TRAINEE USA

Trainee

The United States is an incredibly diverse nation. People from all over the world immigrate here, there are different religions, races, cultural traditions, and political beliefs that make up the country. To witness such a multicultural way of living is truly extraordinary. According to the U.S. government, there are more than 35,000 museums in the United States. From science centers to historical monuments, art galleries to war memorials, you’ll find a museum to explore no matter where you are in the country. Some showcase the rich, long history of the United States, while others focus on modern inventions and the future of the nation.

Much like the people in America, the food is quite diverse. There are classic American dishes such as fried chicken, macaroni and cheese and tuna casserole, but there is also an abundance of places to find foods inspired by other countries.

Being able to relate to people in other countries is a great way to become more compassionate and understanding of different cultures. You might realize that you enjoy doing things the American way or that you don’t want to change the way you live.

If you’re all about the nightlife, America’s big cities usually don’t sleep and will keep you entertained. If you prefer a more laid-back experience, smaller towns generally offer low-key things to do. The great thing about the USA is that you can find your groove somewhere, whether it’s the bustling streets of New York City or the calm, slow-paced pastures of the Southern states

TRAINEE

Overview

Trainee USA is a program that offers non-students, graduates and young professionals the unique opportunity to gain international training in the US.

US host companies are eager to introduce international trainees, who often bring fresh ideas and new perspectives to the workplace. You’ll make valuable contacts, learn about the latest developments in your field and gain firsthand insight into American business culture. It’s the kind of experience that will provide a serious boost to your career credentials.

  • You can train anywhere in the US for up to 18 months in a field that is directly related to your career or professional qualifications
  • You will be sponsored for a J-1 Visa for the duration of your placement as certified by your host company
  • Placements should consist of practical training directly related to your career or professional qualifications
  • You are prohibited from taking a casual or second job and from working in a number of areas
  • Your placement can be paid or unpaid (participants must show proof of having at least US $750 per month to support themselves)
  • You must find host company prior to visa documentation being issued
  • Once you have been offered a placement, we will provide a Traineeship Agreement Pack and visa assistance
  • You can remain as a tourist in the US for up to 30 days after the completion of your work visa
  • You can apply and go at any time of year

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Trainee Benefits

The US is the most diverse and dynamic economy on earth. The opportunity to live and train there for up to 18 months on a sponsored and structured training program will bring a wide range of benefits that will last long after you return home.

It broadened the perspective I had about the United States, the work place and the world.  Also, it gave me the chance to personally grow up and realize that I was never alone, and that people would always be there to help me when I needed it most.  I learned to appreciate my country, tradition and my family even more. This experience changed my life! Now, I have more dreams and some other goals. I’m so thankful for everything that I’ve learned. – Luciana Andrés- Colombia

  • You will be issued with a visa allowing you to live and train in the US for the duration of your program
  • You will be part of a structured training program that will expose you to many aspects of the business
  • You will get first hand experience in your field of study or chosen career in the world’s leading economy
  • You will make invaluable business contacts that you can call on later in your career
  • You will expand your horizons and open career doors you didn’t know existed
  • You will gain important insights into American business culture that will enhance your future career prospects
  • You will challenge yourself and gain independence and maturity
  • You will enhance your resumé and give yourself a competitive edge in the jobs marketplace
  • You will earn US$ which you can use to travel around the country at the end of your program

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ELIGIBILITY

You must be between 20 and 40 years old and;

  • Hold College/ University Degree or equivalent
  • Be a graduate of a post-secondary institution with at least 1 year of prior related professional experience outside the US or have 5 years of prior related practical experience
  • Have fluent spoken and written English skills
  • International Passport

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PROGRAM COST

2020-21 Program Fees

Program Length (months)                     Trainee USA (USD)

0-6                                                                            $4,520

6-12                                                                           $5,180

12-18                                                                          $5,920

Notes:

  1. Program fees are correct for departures up to and including 31st August 2021.
  2. Your program fee includes a non-refundable portion of $350.
  3. A $500 placement assistance fee will be charged in addition to the above, if applicable.
  4. A US $300 *site visit fee will be charged in addition to the above, if applicable.

