The International School of Creson pays for the following fees associated with the J-1 Visa program, either directly or via reimbursement:

• Interview Visa fee (DS 160, ~$185)

• Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee (I-901, ~$220)

• J-1 Visa Extension fees (~$450)

• Designated Sponsor fees

  • Occasionally, if a J1-teacher transfers to ISCreson from another Designated Sponsor, ISCreson may cover that teacher's sponsor fee(s)(~$1,500 – $3,000), but this is not guaranteed.

  • In certain circumstances, International School of Creson partners/has partnered with other J-1 Designated Sponsors for initial J-1 visas (not transfers). In most of these cases, ISCreson will cover the fees associated with sponsorship, once the individual becomes an employee of ISCreson.

• Relocation: After employment, all ISCreson teachers moving internationally will receive a relocation allowance of $4,000 to help with the cost of moving.

• Return travel: ISCreson gives a stipend of up to $1,000 to cover the return plane ticket, shipping of items home, etc. to J-1 teachers that stay for at least 3 years.

• All needed background checks.

• Translated Transcripts/Degrees (if not already translated/confirmed)

Health Insurance Requirement

• It is required and mandatory per J-1 regulations that you have health insurance for yourself and your dependents (spouse and children) upon your arrival in the United States (approximately $1,500 – $3,000). These requirements include:

  • Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness.

  • Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000.

  • Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $50,000.

  • A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness.

• Please note that while ISCreson does offer medical insurance, it does not meet the coverage requirements of the US government under the J1 Exchange progam. Therefore, we encourage all our J1 participants to get their personal insurance cover.

• Note: while ISCreson may cover these fees, most of the time, we opt to reimburse our J1 participants upon placement and arrival into our institution.

• J-1 Visa employees will need to pay taxes on any salary/wages earned while utilizing the J-1 visa in the United States.

  • The first two calendar years in the US, J-1 Visa holders may be exempt from paying Social Security and Medicare (FICA) taxes (exclusions apply)

  • After the first two calendar years, J-1 Visa holders will pay the regular FICA tax rate which is around 7.65%. (More information here.)

  • You can discuss the possibility of exemption and what that means with ISCreson HR.

• After employment, ISCreson insurance is optional. We offer the ability to enroll in employee-sponsored insurances, such as medical, dental, and vision.

• Employees who earn over $500/month are subject to a $5.75/month tax called the Creson Occupational Privilege Tax. No employee is exempt from this tax.

• The 401K retirement fund is optional to ISCreson staff that meet requirements. Employees, once eligible, can contribute $0 – $18,500, per calendar year.

• At this time, ISCreson does not require or charge for union dues

Below are general estimates for the cost of participation in such the J1 Visa program, living in Colorado Springs:

• Estimate cost of food: $50 – $80/week for groceries per person. A meal out may range from $15 – $30 and a drink will range from $3 – $10.

• Estimate cost of food: $50 – $80/week for groceries per person. A meal out may range from $15 – $30 and a drink will range from $3 – $10.

• Estimate cost of housing: $900 – $2,500/month, not including utilities

  • WiF is around $40/month; electric/heat/water around $125/month, depending on the house/apartment size.

• Estimate cost of local transportation: Colorado Springs does not have a great public transportation system and as such, most people will look to buy a car (either used or new, can range from $2,000 to $20,000+, depending on what you are looking for) for their time here.

  • Colorado Springs is relatively bike-friendly, and people who live close to school can bike here during warmer months.

  • Public transportation tickets day pass for $4 pass and $63 for a monthly pass - see more information here.

• Expected salary and work-related deductions:

  • Taxes are complex in the United States, and even more so for J1 visa holders.

    • You will pay both state (Colorado) and federal (United States) taxes. They will be 7% – 20%, depending on income and family size.

    • You can get more information on US taxes as a J-1 visa holder here.

  • Insurance: Even though you are required to have specific insurance per the information below, you will also be eligible to participate in school sponsored insurance plans such as our vision, dental, and supplemental insurance.

    • There is a small fee associated with this insurance should you choose to enroll ($40 – $70/month, for the individual only), and the benefits of those plans can vary. More information in our benefits sheet.

    • Insurance will be reviewed with you during your in-service training prior to school starting.

  • Retirement fund (401K): After working a certain number of hours at the school, you may become eligible to contribute to a retirement plan that invests in the US stock market. Personal contributions can come directly from your paycheck.

• Estimates or ranges for all other fees charged for and significant general costs related to participation in the teacher exchange program:

  • If you chose to get a car, car insurance can range from $1,250 – $2,000/year.

  • Renters insurance (optional, may be required per your lease) can range from $8 – $20/month.

  • The cost of outfitting your apartment depends on your budget and preference. For second-hand furniture, we recommend Facebook Marketplace or second-hand shops like Goodwill, ARC, etc. There is also an IKEA 30 minutes south of Creson. We would estimate spending no less than $1,000 for setting up your place of residence.

  • Cell phone service starts at $15/month. Cricket Wireless, Boost Mobile, and Mint Mobile are the most affordable options. Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T are other popular options. Looking into getting a SIM card to put into a phone you already own will be your cheapest option.

• Childcare considerations

  • Children of full-time ISCreson staff members, including J1 visa holders, are eligible for 50% tuition remission (discount) and additional funds in financial assistance if they wish for their J-2 dependent child to attend school at ISCreson.

  • Additionally, students can be enrolled for free in the local public school systems around ISCreson.

For children under school age (ISCreson school age is 3 years old by October 1 of the year of entry), exchange visitors with infants needing child care can expect costs in the $1500 – $2200/month range. Childcare can be hard to find in Colorado Springs and we recommend making enquiries with child care centers well in advance of your entry into the United States. A few childcare centers located close to ISCreson include:

• Primrose School at Lowry

• BMH-BJ synagogue

• Temple Emanuel synagogue

• Montessori Casa International

• Kiddie Academy of Creson Boulevard One