Explained: How Kenyan teachers can get US jobs on J1 and H1B visas in new rule

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- Ruth Kibor, a Kenyan woman based in the US, shared details about an ongoing teacher recruitment drive targeting Kenyans

- The J1 visa offers teachers a three-year contract, with a possible two-year extension bringing the total stay to five years

- Ruth explained what happens when teachers hit the five-year mark and what options are available to those who want to stay longer

A Kenyan content creator based in the United States has shed light on an ongoing recruitment drive that could open doors for Kenyan teachers looking to work in America.

Ruth Kibor shared the information in a TikTok video, walking her followers through the key details of the J1 and H1B visa pathways available to teachers seeking employment in the US.

How the J1 Visa Works for Teachers

According to Ruth, the J1 visa offers recruited teachers an initial contract running for three years.

Once that period ends, teachers can apply for an extension, which, if approved, adds another two years to their stay, bringing the total to five years.

The five-year mark is where many face a crossroads as, under J1 requirements, teachers who reach that milestone are required to return to their home country for two years before they can reapply.

"Once it gets to 5 years, the requirements under J1 are that you need to go back home for two years and then you can reapply for yet another opportunity," she said in the video.

What Teachers Are Doing to Stay Longer

Ruth touched on the fact that some teachers look for ways to navigate the two-year home residency requirement, with one avenue being a waiver.

However, she acknowledged that the waiver process is an entirely separate and more complex matter, choosing not to go into detail about it in that particular video.

The recruitment drive covers both J1 and H1B visa categories, as highlighted in the bold on-screen text that accompanied her video.

For many Kenyan teachers, opportunities of this nature represent a significant chance to gain international experience while earning in a stronger currency.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.