We hope that you and your families are staying safe and healthy, and we thank you for your commitment to the program. We value your support and partnership, especially during such challenging and uncertain times. We’d also like to share a brief update.

• You may be aware of two Presidential Proclamations that have affected the au pair and exchange community related to visas and travel entry. We are happy to say that Proclamation 10052, which included temporary pauses to au pair visas, expired as of March 31, 2021. Proclamation 10143, related to US entry restrictions due to COVID-19, is still in effect and has not yet expired. This restricts travel from Brazil, South Africa, China, and the Schengen region. However, host families and au pairs who are eligible to apply for a National Interest Exception can apply for an exception for travel. If you believe you qualify, please reach out to your Matching Expert. Please be aware that program arrival dates may need to be rescheduled as needed, and we will contact you if that is the case. 
• In regards to visa appointment scheduling, we recommend continuing the visa application process as outlined by your local overseas representative and subject to Embassay guidance.
• It is believed that further COVID-19 related U.S. entry restrictions may be lifted in late Spring 2021, meaning entry to the U.S. for participants from certain countries might become an easier process. Please rest assured that we are staying up to date on travel restrictions and will be updating this page regularly.
• The CDC now requires all international arrivals to show proof of COVID-19 negative test or recovery before departing for the US. That means any au pairs arriving after January 25, 2021 will need to get tested for COVID-19 no more than three days before their flight departs and provide negative results to the airline in order to travel to the U.S. It is extremely important that au pairs follow these guidelines in order to ensure a safe and on time arrival. Au pairs are responsible for their own tests and for any flight fees incurred if they do not get tested within the given window. This order affects all international arrivals into the U.S. regardless of visa status. Please review our FAQ document covering Questions & Answers from the CDC website with added and highlighted au pair-related details.

• Host families who are members of the medical community who are caring for those who have contracted COVID-19; and/or those involved in research related to COVID-19. 
• Host families who have children who may require specific care such as: medical, special education, or sign language and who have been diagnosed by a qualified medical individual.

For questions regarding the National Interest Exception, please contact your Matching Expert. Their details can be found in the Contact Us section of your portal. Please also see our Frequently Asked Questions here.

• While this is encouraging progress, unfortunately, some embassies have had to slow down their visa scheduling process due to COVID-19 and reduced staffing. Additionally, travel restrictions still remain in place for some regions.
• We ask that au pairs should update their portal with visa scheduling information when they have it and reach out to their local representative with any questions.