Educational

Partners
International, LLC

EPI PROGRAM
MEMBER MANUAL

www.TeachWithEPI.com
(828) 239-9930
Last Updated November 2023
Effective Date April 2023
©2023 Educational Partners International, LLC
CONTENT Click a topic to visit the corresponding section.

WELCOME TO THE EPI PROGRAM!...................................................................................................... 1

Purpose of the Exchange Visitor Program

Sponsor Relationship

ESSENTIAL IMMIGRATION STATUS DOCUMENTS............................................................................... 4

Passport

DS-2019 Form

DS-2019 Travel Validation

US J Visa

I-94 (Arrival/Departure Form)

Lost or Stolen Documents

TRAVEL ON A J VISA............................................................................................................................... 6

Initial Travel to the United States

Travel Within the United States

Travel Outside the United States

Helpful Travel Tips

SETTLING IN THE US............................................................................................................................ 11

Housing

Transportation

Driving in the US

Life and Customs in the US

AVAILABLE HEALTHCARE, FILING CLAIMS, AND EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE................................ 13

Healthcare and Emergency Assistance

Filing Health Insurance Claims

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER, PAYCHECK, AND TAXES.................................................................... 15

Social Security Number

Paycheck/Wages

Taxes

FICA Taxes

TEACHING LICENSE............................................................................................................................. 19

MAINTAINING LAWFUL STATUS.......................................................................................................... 20

EPI J-1 Program Manual

 EPI Orientation

Contact Information Changes

Maintain Required Health Insurance

Restrictions on Employment

Complete Two Cross-Cultural Activities Each Year

Report Early Program Departure

Timely Communications with EPI

Abide by All Applicable Laws and Policies

OTHER REPORTING RESPONSIBILITIES..............................................................................................27

Change in Site of Activity or Teaching Position

School Leave of Absence

Change of Family Status

J-2 Dependent Travel Plans

Loss, Damage, or Theft of DS-2019, Passport, or Visa

SERIOUS INCIDENTS TO REPORT WITHIN 24 HOURS........................................................................29

SCHOOL POLICIES.................................................................................................................................32

TRANSFERRING SCHOOLS...................................................................................................................34

EMPLOYEE RIGHTS................................................................................................................................35

TAKING ADVANCED EDUCATION COURSES .......................................................................................36

PROGRAM EXTENSION..........................................................................................................................37

PROGRAM COMPLETION......................................................................................................................38

30-Day Grace Period

Two-Year Restriction on Repeat Participation

Two-Year Home Residency Requirement

Waiver of Home Residency Requirement

PROGRAM DISCLAIMER........................................................................................................................40

SPONSOR CONTACT INFORMATION

J-2 DEPENDENTS........................................................................42
WHO QUALIFIES.....................................................................................................................................43

REQUIREMENTS FOR DEPENDENT DS-2019.......................................................................................45

CONTACT INFORMATION.......................................................................................................................46

J-2 EMPLOYMENT..................................................................................................................................47

EPI J-1 Program Manual

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL AND RE-ENTRY TO THE US........................................................................48

PROGRAM DATES AND END OF LEGAL STATUS.................................................................................49

Cancelling Sponsorship of a J-2 Dependent

TWO-YEAR HOME RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT..................................................................................51

STUDY IN J-2 STATUS............................................................................................................................52

EPI J-1 Program Manual

 WELCOME

WELCOME TO THE EPI

1
PROGRAM!
Congratulations and welcome to the EPI Program! We are excited to
have you join us. We hope that your exchange visitor experience will
be rewarding and impactful for you, the community, and students as
you share your culture and learn from others.

The information provided in this handbook will provide you with

an overview of United States (US) laws, Department of State
regulations, EPI policies and procedures, and EPI Program benefits
and responsibilities that directly impact your stay in the US as an
Exchange Visitor.

We look forward to your contributions and hope that you will find
your cultural exchange experience to be a rewarding opportunity.
EPI is here to provide the tools and support to help you make your
experience a positive one. Please read this guide carefully as it
will assist you with many of your questions and help you remain in
compliance with exchange program rules and laws for the duration
of your time with us.

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WELCOME

Purpose of the Exchange Visitor Program

The purpose of the Exchange Visitor Program (EVP), also called
BridgeUSA, is to “increase mutual understanding between the
people of the United States and the people of other countries by
means of educational and cultural exchanges.” (22 C.F.R. § 62.1,
see Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, as
amended, Public Law 87-256, 22 U.S.C. 2451, et seq. (1988)).
Federal regulations and program policies were established to help
implement the above Act and purpose. Exchange teachers are
appointed to positions within accredited primary and secondary
schools. For more information regarding teaching duties and
responsibilities, please see the following link: https://teachwithepi.
com/faq/standard-exchange-teacher-job-description.

The typical program time frame is three years. Some program members
may be eligible for an additional two-year extension. No matter the
duration, the Department of State expects every exchange teacher to
return to their home country upon completion of an exchange program
to share their experiences and increased knowledge of the United
States and its educational system, culture, and society (see https://
j1visa.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/2019-01-Guidance-
Directive_Teacher-2.1.19.pdf). Teachers will be eligible to participate in
another teacher exchange program provided that they have resided
outside of the United States for at least two years following the
successful completion of their most recent exchange program and
continue to meet all other eligibility requirements.

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WELCOME

Sponsor Relationship
EPI is the program sponsor for cultural exchange teachers and
their eligible dependents. Host schools/districts are the teachers’
employers. The host school is known as the site of activity.

As a designated sponsor, EPI is responsible for ensuring the legal

requirements and the purpose of the EVP are accomplished. Some
of these requirements are to ensure EVP participants maintain
their visa and program status, remain safe during the program,
and engage in cultural exchange. Please familiarize yourself with
the regulations and policies to ensure the most successful EVP
experience for you and your family.

EPI J-1 Program Manual 3

 DOCUMENTS

ESSENTIAL IMMIGRATION
2
STATUS DOCUMENTS
Program participants (J-1 and J-2 Visa holders) are responsible for
keeping their essential immigration documents safe and in order.
Please see the below list for further information regarding these
documents. If a government agency or authority requests to see
your documents, allow them to inspect or copy those documents,
but do not allow anyone to keep the original versions of these
documents without first discussing with EPI staff.

Passport
Exchange visitors and their dependents must keep their passports
valid (unexpired) at all times during the exchange program.

DS-2019 Form
Program participants and their dependents must always maintain
a current and valid DS-2019 to maintain proper immigration status
while in the US.

