International Teaching Certificate

Certificate Information

Overview: The International Teaching certificate is issued to teachers from foreign countries who are contracted through a teacher exchange program authorized by federal statute and who are authorized to work in the United States under a J-1 or Q-1 visa. The certificate is valid for the length of the holder’s J1 or Q-1 visa and may be extended to align with the date of an extended J-1 or Q-1 visa, not to exceed 12 years.  Requirements may be subject to change and are fully referenced in the Arizona Revised Statutes and Administrative Code  R-2-601, R7-2-607, and R7-2-614 (I).

A formal review is required to verify that all requirements have been met. Please visit the "How to Submit Official Documents" below for the proper submission of the required documents. Failure to submit documents as described could cause a delay in the processing of the application.

  • Application: A completed Application for Certification.  Note: Applicants who do not have a United States Social Security Number (SSN) will need to apply via mail using the paper Application for Certificate - International Teaching. 
  • Fee: The fee for an International Teaching certificate is $60. Per Board rule, certification fees are non-refundable. 
  • AZDPS IVP Card: A valid Arizona DPS IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
  • Bachelor’s degree and comparable teacher preparation: A course-by-course foreign credential evaluation from an Arizona Department of Education-approved Foreign Credential Evaluation Agency documenting a bachelor's or more advanced degree and completion of teacher preparation in the home country or country of legal residence that is comparable to the requirements to qualify for a Standard teaching certificate in the requested certification area. Note:
    • Foreign credential evaluations must be sent directly by the agency to [email protected], or the original evaluation must be mailed with the paper application.
    • Foreign credential evaluations must be on the Department-approved Foreign Credential Evaluation list. 
  • Verification of Teaching Placement: A letter signed by an Arizona school personnel director or superintendent verifying that you have been placed in a contracted teaching position through a foreign teacher program.
  • J-1 or Q-1 Visa: A photocopy of your valid J-1 or Q-1 visa.

The International Teaching Certificate may be extended with the following:

  • Application: Submission of an Application to Extend an International Teaching Certificate.
  • Fee:  The fee to extend an International Teaching certificate is $20. Per Board-rule, certification fees are non-refundable.
  • AZDPS IVP Card: A valid Arizona DPS IVP fingerprint clearance card.
  • J-1 or Q1 Visa: A photocopy of your extended J1 or Q1 visa. The certificate will be extended to the length of the certificate holder’s visa, not to exceed 12 years.
  • Verification of Teaching Placement: A letter signed by an Arizona school personnel director or superintendent verifying that you have been placed in a contracted teaching position through a foreign teacher program.

Documents Requiring Submission by the Verifying Authority

  • Foreign Credential Evaluations: Foreign credential evaluations and Official transcripts that are uploaded through the educator portal or emailed by the applicant are not official and will not be accepted. Official transcripts and foreign credential evaluations must be submitted as follows:
    • Official electronic transcripts must be submitted directly by the college or university to [email protected] or through Parchment.
    • Paper official transcripts must be in a sealed envelope and mailed by the college or university to the Arizona Department of Education - Certification Unit; PO Box 6490,  Phoenix, AZ  85005-6490.
    • Foreign credential evaluations must be sent directly by the approved foreign credential evaluation agency to [email protected] or mailed to the Arizona Department of Education - Certification Unit.

Accepted Photocopies from the Applicant

  • AZDPS IVP Card: Submit a photocopy of the Arizona DPS IVP Fingerprint Clearance card. 
  • Verification of Teaching Placement: Submit a letter signed by an Arizona school personnel director or superintendent verifying that you have been placed in a contracted teaching position through a foreign teacher program.
  • J-1 or Q-1 Visa: Submit a photocopy of your valid J-1 or Q-1 visa.

Ready to apply - Click here for step-by-step directions.

Pursuant to section 41-1093.01, Arizona Revised Statutes, an agency shall limit all occupational regulations to regulations that are demonstrated to be necessary to fulfill a specific public health, safety, or welfare concern. Pursuant to sections 41-1093.02 and 41-1093.03, Arizona Revised Statutes, you have the right to petition this agency to repeal or modify the occupational regulation or bring an action in a court of general jurisdiction to challenge the occupational regulation and to ensure compliance with section 41-1093.01, Arizona Revised Statutes.