Don’t be surprised if you enjoy your year so much that you’d like to extend your stay with your host family. InterExchange’s extension program makes it possible for you to extend your stay for an additional 6, 9 or 12 months. Extension periods provide a great opportunity for you to continue to bond with your host family, improve your English, take classes and travel.
You’ll also continue to earn your weekly stipend, paid time off and educational allowance.
The extension application must be received at least 45 days before the start of the extension period. The U.S. Department of State charges a processing fee of $233 which Au Pair USA will pay upon receipt of the extension application. This amount will be added to the extending host family's invoice. Extensions must be approved by the U.S. Department of State and failure to document completion of the educational requirements will result in an application’s denial. We recommend that au pairs take responsibility for the submission of the extension application since it is their visa status that is at risk if the deadline is missed.
Contact your local coordinator as soon as possible and let her know you’re interested in the extension program. We’ll help arrange for your Au Pair Program extension. You’ll need to fill out and submit an application at least 45 days before the extension period begins, and you also need to complete your educational requirement before you submit your application, so the sooner you get started, the better!
If you extend, you need to complete all 6 educational credits before the end of your 11th month.