US Summer Internship/Au Pair Visas

The USA J-1 visa is an American visa, which covers a range of candidates migrating to the US in order to participate in exchange visitor programmes.

The USA J1 visa, along with the F-1 visa and M-1 visa, is issued in some circumstances for temporary immigration to America for students, discussed in full on the relevant pages of this website. J1 visas are also issued to those immigrating to the United States on a temporary basis to function as trainees in business and industry, research assistants, teachers and a variety of other non-permanent circumstances for relocating to the USA. This page will examine the eligibility requirements for a J-1 visa when issued to those immigrating to the USA in order to participate in the Au Pair and other Exchange Visitor programs.

Benefits

The J-1 visa, whatever the circumstances of its issue is a non-immigrant visa for the USA and as such, it will not lead to the opportunity to apply for a Permanent Resident Card for lawful permanent residence in the USA, or a US Green Card as it is more commonly known. Immigrating to America on a J-1 visa allows a foreign national to live and work in the USA for a limited period in a variety of capacities. Au pairs will also receive lodging, meals, their own bedroom, and the cost of their round trip will usually be paid for by the host family the academic requirements for the American au pair visa are less than those for employment-based routes to the United States. Other non-immigrant visas such as the H1-B visa require postgraduate candidates as do many of the employment-based routes to Green Cards in the USA. Au pair visas only require candidates to have graduated from secondary education. However, due to the nature of Au pair work, this USA immigration service is one of the most closely scrutinized exchange programs and potential candidates, as well as the host family will be subject to a range or screening procedures.

Eligibility Criteria

In America, visas for exchange visitor programs require candidates to be aged between 18 and 26 years of age. They must also be high school graduates and have proficiency in spoken English.

For J-1 visa applicants interested in participating in summer work/internship programs, you must also be currently enrolled in post-secondary education at a recognized College or University within your home country.

The Au pair visa will be granted for an initial period of 12 months although a US visa extension can be granted for another 12 months.

Applicant Requirements

- In order to obtain the necessary sponsorship for a J-1 visa either as an Au Pair or in another capacity (Summer Work/Internship) you must first contact a sponsoring organization within the United States. A list of these organizations can be found at http://exchanges.state.gov/jexchanges/index.cfm

- Although Au pairs will be living and working in the USA providing childcare services to their host family, they will be obliged to amass at least six semester hours at a recognized US educational institution.

- Applicants will also be screened for suitability, a process which will involve a background investigation, criminal record check, physical examination and psychological tests.

- Where candidates are placed with young children additional requirements will apply. Where a child aged less than 3 months is present, at least one parent must also be present at all times. Where children are under two years, an au pair may only be left alone with them if they have amassed more than 200 hours of experience in infant care. Where USA visas are granted for working with families with special needs children, candidates must have experience in special needs care which has been reviewed and accepted in writing by the host family.

Host Family Requirements

Host families will be expected to provide the costs of the Au pair's journey to and from the United States. They will also be obliged to provide bed and board as well as wages for services rendered. Au pairs may not work for more than 45 hours per week and in addition, they must receive one full weekend off per month and a minimum of one and a half days off per week.

Spouse Immigration and Dependent Immigration

Depending upon the nature of the exchange visitor program you are participating in, dependant visas may or may not be available to dependants of J-1 visa holders. For more information on whether or not you will be entitled to dependant visas for your family as a J-1 visa holder, please contact one of our US Migration Consultants.