DS-2019 Travel Validation

J-1 or J-2 Visa holders who travel outside the US during
their program must have a valid travel signature from an EPI
Responsible or Alternate Responsible Officer on the DS-2019
to re-enter the US. These signatures are good for one year from
the handwritten date above the signature. If you need a travel
validation signature, please complete the following form in this link:
EPI J-1 Program Manual 4
DOCUMENTS

­https://teachwithepi.com/forms/ds-2019-request-form­. Follow the

instructions for shipping your DS-2019 form to EPI.

Please also see the section: Travel on a J Visa.

US J Visa
The J Visa must be valid each time you enter the US during your
EVP. If your J Visa expires while you are in the US, you remain in
legal status so long as your passport is current and your program
sponsorship is still active (you are within the program start and end
date listed in box 3 of your DS-2019). However, if you travel abroad
after your J Visa expires, you will need to apply for a new J Visa at a
US embassy/consulate abroad before re-entering the US.
(Canadian citizens are visa-exempt.)

I-94 (Arrival/Departure Form)

You may obtain an arrival or departure form at any time by visiting
the official I-94 US Customs and Border Protection website:
https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home

Please verify that your I-94 is correct after each entrance to the US.

Lost or Stolen Documents

If any of your important documents (passport, visa, DS-2019,
Social Security card, etc.) are lost or stolen, you must report this
immediately to your sponsor. EPI will provide direction depending on
your specific situation. Please note that lost or stolen J Visas cannot
be replaced in the US.

EPI J-1 Program Manual 5

 TRAVEL ON J VISA

3
TRAVEL ON A J VISA
Initial Travel to the United States
Prior to beginning the program and entering the United States, you
will need to obtain the necessary documentation. This includes
the DS-2019 sponsorship form from EPI and the required J Visa
from a US Embassy abroad. EPI will provide assistance to you and
your family throughout this process, but it is your responsibility to
properly prepare.

When you were offered a teacher placement at an accredited US

K-12 school, you received and signed an Educator Agreement
Contract. This contract specified your specific placement information
and all parties’ contractual obligations. Upon execution of this
agreement, EPI provides guidance to you and your family in
preparing for the visa application process.

EPI will issue you and any accompanying qualified family members
the required DS-2019 sponsorship form. Once you receive this
information, you are prepared to begin the visa application process. If
you wish to have qualifying family members join you, EPI will require
the necessary documentation and a processing fee noted in the below
general summary of fees link. Some required documentation for family
members will include proof of family relationship, current passport, and
financial statements showing the ability to support J-2 dependents.

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TRAVEL ON J VISA

Currently, EPI pays the SEVIS fee (which covers you and any
accompanying family members), but you are responsible for all visa
application fees. For more information regarding fees, please see the
following link: https://teachwithepi.com/faq/general-summary-fees.

You will complete the EPI visa learning center courses, which provide
detailed guidance and information regarding the visa application and
interview process. At your visa interview, you will need to present
your DS-2019 form, SEVIS receipt (paid by EPI), DS-160 (visa
application) confirmation page and receipt of payment (you complete
and pay for any visa applications), your current passport, and any
additional documentation a US consular officer may request at the
interview. Some additional documents may include your Educator
Agreement Contract, proof of teaching experience and credentials,
and proof of home ties.

Once your visa is approved, EPI will provide further information

regarding travel to the US. Please do not make plans for travel to
the US or purchase any airline tickets before receiving approval
from EPI.

When entering the US you will be expected to present your valid

passport with your J Visa and DS-2019 form to a US Customs and
Border Protection Officer. Please always be respectful to officers and
see the Helpful Travel Tips located in the Travel Outside the United
States section below for more information.

An EPI representative will greet you upon entry to the United States
and assist you in getting to your assigned destination. If other

EPI J-1 Program Manual 7

TRAVEL ON J VISA

arrangements are preapproved by EPI, you will be required to notify

EPI immediately upon your arrival to the US. If family members do
not arrive with you upon your initial entry, you will be required to
notify EPI immediately upon their arrival to the US.

Travel Within the United States

We recommend you carry copies of your DS-2019, passport
photo page, US J Visa, and I-94 with you on a daily basis. Do not
carry the original documents; keep these documents in a safe
place. While it is unlikely that you will be questioned about your
immigration status by an authorized official, having copies of these
documents will allow you to provide immediate proof of your lawful
status in the US if needed.

Travel Outside the United States

After your initial entry to the US, you must show original documents
anytime you attempt to re-enter the US. You must be able to
produce the following:

• Original DS-2019 with current travel validation signature

Travel validation signatures are located on the bottom right corner
of your DS-2019 under “Travel Validation by Responsible Officer.”
These signatures are valid for one year from the signature date
or for the length of your program (whichever is shorter) and must
be current upon re-entry. You may request an updated travel
validation signature by completing the following request form and
following the instructions.
https://teachwithepi.com/forms/ds-2019-request-form
• Current passport with valid visa stamp
If your visa stamp has expired and you still have a valid DS-

EPI J-1 Program Manual 8

TRAVEL ON J VISA

2019, you must apply and receive a new J Visa at a US

Embassy or consulate abroad before re-entering the US.
(We strongly recommend you apply at a US Embassy in your
country of citizenship as you will need to show strong home tie
documentation.) Please plan accordingly as processing times vary.

It is also recommended that you travel with the following in case it

is requested.
• Most recent I-94 record
• Proof of financial and home tie documentation

Please remember you are never guaranteed re-entry into

the US even with valid documentation. There is heightened
security at the border and border patrol officers have
discretion in evaluating travelers for re-entry. We recommend
travelers present the necessary documents and always
conduct themselves in a professional manner.

Helpful Travel Tips

• Carry your documents securely.

• Make two copies of your travel documents in case of emergency.

Leave one copy with a trusted relative or friend and carry the
other separately from your documents in case of loss or theft.
You should also upload current copies of your documents to your
EPI profile.

• US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers may search

you and your electronic devices at the border. Please ensure you
do not have any questionable material including inappropriate
photos on your computer, phone, or social media accounts.
EPI J-1 Program Manual 9
TRAVEL ON J VISA

Any reference by you or your friends to marijuana, other drugs,

or any questionable material could prohibit your re-entry to the
US. (If your school provides you with a laptop or other electronic
devices, please do not travel outside the US with these devices.)

• Never lie or misrepresent facts to a CBP officer. You can politely

decline to answer or request to call your sponsor or personal
attorney, but lying to an officer is a federal offense and could
prohibit your re-entry at the time or in the future.

• If you have any difficulties in customs, you can request the officer
allow you to call your visa sponsor or personal attorney. You may
use the EPI emergency number, (888) 297-3788. Please program
this number into your phone and keep it in another location in
case of loss or theft.

