The situation concerning the outbreak of the coronavirus is currently changing on a daily basis. We understand that the latest news may raise concerns and questions among our participants and anyone interested in attending the au pair programme at this time. The well-being of all our customers and employees is our number one priority and focus. We at AuPairCare watch the current developments very closely and are in contact with all parties, partner agencies and colleagues abroad. In order to keep you up do date on the lastest developments, please consult the most frequently asked questions regarding the current status of our au pair programme which we have gathered below.
Can I currently start my booked programme?
USA
According to the current status, program starts for our programs in the USA are possible from 01.01.2021 at the earliest. The J1 programs for the categories Au pair, Work & Travel, Internship, Training and CampCounselor were suspended on 22.6.2020 until the end of the year (with a potential correction within 30 days of the effective date of the proclamation and every 60 days thereafter while the proclamation is in effect). From our side, we are happy to make it possible to postpone the start of the program to 2021 under the current contractual conditions.
However, if you are already in possession of a valid J1 visa, you could enter the USA as soon as the entry ban is lifted by the U.S. government. However, this would have to be done before the expiration date of your visa. You must also make sure that the DS-2019 form contains current program information or apply for a new DS-2019 form from us. Please contact your Program Coordinator for information on how to obtain a new DS-2019 Form.
AUSTRALIA
Our programs in these countries can only take place again when entry is permitted. We will make every effort to contact the participants concerned as soon as possible in order to clarify the further procedure. If you have any questions, we recommend that you contact us.
What is the further procedure if I cannot postpone the start of the program and therefore have to withdraw from the program?
Since we offer a wide range of programs, we would be happy to clarify this question with you individually. Please contact us by e-mail.
Can I apply now for a program with start 2021?
You are very welcome to apply for our programs (and without financial risk). Use the time now to create applications and start the process with us. However, your flexibility is needed, as we cannot yet say for sure when it will be exactly possible to enter the respective country. We will of course inform you immediately when it is possible to start again.
We will have detailed program information (prices, services, contracts) for most programs from September on. For the au pair program you can already go through the complete application process.
Does my international health insurance also cover treatments in connection with COVID-19?
If your program includes insurance through Intrax, it will cover COVID-19 treatment as any other disease. Since the insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions, it would not apply if you were already ill upon arrival. Also, the health insurance would not cover the costs of prophylactic tests without symptoms.
If your program does not include insurance about Intrax, you should check with your health insurance company.
What does President Trump’s executive order mean with regards to the au pair program?
President Trump’s executive order temporarily suspends the issuance of new visas for a number of programs through December 31, 2020, including the J-1 visa issued for the au pair program. For current placements already in the U.S., this will not affect your program participation.
How will this affect au pairs with no visa?
Unfortunately, due to the executive order, au pairs without a visa in hand will not be able to arrive before December 31, 2020.
How will this affect au pairs who have an approved visa and a scheduled arrival?
The executive order states that anyone who does not hold a valid nonimmigrant visa and does not have an official travel document outside the United States may not enter. If the au pair has a valid J-1 visa and a DS-2019 form, our interpretation is that her entry will be permitted.