Applying As An Immigrant or Refugee
Teach For America Supports Immigrants and Refugees
A teacher is often the first adult an undocumented student will ask for help. As an immigrant or refugee, you know first-hand the concerns that (undocumented) immigrant and refugee kids face.
Every TFA corps member can be an ally for children. Whether or not you choose to share your background with your students, you can be an additional inspiration and offer guidance. That’s why we actively recruit immigrants and refugees who are authorized to work in the United States and do not require sponsorship for our corps.
In 2013, we recruited our first two DACAmented educators into the corps. Since then, we have grown to a community of over 400 leaders who entered our program as DACA recipients.
Eligible immigrant and refugee educators who meet TFA’s eligibility criteria will receive support that mirrors the support we provide to DACA recipients.
Where You'll Teach
Where You'll Teach
Today, we have more than 400 leaders in our network who are DACA recipients, asylees, and TPS holders, among others, who reach thousands of students across several states.
Corps members who are not Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) or U.S. Citizens (USCs) can teach in the following Teach For America regions:
- West: Bay Area, Colorado, Los Angeles, Hawaiʻi, Nevada, Washington
- Southwest: Greater Austin, Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, Phoenix, Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio
- Midwest: Greater Chicago–Northwest Indiana, Ohio, Milwaukee, Twin Cities
- Southeast: Metro Atlanta, Jacksonville, Memphis, Miami-Dade, Nashville-Chatanooga
- East: Baltimore, D.C. and Virginia, New Jersey, New York, Greater Philadelphia
- New England: Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island
"Teachers are always asked, why do we do this work? My ‘why’ is to provide an outlet of comfort and openness to students—to ensure that students know that someone outside of their home is in their corner."
Yanicka Peter
New York City Corps Member 2016
Application Information for DACA Recipients and Other EAD Holders
We acknowledge the broader complexities of immigration policy and its diverse impacts on our community. As we welcome applicants from various immigrant and refugee backgrounds, we remain dedicated to ensuring that our policies and support structures are inclusive and responsive to their needs.
Since 2013, Teach For America DACA corps members have done incredible work in classrooms across the country. They serve not just as classroom leaders, but as role models to their students. The work they do every day is important and we stand with our DACAmented teachers. Despite the uncertainties surrounding DACA's legislative future, we continue to welcome and support DACAmented individuals within our program. We recognize the importance of maintaining a pathway for these dedicated individuals to work and contribute to our mission.
At Teach For America, we are committed to supporting all our corps members and alumni, including EAD holders. In 2022, after much work and research, we proudly expanded our admissions eligibility to other categories of immigrant applicants. Namely, folks who have Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) through one of these categories: A02, A03, A05, A10, A11, A12, A16, A19, A20, C08, C09, C10, C14, C18, C19, C21, C25, C31, C33.
For any questions about our policies regarding DACA recipients or eligibility for other EAD holder applicants, please contact us at immigrationandeducation@teachforamerica.org. We are here to provide guidance and support as we navigate these important issues together.
We will continue to accept and review applications until our final application deadline unless it becomes apparent there is no viable employment pathway for DACA recipients or other applicants.
All applicants will have the option to work closely with a member of our staff, ensuring they have the necessary support and resources to complete the admissions process for that year’s corps. This includes resources and support regarding:
- Regional location assignment
- Making the decision to join the corps
- Any other questions that may occur during the application process
Upon admission to the corps, you will be able to share with our assignment team your preferred region(s) and any need you have to be assigned to one particular region (for example, your hometown region or a region close to family).
Assuming your preferred region is able to accept you, we will prioritize this region for you.
FAQs
TFA is able to consider applicants who have an immigration status such as DACA, TPS, refugee, asylee, etc. that provides them an employment authorization document (EAD) and who will not require employer sponsorship. The eligible EAD categories include: A02, A03, A05, A10, A11, A12, A16, A19, A20, C08, C09, C10, C14, C18, C19, C21, C25, C31, C33. TFA is unable to accept applicants on student, work, tourist, or other visas/statuses that would require employer sponsorship.
The supports available will mirror the support TFA has been able to offer DACA recipients. To learn more, click on the DACA FAQs below.
Yes, DACA recipients who meet all other requirements are eligible to apply to Teach For America. At the time of your final interview, you must be able to provide proof of employment eligibility. As a DACA recipient, you must have a social security number and an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to meet the hiring requirements of our partner schools.
You can review regions that are currently able to accept DACA recipients above. We do our best to place DACAmented corps members in their strongly preferred regions.
While DACA recipients are not eligible for AmeriCorps funding due to the federal program’s citizenship requirements, Teach For America does provide DACA recipients funding that matches AmeriCorps funding.
All TFA corps members will receive a Baseline Regional Stipend to support their transition. The amount depends on the region where you are placed. Pell grant recipients, DACA recipients, and all EAD holders also qualify for an additional Pell/EAD Stipend of $3,000 on top of their Baseline Regional Stipend, regardless of placement region. The Corps Member Finances team will be able to help you apply for funding.
If your Employment Authorization Document is set to expire during your two-year commitment to the corps, we will provide legal and financial support.
You may email immigrantandeducation@teachforamerica.org with any additional questions.