Immigrating to the United States is an opportunity to use your international training to either advance in your field or pursue a new career that builds on your education and experience. We encourage you to explore the various career pathways available so you can consider your options. Because teaching in California usually involves obtaining a certificate or license, it is especially important to fully understand and consider your options.
California has a two-tier teaching credential. The preliminary credential, valid for five years, is the first document issued after an out-of-country prepared individual has met the basic credential requirements, which includes a baccalaureate degree and teacher preparation.
The clear credential, valid for five years, is issued after all credential requirements have been met, including induction teaching and professional development experiences.
If you have completed a teacher preparation program outside the United States, you are eligible for a preliminary credential if you meet the requirements and provide:
Each type of California credential is listed below for those teachers prepared outside of the United States:
Explore various career pathways available to Internationally Trained Educators in the United States.
While bilingual abilities are beneficial, the ability to read, write, speak and understand English is required. You must be legally eligible to work in the United States. (This means that you must be a: U.S.citizen, or a legal resident with a Social Security Number or an Individual Tax Identification Number). Browse the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Website for details.