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Does the Au Pair receive vacation?

The Au Pair is entitled to weekly days off, monthly free weekends, and usually two weeks of paid vacation, according to the U.S. J-1 visa rules.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on November 14, 2025
2 min read
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The Au Pair program, created to provide a cultural and educational experience, follows specific guidelines established by the U.S. Department of State for J-1 visa participants. This means that, although the Au Pair is not a typical employee, they are entitled to time off that can be compared to vacation.

In practice, the program requires the Au Pair to have at least one and a half days off per week, as well as one full weekend free each month. Additionally, it is common for the Au Pair to be entitled to two weeks of paid vacation during the 12-month period. These rest periods are designed to ensure that the participant enjoys the cultural experience without becoming overwhelmed by the daily routines of the host family.

It is crucial to follow the program guidelines and U.S. immigration laws, which aim to protect both the Au Pair and the host family. It is always recommended to seek updated information and consult reliable sources to avoid falling victim to scams or marketing campaigns promising miraculous results. If there are specific questions about rights and obligations, the best course of action is to contact specialized services in the area of immigration and cultural programs.

Learn more about J-1

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

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.

Victoria's tips

Does the Au Pair receive vacation?

The Au Pair is entitled to weekly days off, monthly free weekends, and usually two weeks of paid vacation, according to the U.S. J-1 visa rules.

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