Visa & legal
Understanding your J-1 visa and DS-2019
The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program is what makes your au pair year possible. Here's what your DS-2019 actually means, and how to keep it valid.
Your DS-2019 is the "Certificate of Eligibility" that lets you enter and stay in the US as a J-1 exchange visitor.\n\n**Keep it safe.** You will need it when you travel, when you renew your driver's license, and if you extend for a second year.\n\n**Program dates matter.** You can arrive up to 30 days before your program start date and stay up to 30 days after it ends (the "grace period"). You cannot work during the grace period.\n\n**Changes require paperwork.** If you rematch to a new host family or extend, your sponsor issues a new DS-2019. Never let yours expire.\n\nAsk your sponsor if you have any doubts — that is what they are there for.