*Site Visit

Site visits will be mandatory for any host companies that have not previously hosted with our visa sponsor unless they have either a minimum of 25 full-time employees or generate a minimum of $3 million in annual turnover.

For applications that require a site visit an additional application fee of US $300 will be added to the program fee to cover the site visit by visa sponsor.

If your host company requires a site visit please allow an additional 4 weeks processing time for your application.

DS-2019 Re Issue

Applicants are required to enter the US within 20 days of the arrival date listed on their application. If you will be entering more than 20 days after your scheduled arrival date you will have to get your DS-2019 form reprinted with your amended dates so visa sponsor can update your SEVIS record.

All DS-2019 re issues will incur a $150 administration fee.

What’s included?

  • The legal sponsorship necessary to obtain your J-1 visa
  • Assistance with obtaining your visa (you must pay the visa related costs)
  • Internship USA or Trainee USA Handbook providing tips on working and travelling around the USA
  • Advice on jobs, housing and transport
  • Comprehensive Medical and health insurance cover for the duration of your stay
  • 24-hour, 7 days a week help line whilst in the USA

What’s not included?

  • Round trip transportation to the US
  • Passport fee
  • SEVIS Fee (currently US$220)*
  • All items of a personal nature including expenses for entertainment, meals, transportation to and from your employment, housing
  • Insurance for trip cancellation or trip interruption.

* The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) was implemented by the US government in January 2003 and is a database that your visitor record is kept in. From the time you are issued a Certificate of Eligibility for J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa, Form DS-2019, you are recorded in the SEVIS database. The US government charges an initial fee (currently US$220) for entry in to the SEVIS system.

Payment Schedule

  1. A $350 non-refundable deposit is required when you submit your application
  2. We will conduct a preliminary review of your application and invoice you for your program fee and SEVIS fee
  3. On receipt of full payment your application will be submitted to the USA for review and final approval.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations will only be accepted in writing and will be effective at the date received by TransCareers International. Refunds will be made according to the following schedule:

  1. If your application does not meet our eligibility criteria you will be refunded in full.
  2. If you withdraw from the program:
    – Prior to being issued with your DS-2019 form you will be refunded in full less $350 + placement fee if applicable
    – After being issued with your DS-2019 form you will be refunded 50% of program fees + placement fee if applicable
  3. If you fail to enter the USA by your scheduled departure date there will be no refund.

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Application Process

The entire process can take up to 3 – 6 months so give yourself plenty of lead time:

Step 1: APPLY

Once you have decided to enroll in our rewarding internship or trainee USA programs please contact us by signing up

Submit an online individual application request. A TransCareers International staff member will review your request and send you instructions on how to complete your application online within 2 business days. Be prepared to submit official documentation which substantiates your education and employment qualifications.

Step 2: APPLICATION EVALUATION

We will evaluate your complete application and issues a sponsorship decision within approximately 4 weeks. During this step, a TransCareers International staff member may reach out with additional questions, to schedule a phone or Skype interview. We will begin to search suitable Host Company that matches your educational qualifications.

Step 3: APPROVAL + DS-7002

Host Company will conduct interview and after acceptance by both parties, we will send the applicant and the supervisor an official training plan (DS-7002) for review and signing.

Step 4: VISA DOCUMENTS ISSUED

Visa Sponsor conducts interview for both supervisor and applicant after receiving the signed training plan and DS-2019 is issued within 6 weeks by visa sponsor. Then mailed to the participant along with other important arrival documents. At this time, applicants are also e-mailed instructions on how to apply for the J-1 Visa in their home country.

Step 5: U.S. CONSULATE/EMBASSY APPOINTMENT

After making an appointment online, applicants attend an appointment at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy with the original DS-2019/7002. Visa approval and issuance is at the discretion of the consular official. Visa appointment and processing wait times vary by country and time of year. On average, this process takes 2-4 weeks. Up-to-date information can be found on the U.S. Department of State website

Step 6: FLY TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Book your flights and prepare for a career lift off!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Your full application, certified by your employer, must be submitted to TransCareers International a minimum of 8 weeks before your departure date.

