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Does the Au Pair have fixed vacation periods?

The Au Pair has rest periods, but fixed vacations vary according to the program and contract, making it essential to review the rules and comply with J-1 visa legislation.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on November 24, 2025
2 min read
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When joining the Au Pair program with a J-1 visa, it is important to know your rights and responsibilities, including the issue of rest time. Although the Au Pair has designated rest periods, ”fixed vacation” does not work the same way as in other types of employment, such as those governed by traditional labor laws.

In practice, Au Pair program guidelines recommend that the participant have a minimum amount of time off – commonly, this includes at least one free weekend per month and, among the agreements, there is usually the provision for a longer period, often around two weeks throughout the year, which can be divided or concentrated, depending on what is agreed between the host family and the Au Pair.

It is worth noting that these periods are not imposed by a fixed federal rule, but rather stipulated by the program rules and the contract signed with the host family. Therefore, the exact amount of free time may vary from one program to another.

It is essential to carefully review the specific contract conditions and the guidelines provided by the official program sponsor, ensuring that the rights and obligations of both parties comply with J-1 visa regulations and United States immigration rules. We remind you of the importance of following all immigration rules and seeking information from reliable sources to avoid potential scams or unfounded promises of results. Always verify your information with the appropriate agencies and entities, and if necessary, consult specialized professionals to better understand the details of the program.

Learn more about J-1 Visa

Type
Cultural exchange
Duration
Program duration
2-year rule
Applies in some cases
Processing
2-6 weeks
All about J-1 Visa
Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.

Victoria's tips

Does the Au Pair have fixed vacation periods?

The Au Pair has rest periods, but fixed vacations vary according to the program and contract, making it essential to review the rules and comply with J-1 visa legislation.

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