To become an au pair in the USA, participants must first obtain the correct cultural exchange visa that allows them to legally enter the U.S. Below, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about visa requirements for the au pair program and the process of securing one—from eligibility requirements and how to apply, to important program guidelines and what to expect after arrival.
What visa do au pairs need to enter the U.S.?
Au pairs must obtain a J-1 cultural exchange visa to live and work in the U.S. as an au pair. This type of visa is specifically designed for individuals participating in approved educational and cultural exchange programs—including students, interns, researchers, and camp counselors.
The J-1 visa explained
The J-1 visa is issued by the U.S. Embassy in the au pair’s home country. To obtain a J-1 visa and participate in the program, au pairs must apply through an officially designated sponsor organization such as Cultural Care Au Pair.
Who qualifies for the au pair program?
There are a few key requirements young people must meet in order to become au pairs. Below, we’ll outline the basic eligibility criteria, along with the additional experience and qualities needed to join the program.
Age, language, and education requirements
The U.S. Department of State regulations dictate that all au pairs must:
Be between 18–26 years old
Provide non-family personal and employment references
Have a high school diploma or equivalent
Be proficient in conversational English
Health, background check, and other requirements
In addition to meeting basic qualifications, au pairs must submit a certificate of health from their doctor and have a clean criminal background. They’re also expected to demonstrate a clear understanding of the program and express motivations that align with its cultural exchange mission.
What makes someone a strong candidate?
A strong au pair candidate not only meets the basic qualifications—they also approach the visa process with thoughtfulness and a clear sense of purpose. They’ve carefully considered the decision to become an au pair, understand the responsibilities involved, and feel confident in their ability to handle challenges with maturity and communicate openly with their host family.
When it comes to the visa interview, candidates can improve their chances of approval by making sure they are well-prepared. Hopeful au pairs should know key details about the program and about their host family, such as their names, address, and some basic personal information. They should also be able to demonstrate strong ties to their home country—like close family relationships and future plans—and clearly explain their goals to return home t after completing their time in the U.S. It’s also important they present themselves in a mature and professional manner and answer all questions honestly.
Step-by-step: how to apply for an au pair visa
There are several steps one must take when applying for a J-1 visa for au pairs. Below, we’ll walk through each one to give you a clear picture of what to expect.
Step 1: Choose a designated sponsor organization
As mentioned earlier, to become an au pair in the U.S. participants need to apply through an agency that’s officially designated by the U.S. Department of State. That’s where Cultural Care comes in—we’re the largest and most experienced au pair agency in the country. We offer the biggest network of host families, nationwide support throughout the au pair's program year, and an easy-to-use app that helps make matching and preparation simple and stress-free.
Step 2: Download the Cultural Care app and create a profile
Au pairs who choose Cultural Care begin their journey by downloading the Cultural Care app and creating a personalized profile. Au pairs to share their childcare experience, interests, skills, family background, references, and NeuroColor personality results, as well as photos and videos that help host families get to know them better.
Step 3: Interview with Cultural Care staff
Prospective au pairs will undergo a one-on-one personal interview with Cultural Care staff in their home country so we can assess their English level, motivation for joining the program, and overall personality and maturity level.
Step 4: Match with a host family
Once an au pair is accepted into the Cultural Care program, their profile becomes visible in the app for host families to review. When a host family and au pair connect and feel they’re a good fit for one another, they can choose to match and begin their cultural exchange journey together.
Step 5: Complete DS-2019 form for au pair visa and required documents
Shortly after after an au pair and host family match and the au pair's arrival date to the U.S. is set, Cultural Care uploads a DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility form to the au pair's account in the app. The DS-2019 form lists biographical information, the host family’s name and address, and the dates of the au pair program. The au pair must print both pages of this document and bring them to the U.S. Embassy in their home country when they go for their J-1 exchange visitor visa appointment.
Cultural Care Au Pair also pays the SEVIS fee for the au pair, which generates a receipt that the au pair will bring to the Embassy for the visa appointment, as well. SEVIS is the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, a database of all exchange visitor and student visa holders currently participating on programs in the U.S. Au pairs will download their SEVIS fee receipt from the Department of Homeland Security website.
Step 6: Schedule a U.S. Embassy interview
Once the au pair has the DS-2019 form and the SEVIS receipt, they are ready to apply for their J-1 visa at a U.S. consular post in their home country.
