How long does it take to get from "I want to be an au pair" to landing in America? Here's the journey. Stage one: complete your application and pass screening. Stage two: match with your host family. Stage three: get your DS-2019 and your J-1 visa. Stage four: travel to the U.S. Stage five: start your amazing year. Once you're matched, your host family can request your arrival in as few as four weeks - and some au pairs complete the whole journey in about five weeks. The secret to moving fast? Three things: a complete application, your documents ready to go, and quick responses to host family messages. The au pairs who respond within hours - not days - are the ones who match first. And remember - Ava is available to answer and support you 24/7. Just click the chat bubble to connect.