Apprenticeship in the US is highly sought after, as these programs offer a time- and cost-efficient alternative to traditional education. In general, US apprenticeship requirements are not too complicated to navigate. Let Thao & Co. walk you through the essentials, from eligibility to expenses.
Benefits of US Apprenticeship
Compared to the demanding admissions process of colleges and universities, US apprenticeship programs bring a range of benefits:
- 👍🏼 Simple entrance requirements: To apply for a US apprenticeship, you only need to submit a high school diploma, an IELTS score of 5.5, and financial proof. There’s no need to worry about writing long statements of purpose or chasing letters of recommendation like you would for university applications.
- 🚀 Short training duration: Most US apprenticeships last from just 6 months to 2 years. That means you can graduate and step into the workforce sooner.
- ⏳ Flexible schedule: Apprenticeship in the US allows you to be proactive with time management and adjust the study timeline to fit your personal schedule. You can choose from morning, evening, or weekend classes to manage your time around personal commitments.
- ⚙️ Practical training curriculum: Besides core vocational knowledge, foreign students are also equipped with hands-on skills and career guidance. In addition, US vocational schools provide foreign students with the facilities and modern technologies needed to facilitate theory studies, practices, and research.
- 💵 Affordable costs: As you only have to stay for a short duration during training, tuition fees and living costs are more manageable. That means a significantly lighter financial load.
- 👩🏼🏭 Career opportunities: During the course of your apprenticeship, you will have the chance to experience a professional internship, unlocking many job opportunities after graduation.
- 🎓 Transition to a higher education: If you aim to study at a US college or university but find it difficult to meet the entrance requirements, consider enrolling in an apprenticeship first. Completing a US apprenticeship program increases your chances of acceptance into a university in the same field.
💡 Explore: What to prepare for studying in the US?
Requirements for US apprenticeship programs

Applying for a US apprenticeship is generally straightforward, with no overly strict criteria. To be eligible, you simply need to meet the following conditions:
- ● Be 18 – 35 years old
- ● Have a high school diploma
- ● Have an English proficiency certificate like IELTS 5.5/TOEFL iBT 61 or have completed the entrance English course
- ● Have an M1 visa for vocational students
- ● Have valid health insurance
- ● Demonstrate the financial capability to cover expenses for the first school year
💡 Also read: US Visa for Parents of F1 Students
Step-by-Step Guide for US Apprenticeship
To embark on your apprenticeship journey in the US, here are 4 essential steps:
- ● Step 1: Start by researching the vocational school’s information, then submit the application form. If you meet the requirements, you will receive a certificate of eligibility (Form I-20).
- ● Step 2: Prepare your application dossier, which should include your identification papers, health assessment reports, financial documents, and your I-20 form.
- ● Step 3: Next, pay the SEVIS fee and fill out the DS-160 online visa application form. Pay the visa fee and arrange an appointment for your visa interview.
- ● Step 4: Finally, attend your visa interview at the US Embassy or Consulate. After the interview, you will receive the result of your visa application.
💡 Also read: Latest Guide to Apply for a US Student Visa on Your Own
Costs of US Apprenticeship
To prepare for a successful apprenticeship in the US, it’s important to consider the following costs:
- ● Tuition fees: 600 – 2,000 USD per month
- ● Accommodation costs: 33 – 1,600 USD per month
- ● Cost of meals: 300 – 500 USD per month
- ● Travel expenses: 90 – 130 USD per month
- ● Living costs: 100 – 170 USD per month
Overall, the total cost of an apprenticeship in the US is much more affordable than that of a traditional college or university program. Please bear in mind that actual expenses may vary depending on your field of study, the vocational school you choose, the type of course, and the region where you live and study.
Professional Translation Services for US Apprenticeship Applications
A successful US apprenticeship application starts with well-prepared, accurately translated study abroad documents. Your application must meet to the US Consulate standards to boost your chances of visa approval.

Thao & Co. offers a wide range of high-quality English document translation services. Our service quality is constantly being optimized to support every step of your application process:
- ⚖️ We provide certified translations for a wide range of documents, all in line with USCIS requirements.
- 🎓 A team of experienced linguists holding a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Linguistics from top universities.
- 💻 A professional, streamlined workflow with guaranteed on-time delivery.
- 🚀 Assistance with urgent translation needs, translation delivery within 48 hours for standard documents.
- 🔏 Confidentiality protection with all projects protected under Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs).
- ✅ Access to our proprietary platform for real-time updates and easy file management.
Apprenticeship in the US opens the door to one of the world’s leading education systems and paves the way to a brighter future. With Thao & Co.’s trusted US visa application translation services, you can confidently take the first step.
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