This step also includes completing the DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Application, which must be submitted online through the U.S. Embassy website in the au pair’s home country. The application fee typically ranges from USD $160–$180, though the exact amount is subject to change. Payment methods may vary depending on the country, and detailed instructions are provided by the au pair’s local Cultural Care office.
After submitting the application, the au pair will schedule an appointment for the visa interview at the appropriate U.S. Embassy or consulate. It’s usually easy to schedule an appointment within a few weeks making it possible for au pairs to arrive to the U.S. within 6-8 weeks of the time they match. In some cases, however, it make take longer so it's important to keep that in mind.
Step 7: Attend a visa workshop with Cultural Care staff
Before the Embassy appointment, au pairs are invited to attend a visa workshop hosted by Cultural Care. These sessions are designed to help them feel confident and prepared. We’ll walk participants through what to bring to their appointment, what kinds of questions they might be asked, and we'll share helpful tips for making a great impression during the interview.
Step 8: Attend the visa appointment
The J-1 visa appointment is another crucial visa requirement for the au pair program. It takes place at a U.S. Embassy or consulate in the au pair’s home country and typically lasts just a few minutes. During the interview, an Embassy official may ask questions about the au pair’s host family—such as their names and where they live. The official may also ask about the au pair’s personal background, family life, education, goals for their time in the U.S., and plans for returning home after the program.
The visa interview questions for au pairs will be conducted at least partly in English and are meant to assess the candidate’s readiness for the program and their motivation for participating in the cultural exchange opportunity.
At the end of the appointment, most au pairs are immediately informed whether or not their visa has been approved. If approved, their passport is collected so the J-1 visa for au pairs can be added. Once processed, the passport—along with the DS-2019 form—is mailed directly to the au pair's home address. The au pair must bring their passport with the visa when traveling to the U.S., as they are required at the port of entry.
Step 9: Arrive in the U.S. and begin orientation
During their flight to the U.S., au pairs will receive a Customs Declaration Form from the flight crew to complete before landing. Upon arrival, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will record their entry and an electronic I-94 record will be created. Instructions on how to print out the I-94 record are online. If entering the U.S. by land, au pairs will receive the same Customs Declaration Form along with a paper version of the I-94 at the border crossing.
Once in the U.S., the Local Childcare Consultant (LCC) assigned to the au pair and host family will connect with them within 48 hours for an initial check-in. Then, within the first 14 days, the LCC will conduct an in-home orientation visit to review key program guidelines, ensure a smooth start, and help foster a strong relationship between all parties.
Both of these early touchpoints—the 48-hour call and the 2-week orientation—are required by the U.S. Department of State and are essential for setting the stage for a successful program year.
How long can au pairs stay in the U.S.?
Au pairs can spend up to two years on the program and stay an additional 30 days to travel and explore.
Initial program length and grace period
All au pairs commit to staying in the U.S. with their host families for a minimum of one year, as reflected on their DS-2019 form. As that first year comes to an end, au pairs have the option to extend their program—either with their current host family or a new one—for an additional 6, 9, or 12 months.
Extending allows au pairs to get even more out of their cultural exchange experience. To qualify for an extensions, au pairs must be in good standing with the program and must have completed their Education Requirement during their first year.
How program extensions work
To extend their program, au pairs must submit an official extension application at least 30 days before their last legal working day—a strict deadline set by the U.S. Department of State.
Participants must also meet two key requirements to be considered for an au pair visa extension option:
Complete the Educational Requirement for J-1 au pairs, which includes 6 academic credits or 72 classroom hours at an accredited U.S. institution
Remain in good standing with their sponsor organization throughout their first year
By meeting these criteria and applying on time, au pairs can continue their U.S. experience with either their current host family or a new one.
Travel considerations during the extension term
It’s important to note that when an au pair enters their extension term (6, 9, or 12 months), the J-1 visa in their passport will not be updated. Only their DS-2019 form will be updated with the extension dates. reflect the new program dates. Because of this, international travel during the extension period can be limited.
We encourage au pairs and host families to consult with their LCC or a Cultural Care staff member before making any international travel plans during the extension period.
The 30-day grace period
Once au pairs complete their program—whether it’s the initial 12 months or an extended term of 6, 9, or 12 additional months—they are granted a 30-day grace period by the U.S. Department of State. This allows them to remain in the U.S. for up to 30 days after their official program end date to travel, explore, and spend extra time with their host family and friends before returning home.
