It is important that an au pair take all the appropriate paperwork when travelling outside the U.S. during the first au pair year. Here is information on what you need. As a Second Year au pair, you are not allowed to travel outside the U.S. unless you have renewed your Visa stamp in your home country.

FIRST YEAR AU PAIRS:  If you are leaving the U.S. for a vacation, check on Embassyworld.com for any Visa requirements from your country.  You also need to send your DS2019 form back to the Boston office so it can be signed for multiple entry – or you won’t be allowed to come back to the U.S. when you return!  Make sure you take your signed DS2019, and your Passport with you when you leave for your vacation.

2nd YEAR AU PAIRS may now visit home, but there are restrictions and Visa requirements.  You may not travel to other countries in your second year unless you go to your home embassy first and get a new visa.  You must apply for an Embassy appointment to renew your Visa before you leave for your trip and it takes many months to get one.  Please check with me for the latest information as soon as you can (3 months) before traveling.  Even though the 2nd year program is official, sometimes home embassies do not grant a visa when you’re there – so there is a risk to all of this.  It is best if you go to your home 2 or 3 months BEFORE your first year ends or within the first couple of months in your second year. 

There is an exception for travel to Mexico and Canada which can be allowed without the renewed Visa, but you must check with Au Pair Operations before you consider going there.

Remember, 2nd Year Au pairs also need a new, signed DS-2019 and the proper Visa (check on Embassyworld.com) in addition to the above requirements.