EMERGENCY: If you have a legal or serious medical problem, notify your Community Counselor. If your Community Counselor is not available and you cannot wait for her return, call the 24-hour emergency service at 1-800-928-7247.
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
- Unexpired passport with visa;
- DS-2019;
- I-94 (you need to print this from the CBP website);
CLUSTER MAP
To access our cluster map, please click on the link below. There, you will be able to see where everyone is located (the map does not work properly on the phone/tablet, so it’s best if you can open using a desktop or laptop).
MEDICAL INSURANCE INFORMATION
- Print your insurance card
- Insurance Claim Form
- Find Doctors – Aetna
- Sports Insurance
- Medical Insurance FAQs
- Medical Insurance Info
- Print your medication discount card
If you are feeling sick and need to see a doctor, here are a few local clinics to consider:
For Alexandria Au Pairs:
For Annandale Au Pairs:
Lost your insurance card information? Click HERE to access your portal. Input your information and access your insurance card. You can also contact the insurance team at (800) 303-8120, prompt 5 or 203-399-5130 or email claimhelp@culturalinsurance.com. Include your full name, ID number, and your Host Family’s address.
APPLYING FOR A SOCIAL SECURITY CARD
Social security numbers are assigned to people who are authorized to work in the United States. As an au pair you are authorized to work in the United States under Department of Homeland Security regulations and you can apply for a social security card. You need to be in the United States at least four days before applying for a social security card.
The Social Security Administration will issue a “Valid for Work Only With DHS Authorization” social security card to any au pair participating in a Department of State authorized au pair program. To apply for a restricted working social security card, an au pair must go in person to the local social security office in her community.
Please allow 4 BUSINESS days after arrival before attempting to apply for the SOCIAL SECURITY card.
- Valid passport;
- DS 2019 form;
- I-94 card – need to print it out HERE ;
- Proof of identification that is at least one year old (e.g. passport, driver’s license, birth certificate…);
- APIA’s Placement Letter.
Social Security will verify the au pair’s status with SEVIS before a social security card number can be assigned (after 2 weeks from arrival).
If there is a discrepancy with information, the social security office may deny the au pair a social security card and would request a manual verification of data, which would take additional time.
OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT
For the bank au pairs must bring the following documents:
- Passport;
- DS2019
- i-94
- Some banks require a Social Security number.
At the bank, please request that a bank statement be mailed to your home as you will need a bank statement as proof of address for the DMV. The DMV does not accept online statements.
GETTING A VIRGINIA DRIVER’S LICENSE
By Virginia state law, au pairs should apply for a VA driver’s license within 60 days of their arrival in the state. To obtain a VA Driver’s License, an au pair must have the following documents:
- Passport;
- DS2019;
- I-94;
- Driver’s license from home country;
- Two proofs of address (the DMV accepts the letter that comes with the Social Security Card and a bank statement).
- VA Driver’s Practice Exams
- DMV Locations
- Virginia Driver’s Manual – English
- Virginia Driver’s Manual – Spanish
AU PAIR TRAVEL
- Important – Covid Travel Information
- Travel Request Form
- Au pairs on their 1st year – International Travel Checklist
- Au pairs on their 2nd year – International Travel Checklist
- Travel to Canada, Mexico,and the adjacent islands during Your Extension Year
- Visiting Canada
- Cultural Hi-Ways
Important: Before you travel outside the U.S. during your year, you must send your DS2019 and a travel request form to the Connecticut office for a travel validation signature. Process time for receiving your DS2019 back is approximately 2 – 3 weeks. Once the form has been signed one time, it does not need to be sent in again. One signature is valid for the entire year.
If you plan to travel outside the U.S., it is very important to check with the consulate of the country you are planning to visit at least one month before your trip to find out whether you need a visitor’s visa or a transit visa for any stop-overs. Regulations change frequently, so it is important to check for current visa requirements.
If you are an Extension Au Pair planning to travel outside of the US, please see the travel visa section for more information.
TAX INFORMATION
RESOURCES FOR CURRENT AU PAIRS
General Resources for Au Pairs
RESOURCES FOR CURRENT HOST FAMILIES
GLOBAL AWARENESS
Meet your global neighbor: Sponsored by Au pair in America