Does the Au Pair receive a recommendation letter from the family?

The experience of participating in the Au Pair program in the United States, through the J visa, is enriching both for young people seeking the cultural opportunity and for host families. It is important to understand that, despite the various benefits of the program, some procedures – such as the recommendation letter – depend more on contractual and personal aspects than on legal or immigration requirements.

Generally, recommendation letters can be issued either by the host family or by the Au Pair, depending on the timing and the dynamics of the relationship. For example, after the cohabitation period, it is common for the family to provide a reference letter for the Au Pair, highlighting aspects of responsibility, caregiving skills, and cultural adaptation.

This document can be very useful for future professional or personal opportunities, but it is important to emphasize that it is not a mandatory requirement for the J visa nor for complying with the program rules. If the production or requirement of a recommendation letter arises during or after the program, it is worth remembering that the issuance and content of this letter are the result of the experience lived, reflecting the relationship developed between the parties.

It does not interfere with the legality of the immigration process but can add value to the participant”s resume by demonstrating that he/she acquired skills and was recognized by the host family.

Finally, it is essential that participants in the Au Pair program strictly follow United States immigration laws and regulations. In any doubt – whether regarding program procedures or the validity of documents such as the recommendation letter – it is always advisable to seek guidance from official sources or specialized consultancies, thus avoiding scams or promises that do not meet the reality of immigration processes.

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.