*Please note that attorneys employed by EPI represent EPI,

and no attorney-client relationship is formed between EPI’s staff
attorneys and any EPI teacher. Attorneys employed by EPI represent
the company, which may have interests that are adverse to an
individual teacher’s interests. It is important to remember this
and that no attorney-client privilege is ever formed during your
communication with EPI attorneys regarding personal legal matters.
EPI representatives, including its attorneys, may speak to CBP
as representatives of EPI and confirm your EPI sponsorship and
immigration status. However, this will never constitute that attorney’s
personal legal representation of the J Visa holder.

EPI J-1 Program Manual 10

 SETTLING IN THE US

4
SETTLING IN THE US
Housing
After your visa is approved, securing housing in the US should
be your priority. EPI provides guidance, potential options,
and a local liaison to assist you in this process. However,
choosing and securing appropriate affordable housing is
your responsibility. You are required to secure housing within
an appropriate distance (no more than 20 miles) from your
assigned school, so that your commute is reasonable, and
EPI recommends living as close to your school as possible.
Greater distances must be approved by EPI. For more specific
information regarding housing options, please see the following
link: https://forum.teachwithepi.com/.

Transportation
During the program, it is the teacher’s responsibility to secure
reliable transportation to and from work. A personal vehicle is the
primary mode of transportation in most US locations, and public
transportation may not be available. If your school assignment is in
an area where public transportation is not adequate, you should
strongly consider owning or leasing an automobile to ensure
reliable transportation. If you choose to drive while in the US,
you must arrive with a valid foreign driver’s license and obtain a
new driver’s license from the US state in which you reside within

EPI J-1 Program Manual 11

SETTLING IN THE US

a certain time frame (usually 30 days). If you own, lease, or drive

a vehicle, state law also requires you to maintain the mandatory
automobile insurance coverage. Consequences for not doing so
can include criminal charges. Securing transportation with school
administration is prohibited.

Driving in the US
If you indicated during your EPI application process that you will be
driving in the US, you will be required to acquire a driver’s license
in your state of residence. EPI will provide general state-specific
guidance to you upon arrival in the US. Each state in the US has
specific application requirements and laws governing driving in
that state. You will be responsible to familiarize yourself with such
laws and requirements and abide by them, including maintenance
of the required automobile insurance, vehicle registration, vehicle
inspection, and registration renewal, as applicable.

Life and Customs in the US

As a cultural exchange teacher, you will do so much more than
broaden your own professional experience. You will also influence
US students and teachers to think about a bigger world! However,
moving to a new country can require some adaptability to culture
and customs. Learning about US customs will help you interact
comfortably and appropriately with the students and colleagues
you will spend time with every day.

For more information regarding customs and community resources

like banks, libraries, public transportation, etc., please see the
following links: https://forum.teachwithepi.com/;
https://learn.teachwithepi.com/.

EPI J-1 Program Manual 12

 HEALTHCARE

AVAILABLE HEALTHCARE,
FILING CLAIMS, AND
5
EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE
Unless it is an emergency, EPI recommends that you contact your
insurance provider before you visit a doctor’s office or healthcare
provider. The insurance provider can help you determine what
services are covered and ways to reduce the costs of your
healthcare visit.

Healthcare and Emergency Assistance

In the United States, dialing 9-1-1 from any phone will connect you
to emergency services. US Emergency Rooms should be used
only in true medical emergencies. For non-emergencies, using
telemedicine or visiting a local Urgent Care facility or walk-in clinic is
typically faster and more cost-effective. Lists of such facilities in your
area can be found on the EPI Forum, forum.teachwithepi.com. You
may also seek a primary care physician for routine care; find doctors
that accept your insurance by contacting the insurance companies
using the information on your health insurance cards.

Filing Health Insurance Claims

In the US, individuals are ultimately responsible for paying healthcare
costs, and health insurance may not cover all or any of the healthcare
costs you incur. As stated in the section Maintain Required Health
Insurance, EPI enrolls all J-1 teachers in an insurance plan that
meets the federal regulations governing the J Visa program.

EPI J-1 Program Manual 13

HEALTHCARE

Be sure to present all of your insurance cards to your healthcare

provider at the beginning of every healthcare visit. Doing this
increases the likelihood that your insurance claims will be processed
by the appropriate insurance company and in a timely manner.
Please check with your healthcare provider to ensure it will file the
insurance claim for you.

If the provider does not file the insurance claim, you are ultimately
responsible to do so in a timely manner. Failing to fully submit a
claim within ninety (90) days of the date of a healthcare visit may
result in your forfeiture of any benefits to which you may have been
entitled, likely resulting in much higher costs to you. The insurance
companies will likely not process insurance claims submitted more
than 90 days after a healthcare visit.

EPI J-1 Program Manual 14

 SOC. SECURITY, PAYCHECK, AND TAXES

SOCIAL SECURITY
NUMBER, PAYCHECK,
6
AND TAXES
Disclaimer: The information provided in this section is meant to
serve as general information and not intended as tax or legal advice.
Should you have additional questions or need additional information,
please consult a tax professional.

Social Security Number

Social Security numbers are used to report a person’s wages to
the federal government. As your employer, your school/district will
request you provide a Social Security number (SSN). You must
apply for a US Social Security number 10 days after your arrival
in the US or contact the US Social Security office to ensure your
Social Security number is active (if you had a US Social Security
number before).

Please take your original passport, J-1 Visa, DS-2019, and I-94
with you when visiting the Social Security Administration office to
apply for your Social Security number. You must complete the SSN
application form and provide them an accurate US address where
you may receive your Social Security card in the mail.

You must also provide your Social Security number to EPI for
assistance with your state teaching certificate, healthcare, and
other purposes.

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SOC. SECURITY, PAYCHECK, AND TAXES

Although it was originally created to track individuals for Social

Security purposes, this number has become a de facto national
identification number used for purposes such as important
government documents, healthcare, taxes, credit scores, and other
areas where distinction between different people with similar names
is necessary. While other businesses may ask for your SSN, you may
choose not to provide it. Many services can be obtained without a
SSN, or you may choose to forfeit or forgo a service by not providing
your SSN. Please keep this number secured to prevent others from
using it to commit fraud, such as identity theft. It is recommended
that you do not carry your Social Security card in your wallet or
purse in case of theft.

Paycheck/Wages
Individual schools and school districts employ EPI teachers. EPI is
not your employer. Contact your school district employer and follow
its procedures in order to be added to your school’s payroll.

