Visa Changes Could Disrupt International Teachers and North Carolina Schools

Photo by Ivan Aleksic

North Carolina schools, particularly in rural and underserved areas, rely heavily on international teachers to fill critical classroom roles. Recent federal visa policy changes are creating uncertainty for these educators, their families, and the school districts that depend on them.

A recent Border Belt Independent article by Heidi Perez-Moreno highlights how these changes may significantly impact foreign national teachers working in North Carolina. Our own immigration attorney, Trey DeBrine, was quoted in the article, underscoring the growing legal and practical challenges facing international educators.

Read the full article:

N.C. Schools That Rely on International Teachers Brace for Visa Changes

Why International Teachers Matter in North Carolina

School districts across the state use international teacher recruitment programs to address long-standing teacher shortages. Many of these educators come to the United States on J-1 exchange visitor visas, which typically allow them to teach for up to five years.

For many teachers, the next step is transitioning from a J-1 visa to an H-1B work visa, which can provide longer-term stability and, in some cases, a path toward permanent residency. This transition is often essential for teachers who wish to continue serving their students and communities.

What Has Changed with Teacher Visas

According to the article, recent federal policy shifts have made the H-1B process more difficult and uncertain. These changes include:

• Unprecedented waiver denials that previously eased the transition from J-1 to H-1B status
• A $100,000 fee for first-time H-1B visa applicants
• Increased processing delays and scrutiny

Trey DeBrine, an immigration attorney on our team, explained that approval rates for J-1 waivers and H-1B petitions, once relatively high for teachers, have declined. Teachers previously handled J-1 waivers without assistance and saw widespread approval. Today, denials and delays are seen in almost every case, making legal guidance increasingly important.

How These Visa Changes Affect Schools, Teachers, and Communities

Although international teachers represent a small percentage of North Carolina’s overall teaching workforce, they often serve in districts that struggle the most with recruitment and retention. When visa pathways narrow:

• Schools may lose experienced educators mid-career
• Students face classroom disruptions and staffing gaps
• Districts must restart costly recruitment efforts

These challenges affect not only teachers, but also students, families, and entire communities across North Carolina.

Full article:

Guidance for International Teachers and School Districts

At Sivaraman Immigration Law, our team works closely with international teachers and educational institutions to navigate complex visa options and plan strategically for the future. With shifting immigration policies, early planning and accurate legal advice are more important than ever.

If you are an international teacher or a school administrator concerned about visa changes or long-term work authorization, our firm is available to help you understand your options and next steps.