Can the Au Pair return to their home country during vacation?

The Au Pair program, under the J-1 visa, offers a highly enriching exchange experience, allowing participants to experience American culture while fulfilling their responsibilities with the host family. Within this context, a common question is whether the Au Pair can return to their home country during vacation.

In general, the Au Pair can indeed leave the United States and return to their country of origin during the breaks provided in the program. However, it is essential that the participant pays attention to some important points to ensure the trip goes smoothly. First, the Au Pair must ensure that their visa and the DS-2019 form are valid and properly signed for travel. This signature, usually provided by the program sponsor or the person responsible at the consulate, is crucial to guarantee that, upon return, there are no issues with re-entering the United States.

Another important aspect is to respect the dates and conditions of the program, as stipulated by the sponsor. The Au Pair must confirm that the vacation does not interfere with their obligations to the host family and, whenever possible, communicate and confirm travel plans with those responsible for the program. This communication helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures everyone is aware of the periods when the Au Pair will be outside the country.

Finally, it is always advisable for participants to check the latest guidelines on international travel and re-entry rules with the American authorities or the program sponsor. Staying well informed, consulting official sources, and if necessary, seeking specialized professionals (without offering guarantees or promises of results) can help avoid setbacks and ensure that all legal conditions of the J-1 visa are met.

Remember: strictly following United States immigration laws and avoiding dubious offers or miraculous promises is fundamental to having a smooth and safe experience.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.