EPI teachers are paid commensurate with their US counterparts,

typically based on Bachelor’s degree level, education, and
experience. Most school districts will consider your advanced
degree in determining your salary level; however, no advanced
degrees or years of experience will be added after you have signed
your Educator Contract unless the degree is conferred after you
arrive in the US and is relevant to your pay level.

You are required to provide EPI a copy of your first full paycheck
stub. This is so we can help ensure its accuracy. As a US
employee, there is a limited time set for collecting unpaid wages
from an employer. Additionally, you are liable to repay your employer

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SOC. SECURITY, PAYCHECK, AND TAXES

for any overpayment received. If you receive an overpayment,

employers may even remove the overpayment amount from your
bank account without your approval, leading to possible bank fees
and penalties to you.

Taxes
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the government entity that
manages tax collection, tax forms, and tax information on the federal
level. Most states also require individuals to pay taxes on the state
level. You are responsible for abiding by all tax laws and regulations.
The standard deadline to file your taxes in the US for the previous
year is April 15.

Please consult a certified public accountant or other tax professional

for assistance. EPI does not provide legal, accounting, tax, or other
similar counsel or advice, and teachers should seek the assistance
of professional counsel in respect to such matters.

Teachers may or may not be able to claim dependents on their taxes

at certain times during their program. For more information please
consult a tax professional on how and when this is possible.

FICA Taxes
(Social Security and Medicare Tax)
J-1 teachers are generally exempt from paying FICA (Social Security
and Medicare) taxes for the first two calendar years they are in the
US. Details on FICA exemption can be found in IRS Publication
519 (Chapter 1 “Exempt Individual” and Chapter 8, “Paying Tax
through Withholding or Estimated Tax”, section “Social Security and
Medicare Taxes”; “Students and Exchange Visitors”). For teachers

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SOC. SECURITY, PAYCHECK, AND TAXES

who have not been employed in the US previously and begin

teaching in August (or any month prior to a new year), their third
calendar year for tax purposes will begin in January of their second
school year. Please consult a tax professional for further details.

EPI J-1 Program Manual 18

 TEACHING LICENSE

7
TEACHING LICENSE
EPI will apply for the teacher’s license/certification whenever
possible. However, some teachers may be required to take the
Praxis exam(s) or other state required test(s) to qualify for their
teaching positions. Teachers are responsible to take and pass
the appropriate test(s) within the guidelines and dates given.
Failure to take and pass such required examinations will result in
program termination.

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 LAWFUL STATUS

MAINTAINING LAWFUL
8
STATUS
During your EVP you must maintain lawful J Visa status. Failure to do
so may result in termination of your program and serious long-term
consequences. The following is a summary of requirements in order
to maintain lawful status in the US.

EPI Orientation
All J-1 teachers are required to participate in an EPI orientation.
Orientation provides information concerning life in the US, your local
community, healthcare and health insurance coverage, your teaching
program, your rights as a worker in the US, and other important
program information and requirements.

Contact Information Changes

Upon arrival in the US, you must maintain a residential address
(post office boxes are not sufficient) and a US phone number with
functioning voicemail. You must report this information to EPI upon
arrival. If your contact information changes at any time during the
EVP, you are required to report your updated information (including
email address) to EPI immediately, but no later than 10 days from
the change. You are responsible for maintaining your current contact
information with EPI at all times.

You must update your residential address with EPI by using the

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LAWFUL STATUS

following link: https://teachwithepi.com/forms/change-of-address.

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) also
requires you to complete an AR-11 change of address form within
10 days of relocation. You can find a direct link to that form on the
EPI page noted above. Any change to your email address or phone
number should be emailed to team@teachwithepi.com. You must
not use an email address through your employer or a government
address for this purpose; instead, the primary email address on file
must be a personal account.

In the rare instance where a J-2 dependent lives separately from

the J-1 Visa holder, this must also be reported to EPI. Please email
team@teachwithepi.com with the J-2 dependent’s name, physical
address, phone number, email address, guardian’s information (if
applicable), and reason for living separately.

Periodically, EPI may conduct address/contact verification surveys.

You are required to complete these in the time frame given. This
is to ensure continued compliance with US immigration law and
program regulations.

Maintain Required Health Insurance

J Visa holders are required by law to maintain specific insurance
coverage for the duration of the EVP. EPI enrolls all J-1 teachers in
an insurance plan that meets the federal regulations governing the
J Visa program. You are NOT eligible to participate in your school’s
health insurance plan, as it fails to meet the legal requirements for J
Visa holders. J-1 participants are also responsible for ensuring their
J-2 dependents maintain this required coverage for the duration of
the J-1 teacher’s program. Willful failure to maintain the required

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LAWFUL STATUS

insurance for the J-1 and J-2 Visa holders throughout the
entirety of the J-1 Visa holder’s program will result in the
termination of the exchange program. For more specifics related
to these requirements please see, 22 C.F.R. § 62.14 and the EVP
Welcome Brochure:
https://j1visa.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Brochure-The-
Exchange-Visitor-Program.pdf.

J-1 teachers are responsible for paying the J-1 and J-2 health
insurance premiums on a monthly basis. While EPI pays a
significant portion of the J-1 health insurance premium, lowering
the monthly cost for J-1 teachers, the J-1 is responsible for
paying the full monthly premium for their J-2 dependents. This
responsibility lasts for the entirety of the J-1 teacher’s program,
regardless of whether the J-2 dependent is located in the US. The
basic J-1 insurance cost is reflected by the “low” estimate in the
insurance table located on this page: https://teachwithepi.com/
faq/general-summary-fees. Supplemental health plans may be
purchased by the teacher through the healthcare.gov marketplace
during enrollment periods, or from private insurance, but the basic
insurance must be maintained to meet requirements for exchange
visitors. Specific J-2 insurance costs will be sent to you prior to
your J-2 dependents’ arrival. Rates are subject to change annually;
EPI and the insurance company will communicate any updates to
program members via email.

With the teacher’s prior authorization, payments will be automatically

withdrawn from a valid US bank account each month to cover the
teacher’s portion of his/her J-1 premium for the duration of the J-1’s
EVP. If your bank account information changes, you must inform

EPI J-1 Program Manual 22

LAWFUL STATUS

EPI at least fifteen (15) days prior to the automatic deduction to

avoid any late fees. This should be done by uploading a scanned
copy of a check or other official bank document containing your full
name and your full bank account and routing number to your EPI
profile, then emailing or calling EPI to let us know you have done so.
You will also need to sign another authorization form reflecting the
changes. J-1 teachers must pay J-2 insurance premiums directly to
the insurance provider.

For information related to filing an insurance claim please see:

Filing Health Insurance Claims.

