To grant States and Indian Tribes the authority to waive the 2-year foreign residence requirement for educators in rural and Tribal areas, and for other purposes.
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · May 9, 2024
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S3656)
This bill allows states and Native American tribes to request waivers that exempt foreign teachers and education specialists from a federal requirement to live abroad for two years after their exchange visitor visas expire. Under current law, certain foreign visitors must return to their home countries for two years before they can work permanently in the United States. This bill removes that barrier for teachers willing to work in rural or tribal schools, addressing teacher shortages in underserved areas. Waivers are capped at 30 per state per year, and teachers must commit to at least three years of employment at the school, with limited exceptions for school closures or hardship. The affected foreign educators can potentially change their visa status to work permanently in the United States without the two-year waiting period, provided they fulfill their employment contract and their home country approves the waiver.
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