The first step for interested trainee candidates is to submit a trainee program application. An application should consist of an application form, a CV or resume in English and a letter of application in English.

Qualified trainee candidates will be added to the SACC-USA trainee candidate database which is searchable by SACC member organizations. Host organizations may contact trainees in the database directly regarding an open trainee position, or SACC-USA will contact trainee candidates regarding specific openings.

Once the host company has selected a final candidate, the host company fills out an application form and writes a training plan. The selected trainee candidate fills out forms and collects documents in support of his or her visa application. Once all documents have been reviewed by SACC-USA we issue a so called DS-2019 form which is sent to the trainee. The trainee takes the DS-2019 to an interview at the US Embassy in Stockholm and receives a J1 trainee visa a few days later. Upon arrival in the U.S., the trainee receives an I-94 form which gets stapled into the passport. The trainee should keep both the DS-2019 and the I-94 secure at all times.

SACC-USA follows up with the host company and the trainee during the application process and tries to make it as easy as possible for everyone involved. The processing time for a J1 trainee visa varies from a few weeks up to around eight weeks depending on how quickly the documents are submitted and how long it takes to get an interview at the U.S. Embassy. Please note that the waiting time for an interview can be several weeks during the busy summer season.

SACC-USA provides the trainee with an orientation guide on life and customs in the U.S. and a SACC representative is always available to answer questions should a problem arise during the training period. SACC-USA also administers a mid-point and a final evaluation of the training program.