Where to even start? Is J type visa right?

[miromasat]

Hello everyone!

I am moving to US (california, sf bay area) under a different visa, but my current partner would like to move to US as well with me (we are not married).

She is currently an elementary school teaching assistant with a combined experience of 2 years in both UK and Spain.

Would she be able to apply for J1 visa? Where should we start? I somehow understand the below:
- we need an agency and a sponsor.
- agency helps us to file the paperwork, there will be fees associated with it
- sponsor will be target school she will be TA/teacher at

Questions:
- is she eligible for this kind of visa?
- any agencies that are proven to you guys?
- can we skip agencies and mail directly schools?
- will she be covered under some sort of health insurance from sponsor school/agency/US government?
- how long can such process take?
- when is a good time to apply? (e.g. does start need to fit with school year schedule?)
- what are chances of succeeding and what are some things to watch for?

Thank you a LOT for any insights.

[JorgeCloses]

Hi miromasat ;

if your partner is Spanish she could apply for the Visiting Teachers Program, from the Spanish Government (doesn't matter if she is not a public employee). My wife came here to the US with that program. Anyway, I think there is a private agency that offer the services you need. I will ask today some friends and I'll let you know if I find out something.

[Lemed1973]

Hi
thank you so much for giving information.

[Karen635]

I am trying to do this also and getting the same response.

[Karen635]

Your article content is being very much interested