Restrictions on Employment
J-1 teachers may teach only at an accredited K-12 school in the
subject area and site of activity specified on their DS-2019. Any
other employment must first be authorized by EPI and meet the
EVP regulation requirements. Any unauthorized employment may
result in the loss of legal status in the US and termination of your
exchange program.

Additional employment such as summer teaching may be

authorized, but the J-1 teacher must receive written approval from
EPI before engaging in additional work. If your school requests that
you engage in additional work (such as after-school or Saturday
work) for additional pay, you must first seek EPI’s approval. You are
not allowed to conduct one-on-one tutoring, teach online courses,
or participate in homebound teaching during your program.

You may request prior approval for additional work by completing

the following form:

EPI J-1 Program Manual 23

LAWFUL STATUS

https://teachwithepi.com/forms/request-for-additional-work.

Complete Two Cross-Cultural Activities Each Year

Cross-cultural activities are a great opportunity to help teachers fulfill
the purpose of the exchange program and to share their culture
with students and communities. Each J-1 teacher is required by
EVP regulations to complete two cross-cultural activities each
academic year; these must be completed by the deadline provided
by EPI. These activities are “designed to promote exposure and
interchange between exchange visitors and Americans so as to
increase their mutual understanding of each other’s society, culture,
and institutions” (22 C.F.R. § 62.24 (h)). These activities should be
preapproved by EPI. You must complete one activity from Category
A and one from Category B each year:

• Category A – an activity for your US classroom, larger host

school or host school district population, or the community at
large designed to give an overview of the history, traditions,
heritage, culture, economy, educational system, or other aspects
of your home country. Teachers placed at international schools
must conduct this activity outside the host school in nearby
schools or communities where international opportunities may be
more limited than those found in their host school.
• Category B – an activity that involves American student dialogue
with schools or students in another country, preferably at your
home school, through a virtual exchange or other means. The
students outside the US must be at a similar academic level as
the students in the US.

EPI J-1 Program Manual 24

LAWFUL STATUS

Descriptions of your activities must be submitted through your

EPI profile. You must complete all sections to comply with EPI
and Department of State requirements. You may partner with
other EPI teachers to create and organize cross-cultural activities
together. However, each program member is required to submit
his/her own proposals, participate in sharing his/her culture in
the activities, complete the EPI activity forms, and then notify EPI
once completed.

Special Note for J-1s Seeking an Extension: Teachers seeking an

extension must submit and complete both cross-cultural activities in
the first few months of their third year in order to be considered for
a program extension, normally before the end of October. Teachers
must comply with all EPI instructions regarding program extension
applications in order to be considered for a program extension.
Please see: Program Extension

Report Early Program Departure

Should you plan to leave the EPI program early for any reason, you
must first notify EPI of such departure. It is important to correctly
report your departure date since it may impact any future travel or
visa applications to the US. Failure to provide 30 days’ notice to EPI
or to complete the then current school year may result in fees owed
to EPI, in accordance with the EPI Educator Contract.

Timely Communications with EPI

As your sponsor, EPI is responsible for certain aspects of your
EVP, and must be able to reach you quickly to give you important

EPI J-1 Program Manual 25

LAWFUL STATUS

information or request updates. EPI maintains communication with

program members via email and phone. It is your responsibility to
have voicemail set up on your cell phone, to check your voicemail
regularly, and to ensure the voicemail is not full so that EPI may leave
a voicemail at any time during your EVP. You must also check your
email regularly (at least three times weekly), including checking your
spam or junk folder to make sure that EPI emails are not flagged
as spam or discarded. It is your responsibility to respond to all EPI
communications in a timely manner (within 24 hours).

Maintaining proper communication with EPI also includes

reporting necessary information to EPI in a timely manner. More
details are contained in this section and the section entitled “Other
Reporting Responsibilities.”

You will also receive periodic program compliance surveys via email.
These surveys are mandatory, and should be completed within the
time frame given.

Abide by All Applicable Laws and Policies

It is essential that you and your dependents abide by all visa
regulations; local, state, and federal laws; EPI program policies;
and applicable school district and school policies in order to
maintain compliance with your EVP. If you have any questions
regarding these requirements we recommend you consult this
manual, your Educator Contract, other official EPI communications,
school handbooks, or reach out to EPI directly. EPI’s goal is to
help you experience the best cultural exchange possible. This is
only achievable when all participants maintain compliance with
regulations and policies to help accomplish the goals of the EVP.

EPI J-1 Program Manual 26

 OTHER REPORTING

OTHER REPORTING
9
RESPONSIBILITIES
As your program sponsor, one of EPI’s highest concerns is your
safety while in the US. EPI’s ability to accomplish this goal is almost
entirely dependent on our ability to contact you quickly, and on
your compliance with EPI’s reporting requirements. Many of these
reporting requirements have been mentioned previously, but below
are a few other events that you are responsible for reporting to EPI
to maintain compliance with your program requirements:

Change in Site of Activity or Teaching Position

Teachers must notify EPI of any potential change in site of activity,
assignment, or teaching position. Please note that before any
change may occur, EPI must give prior approval. If a change is
approved and it varies from that listed on your DS-2019, EPI will
update your DS-2019 to reflect the change. You must maintain
your status as a full-time teacher of record in the classroom in
accordance with US law.

School Leave of Absence

Any absences from work must be approved by your school. You
must inform EPI if you take a leave of absence from your school
lasting more than five (5) consecutive work days. Any extended
leave of absence (exceeding 2 weeks) must first be pre-approved
in writing by both your school and EPI. Failure to seek and obtain

EPI J-1 Program Manual 27

OTHER REPORTING

approval may negatively impact your program and result in the

shortening of your program.

Change of Family Status

(i.e., marriage, divorce, pregnancy, etc.)
A J-1 Visa holder is responsible to report any change in family status
during the EVP. If a J-1 marries, divorces, has a child, or adopts a
child during the exchange program, this must be reported to EPI
along with required documentation.

Married dependent children are not eligible for the J-2 Visa. If a
J-2 dependent child plans to marry, s/he will no longer be eligible
for the J-2 Visa and must exit the US prior to marriage. For more
information about who qualifies to be a J-2 dependent please see
Who Qualifies.

J-2 Dependent Travel Plans

You must notify EPI when your J-2 dependent initially arrives in the
US. You must also notify EPI if a dependent plans to permanently
exit the US, so that EPI may deactivate the dependent’s DS-2019.
Please see: Cancelling Sponsorship of a J-2 Dependent

Loss, Damage, or Theft of DS-2019, Passport,

or Visa
You must report if your documents or your dependents’ documents
are lost, damaged, or stolen. EPI will provide steps for you to take
based on the document(s) that is missing.

