What is the SACC-USA J-1 Trainee Visa?
The SACC-USA J-1 trainee visa may be obtained by Swedish citizens/ permanent residents to enter the U.S. for a work-based learning program at a SACC member company or regional chamber for up to 18 months. The visa is issued by the American Embassy in Stockholm.

What are the possible areas of training?
Training is possible within a broad range of fields including Management, Business, Commerce & Finance, the Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics, Industrial Occupations, Public Administration and Law.

How long is a Training Program?
There is no minimum length. The maximum length is 12 months for the Intern category and 18 months for the Trainee category.

Can a Training Program be extended?
Yes, a training program which initially is shorter than 18 months may be extended at the same host company but requires different training tasks, a new training plan and an extension fee.

Will the trainee receive a stipend?
The host company is not required to pay a stipend, but SACC-USA encourages the host company to pay a monthly stipend to cover living expenses in the area. The host company may pay for travel, insurance, housing, car, cell phone, etc. in addition to or instead of a stipend.

Is the stipend taxable?
Yes, the trainee pays federal and state tax. Generally, the trainee does not pay Social Security or Medicare tax.

I have held a J-1 visa before. Am I eligible to apply for a J-1 Trainee visa?
Yes. If you have had a J-1 visa in another category such as the student, summer work, Au Pair or Travel category, you may apply for a J-1 trainee visa. If you have had a J-1 training visa in the category Intern, you may apply for another J-1 trainee visa in the same category after having returned to Sweden and studied one semester at a Swedish educational institution. If you have had a J-1 training visa in the Intern category, you may apply for a J-1 training visa in the Trainee category if you are at least 25 years old, have received a degree, and have one year experience in the field of training. If you have had a J-1 training visa in the Trainee category, you may apply for a second training visa in the same category after having been outside the U.S. for 2 years (this is not the same as the so called two-year home requirement rule).

I am currently in the U.S. Can I apply for a J-1 Trainee visa?
If you are in the U.S. on a visa other than tourist visa or visa waiver, you must leave the country for at least 90 days before you can return on a J-1 Trainee visa.

Can the training be part-time?
No, the training must be full-time, at least 35 hours per week.

Are multiple training sites allowable?
Yes, if called for in the training plan, the training may take place at a primary and a secondary site.

Can a trainee take courses during his/her training period?
Yes, as long as he/she maintains a full-time training program.

Must all documents for the application be in English?
Yes.

What should I write in the application letter?
The letter of application should be a short essay explaining why you are applying for the program and what you would like to gain. Include specific professional, technical and personal goals concerning the trainee position. Examples of personal achievements and your engagement in non-profit organizations, student organizations, sport clubs etc. are of interest. Please state your reasons for applying to a trainee position in the U.S. and how you believe this will affect your future career when returning to Sweden.

Who should write the recommendation letters?
The recommendation letters could be written by a former professor or employer.

Do I need to prove my English abilities?
Trainee Applicants should be fluent in written and spoken English. If accepted into a training program, the trainee must show evidence of this during an interview..

Do I need insurance?
All accepted trainees are required to be covered by health and accident insurance for the entire duration of the training period. The insurance must meet or exceed the limits set by U.S. Federal Regulations.

When can I begin to make travel arrangements to the U.S.?
SACC-USA recommends that trainees do not make travel arrangements until they have received their J-1 visa at the American Embassy.

For how long may the trainee be away from the training during his/her training period?
The trainee is not entitled to any vacation. If mutually agreed to between the host organization and the trainee, the trainee may take a leave from his/her training for a maximum of 30 days.