American Au-Pair Work Visa: Visa Requirements and Application Process

Are you up for a journey that combines meaningful work with cross-cultural learning? For those aged 18 to 26, the J-1 AU Pair visa may be the ideal option if you’re searching for a distinctive approach to experiencing American living.

With this visa, which is intended mostly for young people from around the globe, you can live with an American host family, look after their children, and help out around the house. Even though many people might just view it as a job, it’s a fantastic way to make memories that will last a lifetime, get better at English, and make money.

What is the purpose of this visa? Young adults can live with an American family and work as au pairs, usually doing light housework and childcare, with the J-1 AU Pair visa. Although it’s a component of the larger J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, this one is unique in that it involves being a caregiver while immersed in American family life.

“What kinds of jobs are eligible for this visa?” may be on your mind. and “What is the annual amount I can make?” The au pair usually makes between $10,000 and $15,000 a year, but what they get is free accommodation and board and the opportunity to live in the US without having to worry about paying for regular living expenses.

Another typical query is, “Are you able to bring your family with you?” This is a more complex question. While individual exchange visitors are the main beneficiaries of the J-1 visa, dependent visas for spouses and children can be applied for by specific family members. Still, the majority of au pair participants go alone.

This post will explain what positions are eligible for the J-1 AU Pair visa, the requirements for eligibility, the best places to look for these opportunities, and how to apply for the visa for yourself and any family members you would like to bring.

Jobs for Which Applications Can Be Made for the US J-1 AU Pair Visa

The J-1 AU Pair visa is restricted to very particular kinds of domestic work, mostly related to child care. Typical duties performed by an employee under this visa could be:

• Childcare: As an au pair, your main responsibility is to help the host family take care of their kids. This includes driving kids to and from school, helping them with their assignments, cooking, and playing games.
• Light housekeeping: This can involve activities such as putting away the kids’ toys, washing their clothes, and organizing their play places. Although you won’t be asked to clean the house all day long, you will help with the kids’ everyday tasks.
• Educational Support: It’s common to anticipate helping kids with their homework, reading to them, and organizing educational activities and games.
• Transporting Kids: A lot of au pairs also offer to drive kids to and from social gatherings, extracurricular activities, and school. For this position, a valid driver’s license is usually necessary.
• Cultural Exchange: By sharing your linguistic and cultural background with the host family, you as an au pair will enrich their lives, just as they will enrich yours.

Eligibility Criteria for the AU Pair J-1 US Visa

Not every individual is eligible for a J-1 AU Pair visa. The following are the fundamental qualifying criteria:

• Age: At the time of application, candidates must be between the ages of 18 and 26.
• Experience: Either through tutoring, babysitting, or other caregiving duties, you must have prior experience in the childcare industry. Verification of this experience through references or background checks could be necessary for some agencies.
• Language Skills: English proficiency is a must. It will be required of you to comprehend any instructions about your employment and to speak with your host family proficiently.
• Education: The majority of applicants need to have finished their secondary schooling. Frequently, a minimum qualification is a high school diploma or its equivalent.
• Health: As part of the application procedure, you must be in good physical health, which is typically confirmed by a medical examination.
• Driver’s License: Since taking care of children is sometimes a major duty, au pairs typically need to possess a current driver’s license and prove that they have driving experience.
• Good Character: To be eligible, one must have a spotless criminal record and a high moral standard.
• Commitment: Although some programs allow extensions of up to two years, au pairs are required to commit to a 12-month stay.

Top Platforms Where to Find J-1 Visa Jobs in the US

It takes investigation to find a reputable host family and valid J-1 visa sponsorship. The following are some of the best places to start your search:

• AuPairWorld – https://www.aupairworld.com/en
• Cultural Care Au Pair – https://culturalcare.com/
• AuPair.com – https://www.aupair.com/
• InterExchange – https://www.interexchange.org/
• GoAuPair – https://www.goaupair.com/

Application Process of the J-1 AU Pair Visa

There are multiple steps in the J-1 AU Pair visa application process, and there are extra factors to take into account while traveling with relatives. This is a condensed version of the procedure:

• Locate a Sponsor: Since only approved sponsors can apply for a J-1 visa on your behalf, your first step should be to locate a licensed sponsor. Certified sponsors include companies such as GoAuPair, InterExchange, and Cultural Care Au Pair.
• Match with a Host Family: Following your choice of sponsor, a host family will be assigned to you. Your sponsor will provide the required DS-2019 form, the Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status, as soon as a family accepts your request to stay with them.
• Finish the Visa Application (DS-160): You will complete the DS-160 online application by using the DS-2019 form, which may be found at https://j1visa.state.gov/participants/how-to-apply/about-ds-2019/.
• Arrange a Consultation for a Visa: Make an interview at the US embassy or consulate that is closest to you. You will be questioned about your personal history, your plans for the US, and your role as an au pair during the interview.
• Show up for the interview: Bring the DS-2019 form, your confirmation sheet from DS-160, a valid passport, and any additional documentation the embassy requests.
• Upon approval, you will be issued a J-1 visa, which you can get at https://j1visa.state.gov/programs/au-pair. Now is the time to plan your trip and start your au pair adventure.
• Application for Family Visa (J-2 Visa): Your spouse and children must apply for J-2 visas if you plan to bring them. Each family member needs to pay the visa cost, complete their individual DS-160 form, and, if necessary, show up for the visa interview.