The Trump administration has proposed changes to the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program that could affect many au pairs and the American families who host them. These changes include new requirements for program extensions and stricter rules for participants’ status in the United States.
The proposal, introduced by the U.S. State Department, intends to update regulations for J-1 visa holders. Notably, it requires sponsors to seek extensions at least 90 days before a participant’s program expires. This change would replace the current au pair-specific process that allows requests up to 30 days before the end of an initial stay.
The proposal is part of a broader effort to tighten the oversight of temporary visa programs and streamline outdated regulations. These regulations were initially designed for a paper-based era, before the inception of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
What Is Changing for Au Pairs?
- Au pair extension requests must be filed 90 days in advance.
- The existing 6-, 9-, and 12-month extension options will remain.
- Sponsors must verify completion of educational requirements.
- Termination is possible for unauthorized work, false information, or visa revocation.
- Participants have 10 days to challenge certain termination decisions.
- Stricter administrative tracking and compliance requirements will be implemented through SEVIS.
The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program grants au pairs entry into the U.S., allowing them to live with American families while providing childcare and engaging in cultural exchange.
The proposal also involves eliminating a standalone extension provision currently exclusive to au pairs. Instead, au pairs would fall under the general extension framework used across the wider J-1 program. Sponsors needing an extension beyond an au pair’s first year must submit requests through SEVIS at least three months before the desired extension period begins.
The agency has indicated that these changes aim to create consistency across exchange visitor categories. They also align with President Donald Trump’s deregulatory initiatives and aim to enhance government efficiency.
New Compliance and Status Rules
The proposal gives the State Department broader authority to terminate a participant’s program under certain conditions. Participants might face termination for unauthorized employment, providing false information during the application process, or visa revocation by the U.S. authorities. Proposed terminations will be communicated in writing, and participants can challenge them before a final decision is made.
Officials explain that the updates aim to enhance visitor welfare, program integrity, and national security. The proposal would also redefine terms like “unauthorized employment” and “valid program status.” A streamlined process for correcting administrative errors in SEVIS records is also proposed. Sponsors typically have 30 days to correct record issues before seeking formal reinstatement from the State Department.
Why It Matters to Host Families
The changes arrive amid uncertainty for the au pair program during Trump’s administration. In 2025, the State Department temporarily paused some visa processing for J-1 visitors while reviewing screening procedures. This move caused concern among families relying on au pairs for childcare, as delays could disrupt travel plans and force parents to seek alternatives abruptly.
In 2023, over 21,000 au pairs participated in the U.S. program, while around 348,000 people entered through various J-1 categories. Supporters claim the program is essential for providing childcare to many working families and for promoting cultural exchange. Critics call for stronger oversight and compliance within the J-1 system.
What Happens Next?
The State Department is open to public comments on the proposal for 60 days following its publication in the Federal Register. Afterward, they will decide on finalizing the rule.
If the changes are adopted, they will impact designated sponsor organizations, current au pair participants, and host families planning for an au pair’s extended stay. For families considering an extension, the new 90-day filing timeline is crucial, requiring earlier decisions about extending an au pair’s stay than currently required.
Contact Newsweek editors for this story: Gabe Whisnant and Sam Wilson.
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