Requirements & Costs
Trainee Requirements
There are two categories of the J-1 visa, Intern and Trainee.
Requirements for Intern Category:
- Be a Swedish citizen/permanent resident with the intention of returning to Sweden
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be currently enrolled in and pursuing studies at a degree- or certificate-granting post-secondary (eftergymnasial) academic institution outside the U.S. or have graduated from such an institution within the past 12 months
- Be fluent in spoken and written English
- Obtain health and accident insurance for the duration of the training period
- Follow the training plan developed by the host company
- An internship may last up to 12 months.
Requirements for the Trainee Category:
- Be a Swedish citizen/permanent resident with the intention of returning to Sweden
- Be at least 25 years old
- Have a degree or professional certificate from a post-secondary (eftergymnasial) academic institution outside the U.S.
- Have at least one year work experience in his or her field
- Be fluent in spoken and written English.
- Obtain health and accident insurance for the duration of the training period
- Follow the training plan developed by the host company
- A traineeship may last up to 18 months
Fees and Costs
The trainee is required to pay a fee to the U.S. Embassy in Stockholm before the interview. The fee is around SEK 1,120:- but changes frequently so make sure to check the Embassy’s web page for current Exchange Visitor fee, http://sweden.usembassy.gov/consulate/niv/visa.html. Read the instructions carefully, including the information about paying the fee via bankgiro. An original receipt, stamped by the bank, should be brought to the interview.
The trainee is also required to pay the so called SEVIS fee of $180. The SEVIS fee is paid directly to the Department of Homeland Security, https://www.fmjfee.com/. This payment is made online. Make sure to print a receipt to bring to the interview.
The trainee candidate is required to have health and accident insurance that meets the following minimum requirements:
| Medical and Accident: Medical Evacuation: Repatriation: |
$50,000 per illness/accident $10,000 $7,500 |
The required health and accident insurance is normally paid by the trainee (but can be paid by the host company).
Airfare, housing and living expenses are normally paid by the trainee.
Should the trainee fail to submit a Check-in Form to SACC-USA in a timely manner upon arrival in the U.S., a $233 Reinstatement Fee will be payable to the U.S. Department of State.
Compensation
Most positions in the SACC-USA Trainee Program pay a stipend to cover living expenses. Some pay more. Others such as summer internships may be unpaid. Positions with SACC Regional Chambers are usually unpaid. Unpaid positions may be best suitable for students who are required to do an international internship as part of their course work and thus can get a student loan.
Interns/trainees pay federal, state and local tax on the stipend. There is no Social Security or Medicare tax (unless the trainee has lived in the U.S. previously, see the Tax Manual for details).
