Travel

Traveling within the US is similar to traveling within your own country. You need identification with you- State Driver’s license or passport is fine. You have no restrictions crossing state borders so long as you are inside the United States.

Traveling outside the US involves a bit more planning. First, you must be in good standing with Au Pair in America meaning attend cluster meetings and in general performing all your required duties: work, education etc. You must get your DS2019 form (the white one) signed by Au Pair in America indicating you are in good standing with the program. You only need this signature once for travel within the first 12 months of your arrival. The form is located in the links on the right side of this page. Print this form out and send to the Connecticut office with your DS2019. Allow for at least 3 weeks to get back to you.

If traveling to a different country from you own, you need to check if citizens from your country need a visa to travel into the country you are planning to visit. Canada requires visas from many countries in Asia and the Middle East. Please follow this link: http://www.aupairinamerica.com/resources/travel_and_flights/travel_outside_us.asp  for all the specific information on traveling outside the US in your first 12 months.

After your first 12 months- your visa expires. You are free to travel within the US in your 13 month. You cannot leave the US because you do not have a valid visa to get back in. If you are an extension au pair this also applies. In your second year your visa is technically expired- the government is giving you an extension (like a free pass to hang out a bit more) but you cannot leave and come back in on the expired/extended visa. If you have a family emergency- and do leave the country you will have to reapply for another visa while home and hope for the best in getting a new visa issued. Of course indicate the circumstanceleaving and the reason/need to return however, there are no guarantees.

Post any questions here…