Learn about the American Au Pair J-1 Visa, including eligibility requirements, the application process, job types, and family visa options. Discover how to experience life in the US, work with host families, and embark on a cultural exchange journey.
Are you ready for a journey that lets you try new things and do work that matters? You can get a J-1 AU Pair visa if you are between the ages of 18 and 26 and want to experience life in the United States in a unique way. This visa lets you live with an American host family, help with housework, and watch kids. It was specifically designed by young people from all over the world. Many people might think of it as just a job, but it’s actually a wonderful way to make memories that will last a lifetime, improve your English, and make money at the same time.
What’s this visa all about?
The J-1 AU Pair visa lets young people live with an American family and work as an au pair, which usually means taking care of kids and doing light housework. This visa stands out as part of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program because of its caregiver role and the opportunity to live with a US family.
You might be thinking, “What kinds of jobs can I get with this visa?” You might also be wondering, “How much can I make a year?” Most au pairs make between $10,000 and $15,000 a year, but the real pay is free room and board and the chance to live in the US without having to worry about paying for things like food and rent.
People also often ask, “Can you bring your family with you?” It’s not as simple as that answer. While the J-1 visa is mostly for individuals on exchange, family members, such as spouses and children, can apply for J-2 dependent visas. One thing that is true is that most au pairs travel alone.
You can get a J-1 AU Pair visa for certain jobs. This piece will explain the eligibility requirements, the best places to find these jobs, and the application process for you and any family members you want to bring with you.
Types of Jobs for Which the US J-1 AU Pair Visa Can Be Applied For
The J-1 Au Pair visa is for people who want to participate in cultural exchange programs in the United States, especially those who want to help host families with child care. The following are the five main types of jobs or duties that come with this visa:
Childcare: An au pair’s main job is to watch over the host family’s children. This includes things like watching the kids, helping them with their daily tasks, making their meals, helping them with their homework, and planning enjoyable things to do.
Light Housework: Au pairs are frequently in charge of doing light housework for the kids, such as cleaning their rooms, putting away their toys, and doing their laundry. This doesn’t include deep cleaning, because taking care of children is still their main job.
Educational Assistance: Au pairs are supposed to help the kids learn by doing educational activities with them, helping them with schoolwork, or reading to them. As a result, this helps them grow both mentally and emotionally.
Driving Children: A lot of au pairs have to drive their children to school, leisure activities, or social events. Usually, you need a legal driver’s license and knowledge of how to drive in the United States.
Cultural Exchange: Cultural sharing is an important part of the au pair program. The host family encourages au pairs to discuss their own culture and language. This helps both of them understand each other better and gives them more cultural experiences..
Eligibility Criteria for the AU Pair J-1 US Visa
To qualify for the J-1 Au Pair visa in the U.S., applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Age: Applicants must be between 18 and 26 years old at the time of application.
- Experience: Applicants should have prior experience in childcare, such as babysitting, tutoring, or other caregiving roles. Agencies may require proof of this experience through references or background checks.
- Language Skills: Proficiency in English is required to ensure effective communication with the host family and to understand job-related instructions.
- Education: A high school diploma or its equivalent is typically required. Completing secondary education is a common eligibility criterion.
- Health: Applicants must be in good physical health, usually confirmed by a medical examination during the visa application process.
- Driver’s License: A valid driver’s license is often required, as many au pairs are responsible for driving children to various activities. Applicants should also have driving experience.
- Good Character: A clean criminal record and good moral character are necessary for visa eligibility.
- Commitment: Applicants should be willing to commit to a 12-month stay, with the possibility of extending the program for up to two years.
Where to Find J-1 Visa Jobs in the US? (Top Platforms)
Using reliable platforms can make it easier to find a host family and get a real J-1 visa sponsorship in the United States. Here are some excellent platforms to check out:
- AuPairWorld: You can find AuPairWorld at https://www.aupairworld.com/en. AuPairWorld is a well-known global platform that connects au pairs with families all over the world, including in the United States. It does this by providing an easy-to-use system for matching the two groups.
- Cultural Care Au Pair: can be found at https://culturalcare.com/. Cultural Care Au Pair is a company that specializes in placing au pairs in the United States. They assist in finding host families and cover all visa-related expenses.
- AuPair.com: Check out AuPair.com at https://www.aupair.com/. This reliable site helps au pairs find host families by giving them resources and advice on how to apply for a J-1 visa.
- InterExchange: You can find InterExchange at https://www.interexchange.org/. As an official J-1 visa provider, InterExchange matches au pairs with American families and helps them with every step of the process, from applying for the visa to finding a job.
- GoAuPair: Check out GoAuPair at https://www.goaupair.com/ GoAuPair, which focuses on the U.S. market, provides an easy-to-use tool for finding host families and assists with visa applications, ensuring that the placement process goes smoothly.
Application Process of the J-1 AU Pair Visa (Including Family Visas)
There are a few important steps you need to take to apply for a J-1 Au Pair visa, and you need to think about some extra things if you’re bringing family with you. Here is a summary:
- Find a Sponsor: The first thing you need to do is get a qualified J-1 visa sponsor. A visa can only be obtained with the assistance of a qualified sponsor, such as Cultural Care Au Pair, InterExchange, or GoAuPair.
- Match with a Host Family:. This will happen after you find a sponsor. If you are a suitable fit, the sponsor will give you the DS-2019 form, which is the Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status.
- Fill Out the Visa Application (DS-160): To fill out the online DS-160 visa application form, you’ll need to use the DS-2019 form.
- Schedule a Visa Interview: Make an appointment for a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate closest to you. They will ask about your personal history, plans to be an au pair in the U.S., and job.
- Attend the Interview: Bring the DS-2019 form, the DS-160 confirmation page, a valid visa, and any additional paperwork requested.
- Receive Your J-1 Visa: Once your visa is accepted, you’ll get your J-1 visa and can start planning your trip to the U.S. to start your au pair program.
- Bringing Family (J-2 Visa): People in your family who want to come with you will need to apply for J-2 visas. This includes your spouse and children.
Each family member needs to fill out their own DS-160 form, pay the visa fee, and attend a visa interview. You will also have to demonstrate that you can pay for their lives while you are in the United States.
FAQ
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Can I bring my family on the J-1 Au Pair Visa?
Yes, family members, such as spouses and children, can apply for J-2 dependent visas, though most au pairs travel alone.
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What are the eligibility criteria for the J-1 Au Pair Visa?
If you want to work as a babysitter, you need to be between the ages of 18 and 26, speak English, have a high school diploma, be in good health, and have a legal driver’s license.
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What are the main duties of an au pair?
Au pairs are responsible for childcare, light housekeeping, assisting with educational activities, and sometimes driving the children.
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What is the J-1 Au Pair Visa?
The J-1 Au Pair visa, which is part of the U.S. Exchange Visitor Program, allows young people to live with a host family in the United States and assist with light housework and caring for children.