PH Embassy warns Filipino teachers vs. US exchange visitor visa scams

NEW YORK — The Philippine Embassy in Washington, DC has warned Filipino teachers who wish to work in the United States to remain vigilant and to carefully study the US visa they are seeking to ensure they are not deceived by illegal recruiters.

The Embassy issued the advisory amid reports of unscrupulous recruiters demanding large sums of money in exchange for promises of permanent residency or US citizenship through the Exchange Visitor Program or the J-1 visa, which has no pathway to permanent residency.

"Filipino teachers are reminded that participation in the program does not lead to US permanent residency or citizenship," the embassy said, emphasizing the following terms of the program:

• J-1 teachers are required to return to the Philippines after completing the program
• Filipino teachers are covered by the two-year home-country physical presence requirement. According to the embassy, a waiver of this requirement is "difficult to obtain, not guaranteed, and requires exceptional hardship or highly meritorious circumstances."
• Overstaying in the United States beyond the authorized period of stay is a "serious violation of US immigration law" and may result in deportation and long-term bans.

The advisory acknowledged receiving reports of illegal recruiters who pretend to be immigration lawyers. 

Aside from demanding large sums of money and promises of US residency through the J-1 program, the embassy said, these personalities encourage teachers to overstay, misuse visas, or file asylum claims to stay in America.

Under the J-1 Visa Program, teachers may only stay and teach for up to two years and are required to return to the Philippines afterward.

Hoping for longer stay

According to Rena Pedaria, president of the Association of Fil-Am Teachers of America (AFTA), many teachers approach the organization seeking help to extend their stay in the US through waivers. 

However, she said no waivers have been approved for teachers.

Some teachers have also complained about the high fees charged by recruitment agencies in the Philippines.

The AFTA advises aspiring teachers to fully understand the rules and conditions of the J-1 visa before deciding to apply.

"AFTA strongly cautions teachers against illegal recruiters, unscrupulous agents, and individuals who falsely promise immigration benefits, charge excessive fees, or encourage visa misuse or overstaying," Pedaria said.

"We urge all J-1 teachers and applicants to participate in the program with full awareness of its purpose and limitations, and to seek guidance only from qualified US immigration attorneys when considering long-term immigration options. AFTA stands with the Embassy in protecting the welfare, integrity, and future of Filipino educators," she told GMA Integrated News.

Pedaria added that teachers must strictly comply with the rules and regulations of the Exchange Visitor Program.

"Filipino teachers are expected to comply with all program requirements, including the two-year home-country physical presence rule and the obligation to return to the Philippines after completing the program," Pedaria said.

The Philippine Embassy in Washington, DC also advised Filipino teachers to consult qualified US immigration lawyers to avoid potential problems regarding their visas.

In December 15 last year, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services imposed expanded requirements on non-immigrant visa applicants, wherein their social media accounts are now being reviewed.

According to at least one US employment agency, the new policy is expected to result in delays for thousands of Filipino teachers who were in the midst of securing their US visas, as the processing time was projected to last longer at 14 to 16 months, compared to the previous timeline of 8 to 12 months. — VDV, GMA Integrated News