Teacher or Social Worker

Sorry I can't help with your question but just want to check that your application for a "green card" is underway with the US Immigration and Naturalization Dept. 🙂

Pia

The Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) was disbanded in 2003.

Now there is Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS). Both under Department of Homeland Security.

History lesson for the day.

There is a critical need for teachers and related service providers in the VI. You can review the USVI Dept of Education as a part of your research also perhaps I can assist in contacting some of the teachers who have come from other countries and what agencies they used.

the good news for you is that since teachers are in very short supply, it is easier to get accepted as a foreign worker to get green card status than in other professions. A large group of teachers recently arrived from Jamaica, so there is a program within the Dept. of Education that is actively seeking non-American teachers and helping them make arrangements for gaining worker status. Good luck!

i am moving this summer from ohio (stateside) to teach here is the website, there is tons of info on the website! good luck! lexi waddle
http://www.teachusvi.net/

Thanxs so much for your help...i think that teaching is the best avenue to take..ive checked out the board of education website which is very informative...i would appreciate any teaching agencies websites if possible...i havent looked into getting my green card..thought it was too early..am i wrong??

A green card can take a long time to come through (sometimes years!), so look into the application process ASAP. Ultimately you will need a sponsoring employer to fill out complicated paperwork agreeing to hire you. You may not be able to move forward until you are qualified as a teacher, but the agencies who advertise for foreign teachers should be able to give you info on what to do now and give you a timeline for the overall process and what to expect.

Hey Von

Here is the link to the US Government website regarding Green Card application. Currently it states the average wait time is 16-18 months but when researching this (and as a former Green Card holder) it appears that currently the average wait time is 3 years (depending on many factors)

Good luck

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis

Pia

My sister was a social worker for 10 years. Now she is a teacher and much happier. Not only that but she is also making a lot more money being a teacher and teachers don't get paid much! That should tell you something about what social workers get paid!

I am a social worker and am moving to STX next month. I have found a variety of governent jobs on www.dopusvi.org ....Apparently social workers are always in demand...The pay depends on your qualifications...I am a clinical social worker and will have to take a pay cut down there. ..but I love the work and the island so I am willing to make less... there are lots of SW jobs working with youth.... try looking up some of the group homes/rehab homes and the psycsolutions residential treatment center..... There are also social work positions in the schools

Goodluck!

mrs.goodrich on st.croix has been doing immigration stuff for about 40 years, i do not know the name of her business, but Alexandra knows everything and may know her