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.
HOW DO I APPLY?
- Determine your eligibility with the below qualifications
- If eligible, email info@thenaf.org with the following information:
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- 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
- Make arrangements on work duties and internship start and end date with your host company so they can complete the training plan required for this visa
WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS?
Intern
- You are a full-time university student or recent graduate (within 1 year) from a Dutch higher education institution (HBO or WO).
- You have an internship offer from a qualified host company in a field related to your studies or academic background.
- Your knowledge of English is sufficient to contribute in an American workplace.
- You are 18 years or older on the date you submit your application.
Trainee
- You have completed your undergraduate studies and already have worked outside the US for at least one year in a field related to your pursued training.
- You have an offer from a qualified host company in your field.
- Your knowledge of English is sufficient to contribute in an American workplace.
- You are 18 years or older on the date you submit your application
Host company (for both internship and traineeship)
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- Has a minimum of five full-time employees
- Has Worker’s Compensation insurance. The intern has to be added to the policy for the duration of the internship, or alternatively to the general liability insurance.
- Been in business at least one year to assure adequate resources (home offices not permitted)
- Offers a paid or unpaid skilled position for a minimum of 32 hours/week up to a maximum of 45 hours/week without displacing full- or part-time temporary or permanent American workers.
- Plans to develop an internship plan in consultation with the intern that will allow the intern to obtain skills, knowledge and competencies through structured and guided activities and training in line with their field of study.
WHAT IS THE APPLICATION PROCESS LIKE?
- 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
- 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.
Need help? Click below for a program eligibility flowchart.
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