Travel Outside the US
NOTE: Before planning any international travel, look at your visa (inside your passport). Check to see the expiration date printed on your actual visa. That expiration date printed on your visa is sometimes earlier than your actual end date. Au Pair in America discourages travel outside of the U.S. in your final month due to the risk of being denied re-entry.
Travel Validation is Required to Re-enter the U.S. – Complete the Travel Validation Request Form (To obtain APIA’s signature on your DS-2019 before traveling outside of the U.S.) Note: The travel validation ensures that you are in good standing with the program, it is not formal permission to travel.
- You have two options for sending the travel validation request form to Au Pair in America. The form explains the process in detail.
- Option 1 – Email the scanned form along with your scanned DS-2019 form to APIA as .pdf files, at least 1 week prior to international travel. The email address and complete instructions are on the form. (RECOMMENDED METHOD)
- Option 2 – In the regular mail or an expedited service, send the form along with your original DS-2019 to APIA, at least 2-3 weeks prior to international travel. The mailing address and complete instructions are on the form.
- Check out this blog post for step-by-step instructions on how to send mail in the U.S.
Travel Rules by Program Year
Year 1 Au Pairs must have a valid visa to travel internationally and plan to return to the U.S. at least 1 month prior to your visa end date.
Year 2 Au Pairs may visit Canada, Mexico, and the adjacent islands due to the Automatic Revalidation Policy. No other international travel is allowed in Year 2.
- Year 2 International Travel Checklist
- Carry the following:
- Printed copy of Automatic Revalidation Policy
- Printed copy of your participation letter (in your au pair portal)
- Your travel validated extension DS2019 form
Additional International Travel Information
Public Transportation in Our Area
Public Transit Apps & Websites
Travel Inside the US
Travel/Tour Companies & Travel Websites
- Atlas Obscura – Unusual places to visit
- Intrepid Travel – Small group tours to popular destinations
- Kayak – Search flights on multiple websites at once
- Roadside America Offbeat tourist attractions
- Roadtrippers – Organize your road trip
- Trip Advisor – Guides for places to visit and things to do in various cities
Places to Stay
Departure Home
- You will be able to request your return flight in your au pair portal.
- You will receive an email with your flight itinerary no later than 4-5 weeks prior to departure.
Tax, Money & Mail Info for Au Pairs
- Au Pair in America Tax Information for Au Pairs
- How to Address an Envelope in the U.S.
- How to Fill Out a Money Order
- How to Use U.S. Money and Write Checks
- H&R Block Tax Services for Au Pairs
- Instructional Tax Video – On your au pair portal
- Go to “Resources” tab → “In the US” → click “Instructional Tax Video for Guidance”
- Instructions for Form 1040NR
- Tax Form 1040NR
Other Resources
Fun With Kids
Helpful Links for Host Parents
- ABCs of a Successful Year as a Host Family
- Culture Quests
- Follow Au Pair in America on Pinterest
- Global Awareness
- Host Family Tips
- Skype
- World Clock