Plain language

Glossary of terms and acronyms

We use a lot of specialized terms. Here is what they mean, in plain language. Acronyms are also defined where they first appear on each page.

APH

American Printing House for the Blind — provides educational materials for students who are blind or have low vision.

BridgeUSA

The U.S. State Department's program for the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program.

DS-2019

Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status — the form a designated J-1 sponsor issues so you can apply for a J-1 visa.

EPI

Educational Partners International — a J-1 teacher program sponsor.

I-94

Arrival/Departure Record — the record of your admission to the United States.

J-1

J-1 Exchange Visitor visa category — the cultural-exchange visa used for this teacher program (BridgeUSA).

J-2

J-2 dependent visa category — for the spouse and children of a J-1 holder.

NLS

National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled — the Library of Congress program lending braille and audio books.

O&M

Orientation and mobility — training that teaches people who are blind or have low vision to travel safely and independently.

SEVIS

Student and Exchange Visitor Information System — the U.S. government database that tracks exchange visitors. The SEVIS fee (currently $220) is paid to the government, not to us.

SLP

Speech-language pathologist.

SPED

Special education.

TPG

TPG Cultural Exchange — a J-1 teacher program sponsor.

TVI

Teacher of students with visual impairments.

USCIS

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

WES

World Education Services — a common foreign credential evaluation provider.

212(e)

Section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act — the two-year home-residency requirement that may apply to some J-1 participants. Your sponsor will advise whether it applies to you.

Duration of status

The immigration rule that lets J-1 holders stay as long as their program is active, rather than to a fixed date.

Employer of record

The school district — it hires you directly, runs payroll, and provides benefits. Gaur Vision Group never runs your payroll.

Placement fee

The fee the district pays Gaur Vision Group for sourcing and placement work. You, the teacher, pay $0 of it.

Last reviewed October 2026.