What are the costs to take into consideration to participate in this program?

Below we will list estimates of expected costs that you are likely to incur to participate in the exchange program:

Airfare, the cost depends on your location. Participants are responsible for all transportation costs, such as arrival/departure flights to/from the US and transportation costs while living in the US.

Criminal Background Checks (CBC) or Local Police Clearance (LPC) and fingerprint services: $35-$165 depending on the country. National police agencies or private vendors. If there’s a red flag in your CBC or LPC, send it to ceDiscoveries before paying your application fee.

Additional background check (if applicable): $50-$100. Applicable in some cases.

Visa interview / Consulate Visa Application fee: $160 - $185 per applicant. U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

SEVIS fee: $220 (J-2 Dependents are NOT required to pay the SEVIS fee). U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security Student and Exchange Visitor Program.

Credential Evaluation of Transcripts and Diplomas: $85 - $370.

State Licensure / Accreditation Fee: $50 - $375. Costs vary depending on the State and subject matter. It may not be required by private or charter schools.

State Licensure Exams: $60 - $250. Required only in certain States. Costs vary depending on the State and subject matter.  It may not be required by private or charter schools.

Health insurance (mandatory): $700 - $1,200 per year per person. Enrollment through ceDiscoveries. Health insurance is mandatory for the teacher and J-2 dependents if any.

What is the approximate cost of living in the USA?

The cost of living varies depending on your location, so it’s impossible to give you exact amounts. Below you will find some of expenses to be expected once you arrive, as well as approximate ranges for each expense item:

Housing / Rent: $500 - $3000 per month. It depends on location and size of the house or apartment.

Transportation: $150 - $800. Options are car payment, car insurance and gasoline or public transportation (bus, train, etc - cheapest).

Food, groceries and personal care: $200 - $1,000.

Utilities: $100 - $400. It depends on the location.

Cable and / or internet: $50 - $300. It depends on the location,  provider and plan selected.

Phone: $30 - $120 per month. It depends on the location,  provider and plan selected. Pre-paid phones are cheaper and recommended.

Entertainment: $100 - $500 per month. Movies, dinners, events, travel etc.

Childcare (age 0 - 5): $500 - $1,500 per month per child. Varies by location.

After school care (age 5 - 12): $174 - $261 per week.

What are some of the expected salary deductions in the USA?

Federal and State income taxes plus FICA, FUTA deductions: 18% - 30% of gross salary on average. Some States do not have income tax deductions. You may be able to claim FICA “exempt person” status by submitting Form 8843. To verify eligibility, check with your host school or with a tax professional.

Host school insurance  (optional): $150-$300 per month. May opt-in depending on school policy. Cost will depend on school plan type and if you have dependents.

Retirement benefits (if applicable): 5% - 15%. Check with your host school if you may be exempt or how you can apply for a refund prior to your departure.

Union fee (if applicable, depending on the host school): $15 - $100. The teacher may be required to pay union dues through payroll deductions.

There could be other fees and deductions for specific situations (only if and when applicable) which should be disclosed in your contract with your host school prior to your departure.

Are there any other fees?

Other fees may apply but only if applicable in certain situations, i.e. they are not mandatory to participate in the program. For example, if the teacher does not report to ceDiscoveries arrival within 3 days of arrival in the USA or other mandatory notifications, there could be a SEVIS amendment fee of $100 (this is easily avoided if you report your arrival on time) or a DS-Form Replacement fee of $100 if you damage your form (also easily avoided if you take good care of your form). If you wish to extend your program, there will be a $500-$900 Extension fee but this is optional. If you wish to bring dependents with you, there will be additional insurance costs (see health insurance cost on the first question) and an application fee of $400 per dependent. But these are not mandatory, they are either avoidable or optional.