EPI J-1 Program Manual 28

 INCIDENTS TO REPORT

SERIOUS INCIDENTS
TO REPORT WITHIN 24
10
HOURS
Any incident involving a teacher or J-2 dependent who is the victim
or accused perpetrator of the following must be reported to EPI
within 24 hours of the incident:

Required Incident to Example

Report
Sexually related incident or abuse Actual or allegation of sexual assault,
harassment, misconduct, or sexual
exploitation

Incident involving the criminal Traffic ticket, arrest, detained by

justice system police, charges, deportation, visa
fraud, assault, DUI/DWI, theft, any
misdemeanor or felony charge, or
other law enforcement involvement

Incident involving Child Protective Child neglect or abuse, in the school

Services or home

Serious mental health concerns Suicidal ideation or attempt, eating

disorder, self-harm, psychiatric
detention, or early program end due
to mental health concerns
Substance abuse/other behavioral Drugs and alcohol/bullying or
problems harassment
Serious medical issues, illness, Cancer diagnosis, surgery, or any
injury, or hospitalization condition requiring quarantine
procedures or hospitalization

[Table Continues on Next Page]

EPI J-1 Program Manual 29

INCIDENTS TO REPORT

Exchange visitor missing Whereabouts unknown, intentionally

left the program without notifying
sponsor, unresponsive to
communication from the host school

Unsuitable working conditions Hostile work environment, workplace

bullying, sexual harassment,
discrimination

Employment and contract issues Host school out of compliance

with employment contract, teacher
working less than 32 hours per
week, certification and salary issues,
unauthorized employment, or teacher
strikes
Any serious negative issue at the Student or parent threatens the
teacher’s school teacher or accuses teacher of
misconduct

Actual or potential negative media Negative media coverage or press

coverage involvement related to the teacher,
EPI, or the exchange visitor program

Foreign government or embassy Embassy or foreign government is

intervention asked to intervene for any reason

Exchange visitor’s death Death of a teacher or J-2 dependent

during the program

Actual or threat of public safety Natural disasters, bombings,

incident or natural disaster shootings, other acts of violence or
civil unrest
Unfavorable teacher evaluation/ Below standard evaluation or
school discipline termination from employment

Fraud Visa, immigration, or financial fraud or

scam

[Table Continues on Next Page]

EPI J-1 Program Manual 30

INCIDENTS TO REPORT

Litigation (lawsuits) or other legal Formal arbitration, administrative

actions proceeding, or court proceedings in
which a teacher, dependent, school,
or sponsor (like EPI) may be a named
party or otherwise directly involved

As stated in J-1 regulations, “[This required reporting] assists

your sponsor in complying with their notification and reporting
requirements to the US Department of State and the Department
of Homeland Security. Failure to keep your sponsor informed could
result in the termination of your program status.” (https://j1visa.
state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Brochure-The-Exchange-
Visitor-Program.pdf)

EPI J-1 Program Manual 31

 SCHOOL POLICIES

11
SCHOOL POLICIES
You are responsible for seeking out and reading all school and
school district policies that apply to your employment as a teacher.
In addition to abiding by all school and school district rules and
policies, you must be sure to follow all health screening and
fingerprinting requirements your school and school district may have.
Failing to follow these required procedures may hinder your ability to
report to work or be paid, and may be grounds for dismissal.

Some examples of general school policies you should be aware of

may include, but are not limited to the following:
• Corporal punishment (physical discipline) is strictly prohibited
in US schools and may result in dismissal and criminal charges
against the teacher. Cultural norms for any physical contact with
students may be different from in your home country; become
familiar with school and district guidelines prior to interacting
with students.
• Shaming a student (mocking, using derogatory names, or public
ridicule) is strictly prohibited in a US classroom and could lead
to termination.
• There is zero tolerance for harassment of any student or school
employee based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national
origin, or disability in US schools. Engaging in these behaviors

EPI J-1 Program Manual 32

SCHOOL POLICIES

may result in immediate program termination.

• Never show any video in your classroom without first receiving
approval from your school administration.
• You must dress as a professional and follow school guidelines.
• When it comes to teacher absences and vacation days, it is
customary to request time off as far in advance as possible.
Follow your school’s policy regarding personal leave time and
sick days.
• Never carry weapons of any kind, alcohol, or tobacco with you
on school property as these items are strictly prohibited on US
school campuses. This includes not having these items in your
vehicle on school property.

The guidelines above are only examples of some general rules

followed by US schools. Some of these examples are based on
US law. You must seek out, consult, and follow all of your school’s
specific policies and procedures on the topics above. Keep in mind
that you must also follow all school/EPI policies and local, state, and
federal laws while in the US, including employment laws. Ignorance
of a program rule, school policy, or US law is no excuse for failing to
abide by all rules, policies, and laws while in the US.

EPI J-1 Program Manual 33

 TRANSFERRING SCHOOLS

12
TRANSFERRING SCHOOLS
As standard practice, EPI does not consider transferring a teacher
except in extenuating circumstances. EPI will only consider
transferring a teacher if the teacher has performed exceptionally and
is in good standing with EPI and the school.

An EPI teacher is not allowed to join any job-posting internet sites or

seek other employment on his/her own. You may not discuss with
school administration or accept a position at another school without
first receiving approval from EPI.

EPI J-1 Program Manual 34

 EMPLOYEE RIGHTS

13
EMPLOYEE RIGHTS
You should be aware of your rights as an employee in the US. The
US government has provided a helpful pamphlet, the Wilberforce
pamphlet, to make you aware of these rights. This pamphlet is
available online:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-
resources/temporary-workers.html.
It can also be found in the EPI Online Orientation materials or
through an internet search.

EPI J-1 Program Manual 35

 EDUCATION COURSES

TAKING ADVANCED
14
EDUCATION COURSES
The J Visa allows you to take advanced education courses during
your program as long as you first receive permission from EPI, and
it does not interfere with your primary purpose as a teacher. EPI
advises all teachers to delay enrollment in advanced education
courses until after the first year of his/her program to better allow for
a period of adjustment.

If you wish to take advanced education courses outside the

standard continuing education or professional development
activities, you must first receive written approval from EPI. You
will need to submit details of the courses, certification, or degree
you wish to pursue, and a description of the class load and time
commitment needed to pursue the advanced education courses.
Please submit this information by emailing team@teachwithepi.com.

