J-1 Visas for Internships and Traineeships

BUILD YOUR CAREER IN THE U.S.

By acquiring a J-1 visa through the Netherland-America Foundation, Dutch students, young leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals have the opportunity to pursue practical, on-the-job training in the United States. This visa lets them gain a firsthand understanding of U.S. culture and institutions and foster a better understanding of the American perspective on a variety of issues. Recipients are allowed to stay in the US up to 14 months (intern) or 20 months (trainee).

Note to visa seekers: As the visa seeker, you are responsible for all J-1 visa costs and will receive a cost breakdown of the visa before applying. Fees for visa processing range from $1,170-$3,500, depending on the length of internship or training. Additional costs include a $220 U.S. government administrative cost (SEVIS fee), a $250 site visit cost (for smaller companies), and around $185 for the required visa appointment at your local consulate. We can invoice you or your host company for these costs, but the NAF will not cover any costs associated with acquiring your J-1 visa.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Intern

• Full-time university student or recent graduate (within 1 year) from a Dutch HBO or WO institution
• Internship offer from a qualified host company in a related field
• Sufficient English for the U.S. workplace
• At least 18 years old at the time of application

Trainee

• Completed undergraduate studies and at least one year of professional experience outside the U.S.
• Training offer from a qualified host company in a related field
• Sufficient English for the U.S. workplace
• At least 18 years old at the time of application

Host company (for both internship and traineeship)

• Completed undergraduate studies and at least one year of professional experience outside the U.S.
• Training offer from a qualified host company in a related field
• Sufficient English for the U.S. workplace
• At least 18 years old at the time of application

Need help? Click here for a program eligibility flowchart

THE APPLICATION PROCESS

• Do not wait until the last minute to apply for a visa. Give yourself as much time as possible- at least 3 months at a minimum. The NAF cannot provide assurance that any J-1 visa will be granted and, if so, within what timeframe.
• Email the NAF (info@thenaf.org) with the following information:Full name as stated on your passport
  • Full name as stated on your passport
  • Date of birth
  • Preferred email
  • Company name
  • Verification of your internship, such as an offer letter- you cannot pursue the visa if you don’t have a confirmed internship
  • State if you are applying for the intern visa or the trainee visa
• The NAF will set you up with your visa application on an online portal. Complete your personal information in the application and upload the required files for review (such as a scan of your passport and proof of education status).
• Provide basic information on your host company so they may complete your training plan.
• Schedule a brief call with the NAF to review and finalize your application.
• Once complete, the NAF reviews application and acquires any additional necessary information from you or host company before submitting the application to the visa sponsor, CIEE, for processing.
• Upon approval, you will receive the DS-2019, the required document for training in the US.
• With the DS-2019, schedule your appointment with US Consulate General in the Netherlands to receive your visa approval.