American Au-Pair Work VISA for Young People – Application Process and Requirements
Are you ready for an adventure that blends cultural exchange with meaningful work? If you’re between the ages of 18-26 and looking for a unique way to experience life in the United States, the J-1 AU Pair visa might be your perfect ticket. Designed specifically for young people from across the world, this visa allows you to live with an American host family, provide childcare, and take part in household duties. While many might consider it just a job, it’s an extraordinary way to build lifelong memories, improve your English, and earn money while doing so.
What’s this visa all about? The J-1 AU Pair visa grants young adults the chance to live with an American family and work as an au pair, which typically involves childcare and light household chores. It’s part of the broader J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, but what sets this one apart is the immersion into family life in the US while taking on a caregiver role.
You may be wondering: “What kind of jobs are eligible for this visa?” and “How much can I make annually?” The au pair typically earns around $10,000 to $15,000 per year, though the real compensation lies in free room and board and the chance to live in the US without the stress of traditional living expenses.
Another common question: “Can you bring your family along?” The answer here is more nuanced. While the J-1 visa primarily supports individual exchange visitors, certain family members, such as spouses and children, may apply for J-2 dependent visas. However, most au pair participants tend to travel alone.
In this article, we’ll break down the details of what jobs qualify for the J-1 AU Pair visa, the eligibility criteria, top platforms where you can find these opportunities, and the application process for both you and any family members you wish to bring along.
5 Types of Jobs for Which the US J-1 AU Pair Visa Can Be Applied For
The J-1 AU Pair visa is highly specific to certain types of household jobs, primarily revolving around childcare. Typical job responsibilities under this visa may include:
- Childcare: Your primary role as an au pair is to assist the host family in caring for their children. This includes taking children to and from school, assisting with homework, preparing meals, and engaging in recreational activities.
- Light Housework: This may include tasks like cleaning up after the children, doing their laundry, and tidying up play areas. You’re not expected to be a full-time housekeeper, but you will contribute to the daily household chores related to the children.
- Educational Assistance: Helping children with homework, reading to them, and facilitating educational games and learning experiences is often expected.
- Driving Children: Many au pairs also take on the role of driving children to and from school, extracurricular activities, or social events. A valid driver’s license is typically required for this role.
- Cultural Exchange: As an au pair, you’ll share your own cultural background and language with the host family, enriching their lives as they do the same for you.
Eligibility Criteria for the AU Pair J-1 US Visa
Not everyone qualifies for the J-1 AU Pair visa. Here are the basic eligibility requirements:
- Age: Applicants must be between 18 and 26 years old at the time of application.
- Experience: You must have previous experience in childcare, whether through babysitting, tutoring, or other caregiving roles. Some agencies may require proof of this experience through references or background checks.
- Language Skills: Proficiency in English is essential. You’ll be expected to communicate fluently with your host family and understand any instructions related to your work.
- Education: Most applicants must have completed their secondary education. A high school diploma or equivalent is often a minimum requirement.
- Health: You need to be in good physical health, which is generally verified by a medical examination as part of the application process.
- Driver’s License: In most cases, au pairs need to hold a valid driver’s license and demonstrate driving experience, as transporting children is often a key responsibility.
- Good Character: A clean criminal record and good moral standing are necessary for eligibility.
- Commitment: Au pairs are expected to commit to a 12-month stay, although some programs offer extensions up to two years.
Where to Find J-1 Visa Jobs in the US? (Top Platforms)
Finding a reliable host family and legitimate J-1 visa sponsorship requires research. Here are some of the top platforms to begin your search:
- AuPairWorld – https://www.aupairworld.com/en : One of the most popular global platforms, AuPairWorld connects prospective au pairs with families all over the world, including the US.
- Cultural Care Au Pair – https://culturalcare.com/: This platform specializes in matching au pairs with families in the US, providing visa sponsorship and other necessary support throughout the process.
- AuPair.com – https://www.aupair.com/: Another trusted platform, AuPair.com offers connections between host families and au pairs while providing resources for visa processing.
- InterExchange – https://www.interexchange.org/: An official J-1 visa sponsor, InterExchange facilitates the placement of au pairs with American families and offers extensive support with the application process.
- GoAuPair – https://www.goaupair.com/: Specializing in the US market, GoAuPair provides an easy-to-use platform for both host families and au pairs, offering assistance with visa applications and placements.
Application Process of the J-1 AU Pair Visa (Including Family Visas)
Applying for the J-1 AU Pair visa involves several steps, and bringing family along requires additional considerations. Here’s a streamlined overview of the process:
- Find a Sponsor: The first step is to find a licensed J-1 visa sponsor, as only designated sponsors can apply for the visa on your behalf. Organizations like Cultural Care Au Pair, InterExchange, and GoAuPair are certified sponsors.
- Match with a Host Family: After selecting a sponsor, you’ll be matched with a host family. Once a family agrees to host you, your sponsor will provide the necessary DS-2019 form, which is the Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status.
- Complete the Visa Application (DS-160): Using the DS-2019 form https://j1visa.state.gov/participants/how-to-apply/about-ds-2019/, you’ll fill out the DS-160 online application.
- Schedule a Visa Interview: Schedule an interview at your nearest US embassy or consulate. During the interview, you’ll be asked about your role as an au pair, your plans in the US, and your personal background.
- Attend the Interview: Bring the DS-2019 form, your DS-160 confirmation page, a valid passport, and any other documents requested by the embassy.
- Receive Your J-1 Visa: Once approved, you’ll receive your J-1 visa https://j1visa.state.gov/programs/au-pair. You can now make travel arrangements to begin your au pair journey.
- Family Visa Application (J-2 Visa): If you wish to bring your spouse or children, they will need to apply for J-2 visas. Each family member must submit their own DS-160 form, pay the visa fee, and attend a visa interview (if required).
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