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Au Pair in the USA: Visa & Legal Steps
To become a legal Au Pair in the United States, candidates must participate in the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program under the Au Pair category. This program must be organized through a U.S. Department of State-designated sponsor agency. A private arrangement without a designated sponsor is not legal, and Au Pairs cannot travel to the U.S. on ESTA or a B-1/B-2 visitor visa to work as an Au Pair. Our partner agency in the USA is Agent Au Pair.
On this page, we guide candidates through the J-1 visa process, the documents needed before departure, and the most important legal steps before and after arrival in the United States. Click here if you want to learn about the requirements and Au Pair program regulations in the USA.
General Required Documentation
Before applying for the visa, we recommend preparing all the documents required by the sponsor agency and the U.S. embassy or consulate.
Valid Passport
A passport valid for 6 months after your stay
DS-160
The confirmation page of the DS-160 form
Biometric Photo
A biometric photo, 51 x 51 mm in size
Appointment Confirmation
The confirmation of your visa interview appointment
Form DS-2019
The DS-2019 form issued by the designated sponsor
SEVIS Fee Confirmation
Proof that the SEVIS fee of $35 has been paid
Visa Fee Confirmation
Proof that the visa fee has been paid
Au Pair Agreement
Signed agreement between the Au Pair and Host Family
The exact list may vary slightly depending on the country where the application is submitted. Click here for more information.
Entry Requirements/Visa Categories
At AuPair.com, we remind our users that the U.S. Au Pair program is part of the BridgeUSA J-1 Exchange Visitor Program. Only a Department of State-designated sponsor can issue the Form DS-2019, which is the key document needed to apply for the J-1 visa. Candidates should therefore first choose a sponsor agency and complete its process before booking a visa appointment.
J-1 Visa
Requirements- Being between 18 and 26 years old
- Valid passport
- Participation through a designated sponsor agency
- Match with a Host Family
- Form DS-2019 from the sponsor
- Completed visa application
- Payment of the required fees
- Attendance at the visa interview
Before Arrival
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Apply through a designated sponsor agency
At AuPair.com, you can find the right match if you want to become an Au Pair or a Host Family in the USA. To continue with the placement, you will have to get in touch with a designated sponsor agency. -
Receive and complete Form DS-2019 from the sponsor
Once the candidate has been accepted into the program, the sponsor registers the participant in SEVIS and issues the Form DS-2019, the Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status. This form is required to apply for the visa. Before the embassy interview, the Au Pair must complete the online Form DS-160, prepare the visa photo, and pay the required visa-related fees. Depending on the embassy or consulate, the applicant may also need to present the application fee receipt and SEVIS payment confirmation. -
Attend the visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate
The visa interview is an essential part of the process. During the interview, the applicant presents the required documents, answers questions in English, and provides fingerprints. The passport is usually kept temporarily for visa issuance and then returned by mail.
After Arrival
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Enter the United States with the correct documents
After arrival in the United States, you will be asked to show your passport, J-1 visa, and DS-2019. We remind users that the visa allows travel to a U.S. port of entry, but final admission is decided by CBP. -
Check and save the I-94 record
Check and save the I-94 arrival/departure record after entry. This document confirms the date of arrival, visa category, and admission details, and it may be needed for later formalities in the United States. -
Attend the sponsor’s arrival orientation
Upon arrival, the sponsor must provide an orientation covering the practical and legal aspects of the program. This includes information about life in the United States, healthcare, local resources, payment information, program rules, and emergency support. -
Expect contact from the local counselor
The sponsor’s local counselor must contact the Host Family and the Au Pair within 48 hours of arrival and must meet them in person within two weeks after the Au Pair has arrived at the Host Family’s home. -
Apply for a Social Security number if needed
If the Au Pair needs a Social Security number for work or other administrative purposes and does not already have one, it can be requested after arrival. The Social Security Administration states that J-1 exchange visitors must present the DS-2019 and immigration documents when applying. It is generally recommended to wait about 10 days after arrival before applying in person. -
Stay in contact with the sponsor during the program
Throughout the program, the sponsor remains the main point of contact for support, supervision, and official program matters. At AuPair.com, we recommend following the sponsor’s instructions carefully and contacting the agency whenever questions or problems arise.
Additional Information
No tourist visa / no ESTA: At AuPair.com, we clearly state that it is not legal to enter the U.S. as an Au Pair on ESTA or on a visitor visa. The official Au Pair program uses the J-1 visa only.
The sponsor agency is essential: We also explain that the sponsor is not just a placement service. It is the organization that issues the DS-2019, registers the participant in SEVIS, provides pre-departure information, organizes the required arrival orientation, and monitors the program during the stay.
Travel timing: According to the official rules, J-1 exchange visitors may generally enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the program start date and remain for up to 30 days after the program ends for departure preparations or domestic travel, subject to the program rules.
