NONIMMIGRANT VISA UNIT
PRACTICAL TRAINING IN THE UNITED STATES
Practical training is an integral part of undergraduate studies at Swedish universities. Many students elect to do such training outside Sweden and may find a company or organization in the United States, not only willing but eager to accept a Swedish student as an unpaid trainee. Students may not use the Visa Waiver Program or a tourist (B-1/B-2) visa to engage in a hands-on business activity or to gain "practical experience." Except for undergraduate medical students taking an "elective clerkship" at a U.S. medical school's hospital, students who wish to go to the U.S. for practical training must obtain a J-1 exchange visitor visa or H-3 trainee visa. It makes no difference whether or not the student receives a salary from a U.S. source.
For those wishing to pursue practical training in the U.S, the key to success is planning ahead. We recommend that students start the process at least six months before they plan to go to the U.S., to avoid last-minute disappointments.
Please be aware that United States Department of Homeland Security regulations state that holders of F, M and J Nonimmigrant visas will not be admitted to the United States until a date 30 days or less prior to the beginning of your program date, or start date, as given on your form I-20 (for F or M visas) or DS-2019 (for J visas). Please consider that date carefully when making your travel plans to the United States.
Practical Training Under the Exchange Visitors Program
There are several legal organizations that arrange for practical training in the U.S. for both students and young professionals. These organizations have been authorized by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs ("BECA") to operate such programs under the exchange visitor category. Individuals who use these programs receive a J-1 visa and may also receive a salary. We are familiar with two such programs operating in Sweden: (1) AIPT, the U.S. affiliate of IAESTE; and (2) the American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) (represented in Sweden by Sverige-Amerika Stiftelsen and AF Utland/The International Employment Office). Both programs operate according to rules established by the BECA but each has slightly different eligibility rules, which include:
• Applicant must be at least 18 years old (21 for ASF);
• Applicant must (1) be a currently enrolled student or (2) have completed university, professional school, or a trade/vocational apprenticeship in the profession in which the applicant seeks training. If the applicant is currently a student, the training must be part of the student's education or recommended by the university;
• Non-students are required to have one year of relevant full-time work experience outside of the U.S. (2 years for ASF);
• Applicant must be fluent in English;
• Applicant must be in good health; and
• Applicant must be able to financially support him- or herself in the U.S., either through personal funds or salary.
Both programs charge a fee for their services, which varies according to the type of employer and/or the salary the individual is to receive. In some cases, the employer may pay this fee. Training programs are a minimum of two months and a maximum of 18 months in duration. Trainees may find their own employer or in certain fields find assistance through the program.
NOTE: Certain large U.S. firms, corporations, and universities may be authorized by the BECA to operate their own exchange visitors programs (J-1). If the training is in conjunction with a university, the student should inquire whether the university itself will issue an DS-2019 form. If so, it is not necessary to utilize an outside program (e.g., ASF) to obtain the DS-2019 form.
NOTE: Sponsors must fully complete and secure signatures on Form DS-7002, Training/Internship Placement Plan (T/IPP) for each trainee and intern prior to issuing a Form DS-2019. All J visa trainee or intern applicants with DS-2019 forms dated on or after July 19 must also present a DS-7002 at their visa interviews. More information and Form 7002 can be found on U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs website.
For more information about practical training or exchange programs please contact the following organizations:
American Scandinavian Foundation
Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America
AF Utland/The International Employment Office
(IASTE/AIPT) Internationella programkontoret
webpages: www.iaeste.se and www.iaeste.org
Visiting International Faculty Program
(For teachers interested in teaching in the U.S.)
Center for International Studies
Information about schools, Education, help with applications, Language tests, CSN, Accommodations, Insurance, Trip, Visas
Practical Training as an H-3 Trainee
It is also possible to obtain practical training in the U.S. on an H-3 trainee visa. However, in order to obtain an H-3 visa the U.S. employer must file an individual petition with the nearest office of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Approval of an H-3 petition often takes several months.
Note: Certain exchange visitors may be subject to the two-year foreign residence requirement of Section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
