The International School of Denver 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 (~$400)
• Designated Sponsor fees
  • • Occasionally, if a J1 teacher transfers to ISDenver from another Designated Sponsor, ISDenver may cover that teacher's sponsor fee(s), but this is not guaranteed. (~$1,500-$3,000)
    • In certain circumstances, International School of Denver partners/has partnered with other J-1 Designated Sponsors for initial J-1 visas (not transfers).  In most of these cases, ISDenver will cover the fees associated with sponsorship, once the individual becomes an employee of ISDenver. 
    • ISDenver does not work with any foreign or domestic third parties on sponsorships. 
• Relocation: All ISDenver teachers moving internationally will receive a relocation allowance of $4,000 to help with the cost of moving.
• Return travel: ISDenver 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 ISDenver does offer medical insurance, it does not meet the coverage requirements of the US government.
• There are multiple companies that offer insurance specific to the J-1 insurance requirements. Some example health insurance providers include:
  • www.gatewayplans.com
  • www.studentinsure.com
  • www.buyGlobalMed.com

Additional Fees

• At this time, ISDenver does not require or charge for the following: state teaching certification/licensure, and state licensure exams.
   

• International School of Denver is not responsible for any of the fees related to a J-2 Visa holder (spouses and dependants).

• 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%.
  • Click here for more information. You can discuss the possibility of exemption and what that means with ISDenver HR.
• ISDenver 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 Denver Occupational Privilege Tax.  No employee is exempt from this tax.
   
• The 401K retirement fund is optional to ISDenver staff that meet requirements.  Employees, once eligible, can contribute 0 dollars up to $18,500 per calendar year. 
   

• At this time, ISDenver 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 Denver: 

• 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: $2,000-$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: Denver 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.
  • Denver is relatively bike-friendly, and people who live close to school can bike here during warmer months.
  • Public transportation tickets day pass  for a 3-hour pass and $114 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 Denver. 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 ISDenver 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 ISDenver. 

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

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

• Primrose School at Lowry
• BMH-BJ synagogue
• Temple Emanuel synagogue
• Montessori Casa International
• Kiddie Academy of Denver Boulevard One

Contemplating a move here? More information to consider!

• Denver is near the mountains, not in them. This means we get the best of both worlds!
  • From Denver, you can see 200 named peaks of mountains. The mountains make for a great way to spend a weekend day, whether hiking in the summer or skiing in the winter.
• Within a mile radius, downtown Denver has three major sports stadiums, the nation’s second-largest performing arts center, three colleges, a waterpark, an aquarium, over 300 restaurants, concert venues, and a variety of art and history museums.
• You may have heard Denver called “The Mile High City”- because we are exactly 5,280 feet (1,609 meters) - or one mile - above sea level!
  • It can take a few weeks to adjust to living at high altitude, so be mindful of this at first - skipping heavy exercise, drinking a lot of water, and getting plenty of rest are good things to abide by during your first weeks here.
• Denver has 300 days of sunshine a year - more sunny days than San Diego and Miami! We do also get plenty of cold days and snow during the winter - you will experience all four seasons!
• Learn more about Denver here.