Can a visa be denied or delayed?
While visa denials for au pairs are relatively uncommon, they can happen. Cultural Care is committed to providing expert guidance and support should this occur.
Common reasons for denial or delay
It’s not always clear why a visa is denied. In some cases, it may appear random, with no obvious explanation. However, there are a few common factors that can contribute to a visa denial:
Lack of understanding from the Embassy official
Occasionally, visa rejections happen not because of an applicant’s qualifications, but due to an Embassy official who may be less familiar with or supportive of the au pair program. Cultural Care works proactively to build and maintain strong relationships with U.S. embassies around the world. If we notice a pattern of visa denials in a particular country, our staff will reach out—often visiting the Embassy in person—to advocate for the program, provide helpful context, and ensure officials feel informed and confident when reviewing future applications.Au pair is poorly prepared
Visa appointments should always be approached with professionalism. A big part of the au pair eligibility criteria when it comes to these appointments is that the au pair arrives on time, dresses appropriately, is respectful, and comes prepared to answer questions about their host family, their goals in the U.S., and their plans for the future. Failing to show preparation or provide basic details may raise red flags for Embassy officials.Lack of ties to the home country
It’s important for au pairs to show strong ties to their home country—including close family relationships, educational or career plans, and a support network back home. Without these, they may be seen as more likely to overstay their visa.Au pair home country Au pairs from certain countries face a higher risk of visa denial based on historical trends and perceived overstay risks. Cultural Care actively works to strengthen relationships with embassies in all our recruitment countries to help mitigate these concerns and share a clear understanding of the program's purpose and structure
How to appeal a visa rejection
If an au pair receives a visa rejection, it may still be possible to schedule a second appointment at the U.S. Embassy in their home country. Cultural Care staff can provide guidance in this situation, helping determine whether a second attempt makes sense and ensuring the au pair is well-prepared.
However, if the second appointment also results in a visa denial, we generally do not recommend trying again. Historically, the chances of receiving another rejection are quite high.
Post-program options after an au pair term ends
At the conclusion of their program, Cultural Care books each au pair’s return flight home to ensure they depart the U.S. in accordance with visa requirements.
Can au pairs stay longer or change visas?
From the beginning of the program, Cultural Care emphasizes that au pairs are expected to return home once their term ends. Staying in the U.S. beyond their authorized departure date is strongly discouraged, as it compromises both the integrity of the program and the au pair’s own safety.
FAQs: Visa requirements for the au pair program
What type of visa do au pairs need?
Au pairs need a J-1 cultural exchange visa to participate in the program. This non-immigrant visa typically allows multiple entries into the U.S. during the program term.
Do au pairs need a sponsor agency to apply for a visa?
Yes. Participants must apply through a U.S. Department of State-designated sponsor agency for au pair program, such as Cultural Care Au Pair. Without the support of a sponsor, they are not eligible to obtain a J-1 visa.
How long does the visa application take?
Timelines vary depending on the au pair’s home country and the U.S. Embassy’s appointment availability. Cultural Care works closely with both the au pair and host family to select a program start date that aligns with the visa timeline.
Can au pairs travel during their stay in the USA?
Yes. Au pairs can travel freely within the USA without additional documentation. International travel is more complex and depends on both the au pair’s home country and visa status.
To re-enter the U.S., au pairs must carry their passport with a valid J-1 visa and a DS-2019 form that has been signed for travel.
Cultural Care provides a DS-2019 signed for travel after the au pair arrives in the U.S.
During the extension term, the J-1 visa is no longer valid for most international travel. Au pairs may still visit Mexico, Canada, and adjacent islands with an expired J-1 visa and a valid DS-2019.
Travel to other countries is not possible during the extension unless the au pair returns home to renew their visa.
Are there au pair visas for other countries besides the USA?
Cultural Care Au Pair sponsors participants for the U.S. only. We do not issue or support au pair visas for other countries.
What happens if an au pair’s is denied?
In some cases, it’s possible to apply again by scheduling a second interview. While the chances of approval are lower, a second attempt can be successful—especially if the au pair addresses feedback from the initial appointment and is better prepared. However, if a second visa is denied, Cultural Care typically does not recommend pursuing a third, as approvals at that stage are extremely rare.