H1B CONVERSION PROCESS J TEACHERS

HIB Documents Needed No. of Copies Unexpired Philippine Passport 2  Passport with readable J-1 visa stamped 2  I-94 (front and back) 2  Social Security Number 2  Current Resume 2  Marriage Certificate (if married) 2  Employment Verification and/or Employment Contract from Human Resources 2 (to follow) Attached is an offer letter

HIB Documents Needed No. of Copies  INS Petition(s) submitted/received for any US visa (all DS2019) 2  Copies of all teaching credential/licenses and permits, if any, required to practice your profession 2  Copy of passing CBEST card n/a  Copies of two most recent pay stubs or W-2 to substantiate current employment 2  Official Diploma(s) for all degree, earned in the US n/a  Copy of evaluated TORs 2

HIB Documents Needed No. of Copies  Copies of additional transcripts of the course work for each degree(s), 2  Detailed chronological history of work experience showing at least 3 years of relevant work experience for each of education required by the Specialty Occupation. (Must be very thorough, showing dates, companies, and specific duties performed.) 2

HIB Documents Needed No. of Copies Dependants  Copies of Philippine Passport and 1-94 for children  Copy(ies) readable J-2 visa stamped  Copy(ies) of DS2019  Copy(ies) of birth certificate (if children are in the US and applying for H-4 extension)  Copy of marriage certificate (if spouse is in the US and applying for H4 extension)  Copy(ies) of Social Security number 2 n/a

If you already have a No Objection Statement (NOS) CFO will forward the NOS to the Philippine Embassy at Washington, DC Philippine Embassy will forward the NOS to USCIS It takes about 6 to 8 weeks for waiver to be approved

CAUSES OF DELAYSOLUTION Change of addressChange of address form must be submitted to USCIS Payment and documents were not received by USCIS Constantly check your status online Other unforeseen circumstances Constantly check your status online

J-VISA WAIVER WEBSITE htmlhttp://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/info/info_1296. html Waiver status could be: - pending - favorable recommendation - approved Additional documents needed (if any):

THINGS TO REMEMBER The waiver has nothing to do with the NOA (Notice of Action) When you apply for H1B petition, you will get a WAC Number WAC Number is used for scheduling appointment for interview at the embassy You can request for emergency appointment (allow at least 15 days)

Things needed for H1B Interview Marriage contract (if applicable) Job contract (job offer) Pay slip (at least 3 recent) W2 ITR Notice of Action (NOA) No Objection Statement (NOS) MSDE Teaching Certificate Birth Certificate Other pertinent documents

Possible Questions at the Embassy Interview General –How long have you been teaching in the US? –What subject do you teach? What school? What grade level? –How much is your salary? –Do you have a waiver? –Why did you waive your two-year home return agreement?

Possible Questions at the Embassy Interview Husbands/Wives –What did you do while you were in the US? –What will you do when you go back? –What was your job before going to the US? Children –What did you do while you were in the US?

After receiving the visa… Go to POEA to get an overseas employment certificate (OEC) and to enroll in PHILHEALTH Options: - have the OEC delivered - line up and wait for the OEC

For those with children… Go to the Dept. of Tourism to get a travel tax discount certificate Requirements: - birth certificate - passport - marriage contract - flight itinerary documents - flight ticket

What if… the US Embassy withholds your visa? - submit required documents through DELBROS Your visa does not arrive before your scheduled flight? - rebook your flight (and pay, of course) - inform Mr. Duque and your administrators of your status

Other Tips Coordinate with one another closely Make a copy of each person’s contact number If possible, meet as a group and share updates and information PRAY, PRAY, PRAY