Switzerland & US Streamline Short-Term Training for Young Professionals Starting November 30

Starting next month, November 30, young Swiss citizens will have the chance to receive more accessible training for short periods in the United States, as well as Americans in Switzerland.

Following the recent decision to provide a simpler exchange of trainees and young professionals, citizens from both countries will also be granted residence and work permits for up to 12 months, with a six-month extension, VisaGuide.World reports.

The policy only includes Swiss individuals aged 18 to 35 who are in training or have a vocational diploma or higher education. On the other hand, those who don’t meet these qualifications are still required to qualify for their relevant professional experience.

Switzerland Expands Trainee Program to Another 4 Countries

The previous program registered over 100 people from Switzerland and the US participating in exchanges yearly during the 1980s and early 1990s. However, this number has slowly declined since the 2000s, mainly due to stricter US visa requirements.

Moreover, Switzerland also has trainee exchange agreements with several countries, including countries as follows:

• Argentina
• Australia
• Canada
• Japan

Since Switzerland’s first trainee agreement with Belgium in 1936, nearly 40,000 Swiss trainees have worked temporarily abroad, while over 58,000 foreign trainees have gained experience in Switzerland.

Requirements for US & Swiss Citizens Training Exchange Program

Through a statement issued by the US Embassy in Switzerland, it was revealed that the eligible US participants must meet the following criteria:

• Graduates from a technical, vocational, or professional training program seeking further training in Switzerland.
• Graduates from a post-secondary institution wishing to train in Switzerland.
• Enrolled students in a post-secondary institution looking to complement their studies in Switzerland.
• Enrolled students in a technical, vocational, or professional program (minimum two years) wishing to further their training in Switzerland.

While Swiss participants must be:

• Recent graduates (within 12 months) from a technical, vocational, or post-secondary program outside the US seeking an internship in the US.
• Enrolled students in a technical, vocational, or post-secondary program outside the US wanting an internship in the US.
• Graduates from a technical or post-secondary program outside the US with relevant work experience seeking a trainee placement in the US.
• Enrolled students with work experience from a program outside the US wanting further training in the US.
• Individuals with five years of work experience who are not students or graduates, seeking a trainee placement in the US.