Editing Openai/69644058-21a4-8000-8c84-865d28fbb8f2 (section)

===== A Filipino teacher on a J-1 visa in the U.S. can potentially qualify for SPIMS if: =====
# They are considered an OFW — meaning that the J-1 teaching employment counts as overseas work for purposes of OFW status (in most cases, working abroad under contract qualifies). Assistance.PH<ref>{{cite web|title=Assistance.PH|url=https://assistance.ph/owwa-spims-program/|publisher=assistance.ph|access-date=2026-01-12}}</ref>
# They return to the Philippines and apply within three (3) years of their latest return/arrival stamp. Assistance.PH<ref>{{cite web|title=Assistance.PH|url=https://assistance.ph/owwa-spims-program/|publisher=assistance.ph|access-date=2026-01-12}}</ref>
# They meet the other SPIMS criteria (LET pass, passport, documentation). OFWs Group Portal<ref>{{cite web|title=OFWs Group Portal|url=https://ofwpass.com/owwa-spims-program-sa-pinas-ikaw-ang-maam-at-sir/|publisher=OFWs Group Portal|access-date=2026-01-12}}</ref>

👉 In practice, this means that if you are currently on a J-1 and have not yet returned to the Philippines, you would typically apply after returning to the Philippines and within the allowable timeframe — since one SPIMS rule is that applicants must not have resided in the Philippines for more than 3 years at the time of application. Assistance.PH<ref>{{cite web|title=Assistance.PH|url=https://assistance.ph/owwa-spims-program/|publisher=assistance.ph|access-date=2026-01-12}}</ref>