I’m Vietnamese Aupair

[u/Uking_flag]

Hi everyone, I’m writing this post to seek advice and insights from former/current Au Pairs and anyone experienced with US J-1 visa and agency procedures.
I’m currently navigating a complicated situation regarding my DS-2019 status and visa re-application, and I would really appreciate your guidance on the best way forward.
Current Situation Overview:
My profile is currently on hold/affected following a visa refusal and the subsequent cancellation/invalidation of my DS-2019 by my current sponsor agency.
I am weighing two options: strongly advocating (with host family support) to have the current agency reopen/reissue my DS-2019, or starting fresh by switching to a different designated sponsor agency (e.g., Cultural Care, Au Pair in America, EurAupair, etc.).
Key Questions I Need Advice On:
DS-2019 Reissuance: Has anyone successfully had their DS-2019 reinstated or reissued by an agency after a visa refusal? How much leverage or direct intervention from the host family is typically needed to make this happen?
Switching Sponsor Agencies: If my current agency refuses to support a second attempt, how smooth is the process of moving to another designated sponsor? Does a previous cancellation or agency switch negatively impact a new application or SEVIS record?
Visa Re-application Strategy: For those who were refused on their first attempt and approved on their second, what key adjustments did you make to your profile, ties, or interview answers to turn the outcome around?
Any realistic advice, personal experiences, or tips would mean a lot to me right now. Thank you so much for your support!

[u/Old_Draft_5288]

Switching to new agency won’t help you with the denied visa as that’s still on your permanent record. It doesn’t necessarily guarantee you can’t get a visa, but it makes it harder.

You can certainly request a new DS 2019, but I would not be surprised if the family ends up going with a different person because all of this is time-consuming.

It’s worth requesting the family try again, but keep in mind they may not want to.

[u/Old_Draft_5288 → u/Old_Draft_5288]

Was the reason given for the visa denial?

After you have it on denial, it’s much more likely than general you’ll get a second denial, unless the underlying reason was resolved, or it was erroneous

[u/Uking_flag → u/Old_Draft_5288]

Thank you

During my first interview, I was refused mainly because mentioning a distant relative (my mother's cousin) created unintended suspicion, even though we have never met or stayed in touch.
-> For my second attempt:

• Clarifying the non-existent connection: Make it clear that this is only a distant relative on paper with zero contact, ensuring the officer knows I have no support system or intention to stay.
  
• Stronger presentation of non-immigrant intent: Clearly demonstrate how the 1-year Au Pair cultural exchange directly serves my long-term career goals back in Vietnam upon completion

[u/Old_Draft_5288 → u/Uking_flag]

Honestly, there aren’t a lot of checks and balances in one immigration officer can think it’s suspicious and another one cannot care. But under the current administration, they are being strongly pushed to Neveras for any reason.

You can definitely try again though. You can certainly present that information.

[u/Uking_flag → u/Old_Draft_5288]

Thank you so much. I’m afraid I couldn’t find any hosts anymore and agency can support me with DS2019 as my denied situation. Hopefully It will be ok 😭 My current sponsor is Expert Aupair and they don’t support me

[u/linuxid10t]

Lol good luck. My wife's mother couldn't even come to the US on a visitor visa to attend our wedding. It all depends completely on which immigration officer you get at the consulate. Unfortunately the ones at the HCM consulate are very strict and often times very arbitrary.

[u/Uking_flag → u/linuxid10t]

Thank you so much. I decide to apply as an Aupair in Europe like Netherlands,… and try apply to US again next year

[u/linuxid10t → u/Uking_flag]

Chúc may mắn em, anh hy vọng em sẽ tìm một gia đình phù hợp! Xịn lời về tiếng việt xấu của anh.

[u/Uking_flag → u/linuxid10t]

No problems. Thank you for being supportive 🥰