United States (J-1) · for au pairs and host families

How long is the au pair grace period?

30 days after the DS-2019 end date

The grace period lasts 30 days after the program end date on the Form DS-2019. The au pair is no longer in J-1 status then and may not work. BridgeUSA advises against leaving the US during those days, since re-entry can be refused.

Source: BridgeUSA, read 18 Sep 2026 · checked 18 Sep 2026

The matching tool

Au pair program timelineEnter the DS-2019 dates and see the extension deadline, program end and grace period, each with its source.Open the tool

Good to know

Participation is limited to one year. The Department of State may approve an extension of six, nine or twelve months; the application must reach the Department not less than 30 calendar days before the end date on the DS-2019.
A DHS final rule (91 FR 44976, 17 July 2026) would replace admission for duration of status with a fixed admission period and was due to take effect on 15 September 2026. On 14 September 2026 the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts postponed its effective date pending further order of the court or resolution of the case on the merits, and barred DHS from taking further action to implement it.

The long read: The Au Pair Travel Month: How the 30-Day Grace Period Works