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​​There are school districts and several third-party organizations in Illinois that can independently sponsor exchange teachers in J-1 visa status. Those organizations are required to obtain a letter of no objection from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to apply for program sponsor designation with the U.S. Department of State prior to placement of J-1 exchange teachers in Illinois schools. ISBE works collaboratively with other J-1 exchange teacher sponsors to ensure our goals align to best serve the students of Illinois.​

 J-1 Exchange Teacher Sponsors in Illinois

*The sponsor organizations listed here have been issued a “no objection letter” from ISBE, which allows them to provide J-1 visa sponsorship for exchange teachers to work in Illinois schools as required by the U.S. Department of State. Issuance of this letter does not serve as approval of or endorsement of the organization by ISBE.​​

 How to Obtain a Letter of No-Objection

ISBE will review your application and email the contact person listed on the form to request additional information, if necessary, or to provide the letter of no-objection.

 IGA Requirement

​Illinois administrative code 25, Subtitle A, Section 25.92PDF Document identifies the requirement of a written agreement between the host school district and ISBE. Districts must have an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with ISBE before J-1 exchange teachers are placed in that district. ISBE asks that third-party sponsors confirm the host districts you wish to place J-1 exchange teachers in have a signed IGA with ISBE or to help your districts connect with us to get that process started. Please have your partner districts email us at exchangeteachers@isbe.net​​ to begin the IGA process.

 Illinois Licensure Requirements for J-1 Exchange Teachers

​ ISBE asks third-party sponsors and their host school districts to attest that all ISBE educator licensure requirements will be met and required licenses will be obtained prior to J-1 exchange teachers' first day of employment. Please email exchangeteachers@isbe.net if your J-1 exchange teachers have issues obtaining Illinois educator licensure. ​

Please email us at exchangeteachers@isbe.net​ if your exchange visitor teachers have issues obtaining Illinois licensure. ​

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