Au Pair in America Program Update – June 23, 2020

Au Pair in America was disheartened to learn of the Trump administration’s proclamation on June 22nd, 2020 that temporarily suspends arrivals to the US for certain non-immigrant visas. Unfortunately, despite heavy advocacy on the part of families, sponsors, and members of Congress, the au pair program is included in this proclamation.

We strongly disagree with the inclusion of any J1 visas in the proclamation and will continue with additional avenues for advocacy and modifications in order to mitigate the impact on our program, families and au pairs and to stress the importance of the au pair program for working families in the US.

While being included in the order is disappointing to so many, we remain hopeful that if the order is modified or when the order expires, embassies around the world will have fully reopened and other travel restrictions will have lifted and program operations can resume quickly. Au Pair in America will continue to support all our au pairs and host families as they continue their program, extend for an additional term or complete their time together. For more details on how this proclamation may impact your family’s au pair placement, please refer to the communication posted on your host family portal home page.

Au Pair in America Program Update – April 23, 2020

The recently proposed 60-day immigration ban is for immigrant visas. Au pairs arrive on a non-immigrant J-1 visa as part of the Department of State Exchange Visitor program and therefore are not included in this grouping.

Au Pair in America Program Update: Impact of COVID-19
(as of 3/27/20)

On March 13th, Au Pair in America received communication from the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Exchange which advised suspension of au pair arrivals for 60 days. Au Pair in America, a program designated by the Department of State, made the decision to follow this guidance to ensure the health and safety of all participants, as well as the fact that we see this global concern as something that goes beyond business.

We have continued requests for the au pair program from both host families and au pairs and are excited to welcome our next group of au pairs as soon as possible, following the guidance of the DOS and CDC.

During this trying time, we are working to provide convenient and effective solutions for all participants, while continuing to adhere to the Department of State Exchange Visitor Program’s au pair regulations.

In our more than 3 decades as an organization, Au Pair in America has overcome many obstacles, each time standing strong in the face of adversity – and we will continue to do the same now. As we navigate these unprecedented times, we are committed to supporting our participants worldwide and are confident that we will emerge from this crisis together and stronger than before.