Application Questions
- Can I apply through postal mail? I have limited Internet access.
- Do I have to pay a fee to teach with VIF?
- I have taught previously but not during the past two years. Should I apply?
- I previously submitted an application. How do I reapply?
- I previously taught in the VIF program. How do I reapply?
- What is the VIF application process?
VIF accepts online applications only. Email is our official means of communication, so all applicants must have regular internet access and an email account. To submit an application, register with us.
VIF does not charge fees to applicants at any time. There are, however, some costs associated with the application process which may include:
- Ordering degree transcripts from your college or university.
- Applying for a police background check.
- U.S. visa fees.
- Employment Authorization application for J-2 dependents who wish to work in the U.S.
- U.S. teaching licensing fees.
U.S. school districts are most likely to hire teachers with current or recent teaching experience and training. If you have not been teaching full time but have been involved in K-12 education in some other way (part-time teaching, tutoring, etc.), we will review your application to fully evaluate your candidacy.
If your application was submitted more than one year ago, you must submit a new application. Contact us via email to check on the status of applications and documents submitted within the past year.
We are always pleased to hear from former teachers who are interested in returning to the program. Because VIF participation requirements and regulations surrounding U.S. teaching licensure may have changed since your first tour with the program, you must reapply so that we can determine your eligibility at this time. To submit an application, register with us.
Applying to VIF is a long and competitive process. The application process takes several months to complete. Teachers who are accepted into the program often wait one or two years before they move to the U.S.
Step 1: Review Eligibility Requirements
VIF currently offers two programs for international teachers - the VIF Teacher Program and the VIF Dual Language Teacher Residency Program. All teachers must meet VIF's eligibility requirements to make sure that VIF is a match for you.
Step 2: Register or Apply Online
Teachers interested in these programs must first submit an online registration form where we'll ask you a few questions about your experience, your country of residence and the subjects you teach. Based on the information that you provide, you may be asked to submit the online application. VIF receives many inquiries from teachers, but we only have a limited number of positions that we can offer each year. When we are ready to consider applications from teachers in your country and subject area, we will invite you via email to submit the application. If invited to apply, we strongly suggest that you complete the application as soon as possible.
Step 3: Complete Telephone Interview
If your application is accepted, we will invite you to participate in a telephone interview to discuss your application and evaluate your compatibility with our program requirements. We will inform you of the outcome of your telephone interview in an email within one week.
Step 4: Submit Required Documents
After your successful telephone interview, VIF will then instruct you to prepare a series of documents to accompany your application. These documents, which include reference forms, official transcripts, a current criminal background check and several other items, will help us further determine your eligibility for the program.
Providing a complete application package as soon as possible improves the likelihood of obtaining a U.S. position for the next school year. You will be asked to submit these documents at a personal interview.
Step 5: Complete In-Person Interview
VIF hosts interviews in a variety of cities worldwide in order to meet with program applicants. This interview is an opportunity for you to meet with a VIF representative and share more information about why you would be a successful VIF teacher or trainee. We will inform you of the outcome of your personal interview in an email.
Step 6: Notification of Program Eligibility
After a successful personal interview and submission of all your documents, VIF will review your complete application package to ensure that you meet all VIF requirements and are eligible for any necessary U.S. teaching license and visa. If all criteria are met, VIF will begin looking for positions for you in our participating schools.
Step 7: Consider U.S. Teaching Positions
VIF will share your information with U.S. school districts that are interested in hiring international teachers. Your VIF Admissions Specialist will notify you if a school is interested in hiring you or speaking with you by phone about a teaching position.
Step 8: Accept Offer!
Some U.S. schools begin to extend offers to teachers as early as March or April, but the majority of schools tend to hire most of their new teachers and trainees between May and August. Despite the fact that most schools begin the academic year at the end of August, remember that some schools continue to fill positions as late as September, based on student enrollment and school budgets.