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SACC TRAINEE PROGRAM. & J-1 Visa Service. Fostering knowledge sharing and cultural exchange between Sweden and the United States Swedish Talent for U.S. Business. SACC TRAINEE PROGRAM. J-1 visa. SACC-USA is J-1 visa sponsor, designated by U.S. Dept. of State
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SACC TRAINEE PROGRAM & J-1 Visa Service Fostering knowledge sharing and cultural exchange between Sweden and the United States Swedish Talent for U.S. Business
SACC TRAINEE PROGRAM J-1 visa SACC-USA is J-1 visa sponsor, designated by U.S. Dept. of State 3 weeks – 18 months practical training Training in field of study / occupational field American business practices & culture
SACC TRAINEE PROGRAM J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 Aka Fulbright-Hays act of 1961, marshalled by Senator J. William Fulbright Purpose To increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchange
SACC TRAINEE PROGRAM Why a Swedish trainee? Best & brightest International perspective Fresh ideas Extra resource Exports / Int’l collaboration / Market Expansion Quick, easy and cost-efficient Reciprocate opportunity given to you
SACC TRAINEE PROGRAM J-1 intern / trainee Intern • Current student / Recent graduate • Up to 12 months Trainee • University diploma, 1 year work experience • OR no diploma, 5 years’ work experience • Up to 18 months
SACC TRAINEE PROGRAM Host Company Member of SACC Regional Chamber Min. 4 full-time employees at training site Workers’ Compensation Insurance Site visit if <25 employees and less than $3M annual revenues Training plan incl. cultural experience Continuous training and supervision
SACC TRAINEE PROGRAM Areas of training Management Business Finance Science Engineering Architecture Mathematics Industrial Occupations Public Administration Law
SACC TRAINEE PROGRAM Examples of J-1 Intern & Trainees Student/Recent Graduate Undergrad/graduate thesis project Candidate with 5 years’ work experience (no degree) Company employee fr. Sweden in rotation program Business partner/collaborator on training assignment Researcher (outside of university) Other knowledge exchange (Incubators, Science Parks, Economic Development Office, Non-profits)
SACC TRAINEE PROGRAM Matching service Position ad • SACC-USA web page • Swedish Universities Pre-screening of candidates Qualified candidates forwarded to host for evaluation
SACC TRAINEE PROGRAM Timeline 8 - 14 weeks
SACC TRAINEE PROGRAM Costs Chamber membership fee SACC-USA J-1 visa service fee Monthly stipend to Trainee • typically covers cost of living, but no upper limit
SACC TRAINEE PROGRAM On the ground in the U.S. SACC-USA • Orientation guide on U.S. life and customs • A representative always available to host and trainee SACC Regional Chamber • Housing, local orientation, etc. • Social network • Events (cultural experience) • Professional networking • Mentoring
SACC TRAINEE PROGRAM J-1 visa in a nutshell Minimum age 21, no maximum age Intern / Trainee must have own health and accident insurance Stipend to cover living expenses (no upper limit) Stipend is taxable (federal and state income tax, W-2) No SS or Medicare tax Company-provided car helpful if no public transportation Workers’ Comp. Insurance Intern/Trainee must leave the U.S. at end of training Must not displace U.S. worker
SACC TRAINEE PROGRAM Success Stories Apica (web optimization) • Apica, Inc., trains employee of Apica AB to learn about client needs in Apica’s largest market Sandgrens (footwear fashion) • Intern facilitates communication between Swedish and U.S. operations Nordic Technology (defense/aerospace) • Train employee of its largest Swedish client LMC, Inc. (machine manufacturing) • Develop talent to launch European operations
SACC TRAINEE PROGRAM Benefits of the SACC-USA Trainee Program
SACC TRAINEE PROGRAM Contact Cecilia Kullman SACC-USA ck@sacc-usa.org www.sacc-usa.org/trainee