You can download  an application form from our website, e-mail us, or give us a call – +1917 300 4730 and we will send you one. Please see How to Apply section.

Your employer will be required to complete an Internship Agreement and provide information on the nature of your position, salary and dates of employment and training components. They will also need to submit a comprehensive training plan – this is the most important part of the application.

Yes, you can extend your J-1 visa for a maximum of 18 months. If your placement is for a shorter period than this (e.g. for 6 months), you can apply for an extension up to the total time of:

  • Internship: 12 months.
  • Trainee: 18 months.

It is a requirement that you remain with the same employer and you must lodge the extension application before your original visa has expired. Extension forms will be supplied to you prior to your departure. Additional fees will apply.

Yes. You will need to pre-arrange your training placement before you apply and arrive in the US.

Once your DS-2019 has expired you have 30 days from the expiration date to travel within the US.

Your program fee includes health and medical insurance. Under US Government program regulations, you must have an approved level of insurance coverage. Our custom insurance plans meet this requirement. Our insurance covers you for emergency and accidents including hospital cover – but only while you are on the program.

Your program fee cover our services to you before you leave and Visa Sponsor’s services and support whilst in the US including sponsorship of your visa. The fee also covers your insurance. View a full list of what’s included in the program fee for Internship USA or Trainee USA.

Applicants are permitted to repeat the program as long as they meet the eligibility criteria and have satisfied the required hiatus rules:

  • Internship to Internship: 90 days minimum, from old DS end date to new DS start date;
  • Internship to Trainee: 2 years minimum.
  • Trainee to Internship: 2 years minimum.
  • Trainee to Trainee: 2 years minimum.

According to the regulations of the Internship and Trainee USA program, the US Department of State may designate training and internship programs in any of the following occupational categories:

(i) Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing;

(ii) Arts and Culture;

(iii) Construction and Building Trades;

(iv) Education, Social Sciences, Library Science, Counseling and Social Services;

(v) Health Related Occupations;

(vi) Hospitality and Tourism;

(vii) Information Media and Communications;

(viii) Management, Business, Commerce and Finance;

(ix) Public Administration and Law; and

(x) The Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics, and Industrial Occupations.

The following job types are currently prohibited

  • Sales jobs requiring the participant to invest his/her own monies to pre-purchase inventory
  • Domestic help positions in private U.S. households – e.g. au pair, servant, gardener or chauffeur
  • Jobs in the adult entertainment industry
  • Jobs on the Department of Labor’s “hazardous jobs list”
  • Jobs in warehouses
  • Jobs with moving companies
  • Jobs in factories
  • Jobs in manufacturing
  • Jobs in construction or located on construction sites
  • Jobs in catalog / online distribution centers
  • Jobs in the fisheries industry
  • Jobs that are substantially commission-based and thus do not guarantee minimum wage
  • Jobs at mall kiosks/carts
  • Employment that involves driving as a primary job duty
  • Jobs with exposure to dangerous chemicals (e.g. pesticides)
  • Jobs on the gaming floor of casinos
  • Jobs with travelling carnivals / concessions
  • Jobs where the participant is hired as an independent contractor / hired on a 1099 form
  • Operators of pedicabs, rolling chairs, other passenger carrying vehicles for hire, and/or vehicles requiring a commercial driver’s license
  • Jobs providing clinical care, medical services or involving patient contact, hands on therapy, counseling, administering treatment or making diagnoses of medical, psychiatric or psychological patients, or veterinary work involving hands-on care.
  • As ship or aircraft crew members, or as pilots, except as crew members on ships that travel only within domestic U.S. waters
  • Teacher, teaching assistant or coach
  • Camp counselor
  • Jobs through staffing/employment agencies
  • Jobs entailing sustained physical contact with customers (e.g., body piercing, tattoo parlor, massage)
  • Overnight/graveyard shift jobs

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