EPI J-1 Program Manual 36

 PROGRAM EXTENSION

15
PROGRAM EXTENSION
Some teachers are allowed to request a 4th/5th year in J-1 status.
For those wishing to apply for an extension, EPI must submit these
applications to the US Department of State for approval. The teacher
is responsible for a non-refundable fee to cover the expense of
application. EPI will contact teachers in their third year with more
detailed information on application documents the teacher is
required to submit to EPI. Teachers should be prepared to complete
annual program requirements within the first few months of their third
year in order to apply. EPI will provide the appropriate deadline date
during the extension application process.

Teachers will not be eligible to apply for a program extension if they have
ever applied for a waiver of the two-year home residency requirement or
if certain other circumstances exist. Teachers must also have completed
all required cross-cultural activities to be eligible to apply.

Please also note that your application is based largely on your

performance as a cultural exchange teacher at your current site
of activity, so no school transfers will be allowed during the third
through fifth year.

Program regulations and US law do not allow for an extension past

the maximum five-year period.

EPI J-1 Program Manual 37

 PROGRAM COMPLETION

16
PROGRAM COMPLETION
30-Day Grace Period
Most program participants will have a 30-day grace period at
the end of their program to travel within the US and finalize any
personal affairs, like packing your belongings or selling a vehicle.
(This grace period is granted to all participants unless your program
is negatively terminated due to a program or regulation violation, in
which case you are only granted a 24-hour period to exit the US.)
We recommend you plan to exit the US at least one to two days
before the end of the grace period, in case any travel delays occur.
Travel delays will not be an excuse for overstaying a visa, which is a
violation of immigration law.

Please note that J Visa holders are not allowed to work during the
grace period. Additionally, if you travel outside the US during this
period, you will not be permitted re-entry to the US.

Two-Year Restriction on Repeat Participation

Part of fulfilling the purpose of your cultural exchange includes
returning to your home country so you can share the US culture
at the end of your program. There are two US laws requiring this.
The first is found in the Code of Federal Regulations and requires a
participant to reside outside the US for two years following his/her
exchange program in order to participate in another J-1 exchange

EPI J-1 Program Manual 38

PROGRAM COMPLETION

program as a teacher. (See: C.F.R. 22 § 62.24 (l)). This is referred to

as the Two-Year Restriction on Repeat Participation.

Two-Year Home Residency Requirement

The second law is found in the US Immigration and Nationality
Act. This is a federal law that requires some to return to their
home country for two years at the end of their J Visa program.
This is based on your home country and the US Department of
State Exchange Visitor Skills List. This requirement also applies
to J-2 Visa holders. (See: INA 212 (e)). However, travel on certain
designated visas, like a valid visitor’s visa, may be allowed during this
time. It is the individual’s responsibility to consult with immigration
professionals/attorneys as it relates to travel beyond this program.

Waiver of Home Residency Requirement

Filing for a waiver of the two-year home residency requirement is
strongly discouraged, breaches the EPI Contract, and goes against
the purpose of your exchange program.

If you are subject to the Home Residency Requirement under INA

212(e) and do not wish to fulfill this requirement, the United States
Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has a process to apply
for a waiver of this requirement. However, EPI strongly recommends
that you discuss this option with an EPI Responsible or Alternate
Responsible Officer before applying for a waiver. Applying for a
waiver will likely result in the shortening of your J Visa exchange
program and will forfeit your ability to apply for a program extension.

EPI J-1 Program Manual 39

 PROGRAM DISCLAIMER

17
PROGRAM DISCLAIMER
EPI reserves the right to end or terminate a teacher’s program
sponsorship at any time and for any reason during the EVP. EPI will
consider a number of factors in determining whether disciplinary
action should be taken, including the nature and seriousness of the
offense, the teacher’s past record, the impact to EPI and the EVP,
and any mitigating or aggravating circumstances.

Examples of disciplinary actions include, but are not limited

to, counseling, verbal warning, written warning, probation, or
termination with or without additional notice. EPI is not required
to follow any set or established disciplinary procedure, but in its
discretion may apply the level and type of discipline it determines
to be appropriate in the circumstances, including termination of the
J-1/J-2 Visa sponsorship.

Information in this Program Manual is meant to help summarize

important program requirements contained in each teacher’s
contract with EPI, program and EPI policies, and federal law.
Nothing in this Program Manual should be construed to conflict
or modify any individual teacher’s contract with EPI, federal and
state laws or regulations, or exchange program guidance issued
by federal departments and agencies. Where this Program Manual
does conflict with a teacher’s EPI contract, state or federal law, or

EPI J-1 Program Manual 40

PROGRAM DISCLAIMER

exchange program guidance issued by federal authorities, the EPI

contract, state and federal law, and federal authorities’ exchange
program guidance controls.

SPONSOR CONTACT INFORMATION

Educational Partners International

105 Whitson Avenue
Swannanoa, NC 28778
(828) 239-9930
team@teachwithepi.com

EPI’s Responsible Officer is Debra Martin.

EPI’s Alternate Responsible Officers are Catherine Callahan, Melanie

Cronin, Elizabeth DeVault, Brett DeWitt, Kathryn Hicks, Alison Martin,
and Andres Martin.

The US Department of State oversees the EVP. More information

and contact information for the Department of State can be found in
the EVP Welcome Brochure:
https://j1visa.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/EVP-
Welcome-Brochure-2022.pdf

EPI J-1 Program Manual 41

J-2
DEPENDENTS

EPI J-1 Program Manual 42

 WHO QUALIFIES

18
WHO QUALIFIES
EPI sponsors family members who qualify as dependents for the
J-2 Visa. A J-2 Visa is a non-immigrant visa that may be issued to
a J-1’s legal spouse or an unmarried, dependent child under the
age of 21. For your spouse to qualify, you must provide an official,
government-issued marriage certificate. Common-law marriages
and accompanying documentation do not qualify for purposes of the
J-2 Visa.

For your dependent child to qualify, you or your spouse must be

listed as a parent on the child’s birth certificate. J-2 dependent
children must exit the US and EPI program before age 21, as they
are no longer eligible for the J-2 visa. Children who fail to exit the US
on their J-2 visa before age 21 violate US immigration law. There are
no exceptions to this US law.

EPI must approve the accompaniment of any spouse or child. Each

approved dependent will be issued his/her own DS-2019 Form.
The J-2 Visa is issued by a consular official at a US Embassy or
consulate abroad. The application procedure is similar to the primary
visa applicant’s experience. The SEVIS fee EPI pays for the J-1
teacher will cover all J-2 Visa applicants. However, a visa application
fee must be paid for each J-2 Visa applicant. The J-1 teacher is
responsible for paying the J-2 Visa application fee and any other
fees that may apply.
EPI J-1 Program Manual 43
 WHO QUALIFIES

EPI encourages applicants to consider the costs of supporting

a family when they apply to the program. The J-1 Visa holder
must be able to support all dependents during the time of the
exchange program.

