month during their stay while dependents are present in the USA.

Validate All Travel During the Program

If planning to travel outside the U.S. during the exchange program, participants must have their form endorsed by Whizzix USA before departure. International travel is generally discouraged while school is in session (September through late May/early June). Please send the original copy of your form to Whizzix USA at least three weeks prior to departure by courier (FedEx, UPS, USPS, etc.), along with a payment of $50-$100. If traveling during work days, please send a Travel Validation Request form completed by your direct supervisor, stating the approved travel dates and confirming your mailing address. USA Employment will then sign and return the form. In case of emergency travel, please contact Whizzix USA.

Report Departure Date and Reason to USA Employment

If a participant decides to leave the program before the end date, U.S. federal regulations require immediate notification to USA Employment.

Perform the Cultural Activities for Which the Visa Was Allotted

As a cultural ambassador, you play an essential role by sharing your culture and customs with American students and educators. Whizzix USA encourages creating an inclusive environment that celebrates cultural diversity and exchange. As part of the program, you have the opportunity to participate in U.S. traditions and holidays in addition to sharing your own. We encourage you to actively engage with your new community and classroom to enhance your experience and create lasting connections. Participants must complete at least one cross-cultural activity each year in the following categories:

Cultural Presentation

Share the history, traditions, heritage, culture, economy, educational system, or other attributes of your home country. This may be hosted within your classroom, school, school district, or the broader community.

Community Outreach

At least one activity per academic year should take place outside the host school, in neighboring schools or communities, to facilitate cross-cultural exchange in areas where opportunities may be limited.

International Dialogue

Organize a cultural exchange activity involving dialogue with U.S. students and students in another country, preferably in your home school, through virtual exchanges or other means, to further the goals of the program.

Participants must submit an annual report detailing the cross-cultural activities completed, including at least one from each category. This report is due by the first week of January and is mandatory to remain in the program. Host schools are required to support participants in these activities and outreach efforts.