Independent Work Authorization Services in Switzerland (IWACH)

Complete an online application by clicking the “Apply Now” button. After you submit background information about yourself, we will email you a password granting access to our online application system. After we have received a completed application and all supporting documents, Cultural Vistas will contact applicants directly.

We expect participants to have at least a basic knowledge of the language prevalent in the host company. Should your host company determine that your work environment is mostly English-speaking, this requirement can be waived; however, please note it is in your best interest to know your host country’s language.

The program fee of $550 ($75 non-refundable administration fee + $475 program fee) includes work authorization and assistance with other bureaucratic matters, a pre-departure mailing, support throughout the program in Switzerland and in the United States, and a reentry toolkit upon completion of the program. The participant is responsible for airfare, housing, meals, and transportation in the host country.

Cultural Vistas does not offer scholarships for participants in this program as there is a minimum wage requirement and participants in the program will have sufficient funds to cover living expenses in Switzerland.

Participants must secure an internship before applying to the program. Should circumstances require that a participant withdraw from the program, or if the Swiss authorities to not approve an applicant’s visa application, the $375 program fee will be refunded on a case-by-case basis. The $75 administration fee is non-refundable. Please note that no refunds will be issued once a participant’s visa has been approved.

Participants of the Independent Work Abroad Program in Switzerland find their own internships and Cultural Vistas provides them with the necessary paperwork and general support. If you are interested in our placement programs in Germany, please visit the Internship Program in Germany page.

On average, the documentation is issued within eight to ten weeks, after which you can obtain your entry visa at the visa pick-up location (a Swiss Consulate of your choice) that you indicated in your application. Your long-term visa will be mailed to you at your Swiss address once you arrive in Switzerland.

Yes. You cannot enter Switzerland without the entry visa associated with the Stagiaire exchange. Applicants for the Stagiaire visa have to await the BFM’s (Bundesamt für Migration – Swiss Federal Office for Migration) decision outside Switzerland.

All participants must be insured while abroad. Most participants in Switzerland are insured through their host companies. If the host company will not provide insurance, participants must purchase their own insurance coverage through a Swiss insurance provider. Please note: Participants who will be using non-Swiss insurance while in Switzerland are responsible for ensuring that their coverage complies with Swiss local and federal regulations.

The duration of the Independent Work Abroad Program in Switzerland depends on the conditions you negotiate with your employer. It is possible to extend the internship in accordance with your host company for up to 18 months.

It is your responsibility to secure your own living arrangement. Finding housing in a foreign country is certainly a challenge; however, it is an important part of the internship experience. Most companies will help if you tell them that you need assistance.

Cultural Vistas encourages you to explore as much as possible during your time abroad; however, please keep in mind that you are an employee at a company. Therefore, you are expected to maintain a consistent presence at your internship, as discussed with your employer.

Tax deductions from your gross income may amount to approximately 30%, depending on the amount of compensation and local tax regulations. Unfortunately, due to legal issues, Cultural Vistas cannot offer tax assistance to its participants.