EPI J-1 Program Manual 44

 REQUIREMENTS

REQUIREMENTS FOR
19
DEPENDENT DS-2019
EPI requires certain information in order to process sponsorship
documents for dependents (DS-2019 form(s)). Please contact EPI a
few months before you would like your J-2 dependent(s) to arrive if
they do not travel with you at the beginning of the program. Please
fulfill the following requirements and any other necessary requests
by EPI:

• A recent (within 45 days) bank statement showing sufficient

support funds
• Dependent(s)’ passport(s)
• Marriage Certificate (for a spouse)
• Birth Certificate (one for each child)
• Paid $300 processing fee to EPI (Invoiced through email; covers
all dependents)
• Estimated date of J-2 dependent(s) arrival
• Your email address and the email address of each J-2
dependent or their adult guardian, if applicable (for digital
transmission of documents).

EPI J-1 Program Manual 45

 CONTACT INFORMATION

20
CONTACT INFORMATION
J-1 Visa holders must provide EPI with current contact information
they maintain for themselves and all J-2 dependents throughout
the EVP. This includes telephone numbers, email addresses, and
physical addresses.

In the rare case where J-2 dependents live separately from the J-1
Visa holder, their separate contact information must also be reported
to EPI and kept current throughout the J-1’s EVP. Please email
team@teachwithepi.com with the J-2 dependent’s name, physical
address, phone number, email address, guardian’s information (if
applicable), and reason for living separately.

EPI J-1 Program Manual 46

 J-2 EMPLOYMENT

21
J-2 EMPLOYMENT
If a J-2 dependent is of age to work and wishes to do so, he or
she must first apply and receive approval for an Employment
Authorization Document (EAD) from US Citizenship and Immigration
Services (USCIS). Your dependent may apply for an EAD after first
entering the US on the J-2 Visa. (USCIS response times can exceed
90-120 days.)

Please note that any work done by a J-2 dependent must be

for professional development reasons and not for additional
support purposes. The J-1 is solely responsible for supporting
all J-2 dependents.

Those who obtain an EAD are subject to taxes. J-2 dependents

cannot obtain a Social Security number unless they receive an EAD.

For more information related to an EAD application, please see the

following link or contact EPI: https://www.uscis.gov/i-765

EPI J-1 Program Manual 47

 INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
AND RE-ENTRY TO THE
22
US
J-2 dependents may accompany or later join the J-1 Visa holder in
the US; they may not arrive in the US before the J-1. If a minor J-2
dependent child is to arrive after or separately from the J-1 holder,
the J-1 holder should contact the airline for travel requirements
related to children. If another parent or guardian will travel with the
child, EPI recommends the J-1 Visa holder provide a notarized letter
to the travelers granting permission for the J-2 dependent to travel
with the other parent or guardian to avoid potential international
travel concerns related to minors.

J-2 dependents should follow the same procedures as the J-1 when
traveling outside the US, including having a valid travel validation
signature on their DS-2019. If a J-2 permanently departs the US
prior to the J-1’s program end date, the J-1 must inform EPI so that
this information can be properly reported in SEVIS.

Please note that a problematic situation may arise when the J-1
travels outside the US and the J-2 remains in the US. Since the
J-2’s stay in the US is dependent on the J-1 holder’s status, it is
recommended that the J-2 does not remain in the US without the
J-1 for more than a few days. For example, if the J-1 holder was
denied re-entry or denied renewal of the visa during the program
dates, the J-2 dependent in the US would automatically be out of
legal status.
EPI J-1 Program Manual 48
 LEGAL STATUS

PROGRAM DATES AND

23
END OF LEGAL STATUS
The J-2 dependent’s legal status to remain in the US ends when the
J-1’s status ends. A dependent child’s status will end prior to the
J-1’s status ending if the child turns 21 during the J-1’s exchange
program. Please note that if a J-2 dependent child will turn 21
during the J-1’s program, the child must exit the US before his/her
21st birthday or be in violation of US immigration law. Due to the
significant and long-lasting repercussions for being in the United
States without legal authorization, your dependent should plan to
leave the US well before s/he turns 21.

Additionally, married dependent children are not eligible for the J-2
Visa. If a J-2 dependent child plans to marry, s/he will no longer be
eligible for the J-2 Visa and must exit the US prior to marriage.

Cancelling Sponsorship of a J-2 Dependent

If a J-2 dependent exits the US and no longer wishes to have J-2
Visa sponsorship, the J-1 holder may submit a request to EPI
to cancel the sponsorship of the J-2 dependent. EPI will require
sufficient evidence to show the J-2 dependent intends to live in a
different country indefinitely. In this case, the J-2 dependent’s DS-
2019 may be independently deactivated. Despite the expiration date
on your J-2 dependent’s visa, his/her legal status in the US will end

EPI J-1 Program Manual 49

 LEGAL STATUS

and any work authorization linked to the J-2 Visa will be invalid once
the DS-2019 is deactivated.

Please contact EPI well in advance to determine the specific

documentation needed for deactivation. Before requesting
deactivation of a J-2 DS-2019, consider the semi-permanence of
this action, as reactivating a dependent’s DS-2019 may require him/
her to attend a new visa appointment at a US Embassy, a wait time
of several weeks to months, and additional US government fees that
will be your responsibility to pay.
​
EPI may also cancel the sponsorship of a J-2 dependent spouse if
an official divorce decree has been granted. For more information,
contact EPI at team@teachwithepi.com and inform EPI that you
seek J-2 DS-2019 deactivation in your email.

EPI J-1 Program Manual 50

 HOME RESIDENCY

TWO-YEAR HOME
RESIDENCY
24
REQUIREMENT
If the J-1 is subject to the two-year home residency requirement,
then the J-2 is also subject to this requirement. However, travel on
certain designated visas, like a valid visitor’s visa, may be allowed
during this time. It is the individual’s responsibility to consult with
immigration professionals/attorneys as it relates to travel beyond
this program.

EPI J-1 Program Manual 51

 J-2 STATUS

25
STUDY IN J-2 STATUS
J-2 dependents may study while in the US. For those wishing to
attend university or higher education courses, please contact the
school and follow application procedures. For information related
to enrolling children in school (grades K-12), please see the J-2
Quick Start Guide available at http://media.teachwithepi.com/
onboarding/J-2_Quick_Start_Guide.pdf.

EPI J-1 Program Manual 52