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Training and Intern Programs |
 Through the Norway-America Association, Norwegian citizens can apply for the American-Scandinavian Foundation's Exchange Visitor (J visa) Program, designated by the U.S. Department of State, which gives Scandinavians the unique opportunity to receive practical on-the-job experience in the U.S. and to grow professionally and personally through immersion in American business and community life.
Note: Although Exchange Visitor interns and trainees may receive income, this is not a work program and ASF cannot help anyone seeking a “work permit.” Rather, the emphasis is on learning and international exchange. The intern/trainee is considered an unofficial ambassador of his/her country. Following the program the Exchange Visitor is expected to return home.
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The Application Process |
The length of visa application process--outlined below--is largely dependent on the applicant and host firm. ASF recommends that all applicants reserve at least 8 weeks for the application process. Please note that ASF cannot guarantee that your application will be processed before your desired start date.
- Your Program Please note that the maximum duration for an internship program under U.S. government regulations is 12 months; unpaid positions cannot exceed 6 months. All programs must be educational experiences through which interns will grow professionally. Internships that involve over 20% clerical work, office support and/or casual labor will not be accepted. ASF will NOT sponsor internships that require or involve childcare, elder care or any position that involves medical patient care or contact. ASF reserves the right to reject applications for any internships it deems inappropriate.
- Complete the Application Packet The application packet should be completed on a computer with Adobe Acrobat software. All application packets must be typed. Handwritten applications will not be accepted. In addition to completing the pages of the application packet, you must submit several supplementary documents including: insurance documentation, a letter of recommendation, academic transcripts and evidence of financial support. Applications will not be considered complete until all required supplementary documents have been submitted. Before you submit your application, please consult the provided checklist to ensure that your application is complete.
- Submit the Application Packet Please email your completed application packet and supplementary documents to ASF in PDF form (all pages that require a signature should be printed, signed and scanned). A copy of the application packet should also be submitted to Norge-Amerika Foreningen. Email addresses for both ASF and NORAM are listed below.
ASF Email: training@amscan.org
NORAM Email: tknudsen@noram.no
- Norge-Amerika Foreningen After you submit your application, you will need to schedule an interview with NORAM. The interview will be conducted by Ms. Tove Lain Knudsen and will take place either in person or over Skype video chat. If you do not live in or near Oslo, please make sure that you will have access to a computer and webcam throughout the application process. Click here to book a time for an interview
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- The Form DS-7002 The American-Scandinavian Foundation contacts your U.S. host firm with information on the Foundation and the Exchange Visitor Program as well as the required paperwork for your internship. All host firms are required to complete a U.S. Government form called an Internship/Training Placement Plan (Form DS-7002), which discusses the nature of and outlines your internship program. Once ASF receives the completed Internship/Training Placement Plan (Form DS-7002) from your host firm, it will email the form to you for review and signature. Please review the form carefully. After reviewing the form, you will need to sign it, scan it and email it back to ASF. Please make sure that you will have access to a scanner throughout the application process.
- The Form DS-2019 Once the above steps have been completed, ASF will issue a United States Government document called the Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1 Visa) Status (Form DS-2019). The Certificate will be sent directly to Ms. Tove Lain Knudsen of NORAM along with further instructions. Please note that you cannot proceed to the final steps of the visa application process until the Form DS-2019 has been issued. ASF will not issue your DS-2019 until the ASF Program Fee has been paid. Please review the fee schedule on page 7 of the application to identify and pay the fee for your program. You may have your host firm reimburse you for the Program Fee or contact ASF for an invoice and/or payment form. Cancellations will be subject to a $100 cancellation fee; early departures will not be refunded.
- The Embassy Application & Interview When you receive your Form DS-2019, you will need to complete the United States Embassy's Visa Application (Form DS-160). The Form DS-160 is completed online. Once you have electronically submitted the Form DS-160, you will need to pay the Embassy's Visa Application Fee of NOK 900 (approximately $140) as well as the Student & Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Fee of $180. At this time you will also schedule an interview at the U.S. Embassy in Oslo. NORAM and ASF will provide you with further instructions regarding this step later in the application process.
- The J-1 Visa & Travel to the United States Visas are typically issued approximately 5-7 business days after an interview. Please note that you should not schedule any flights or travel until the visa has been stamped into your passport. You cannot enter the U.S. without your visa.
Please note that the U.S. Immigration Service permits Exchange Visitors to enter the country up to 30 days before the program start date listed on the DS-2019. The U.S. Immigration Service also grants all Exchange Visitors an additional 30 days for travel and tourism within the U.S. after the conclusion of their programs.
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Application Form |
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Instructions: |
The application packet should be completed on a computer with Adobe Acrobat software. All application packets must be typed. Handwritten applications will not be accepted. In addition to completing the pages of the application packet, you must submit several supplementary documents including: insurance documentation, a letter of recommendation, academic transcripts and evidence of financial support.
Applications will not be considered complete until all required supplementary documents have been submitted. Before you submit your application, please consult the provided checklist to ensure that your application is complete.
Please email your completed application packet and supplementary documents to ASF in PDF form (all pages that require a signature should be printed, signed and scanned). A copy of the application packet should also be submitted to Norge-Amerika Foreningen. Email addresses for both ASF and NORAM are
listed below.
ASF Email: training@amscan.org
NORAM Email: tknudsen@noram.no
Enclose proof of payment of paid NORAM application fee, NOK 500 to the Norway-America Association account # 7878 05 23025. Please write "Training Program" in the message field.
Processing time: minimum 8 weeks, we recommend starting 3-4 months before your stay in the US. |
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