FAQs for Au Pairs
Q. Who qualifies to be an au pair?
Q. How do I apply to be an au pair?
Q. What does the program cost the au pair?
Q. Do the au pairs have medical insurance while in the United
States?
Q. What are the au pair's responsibilities?
Q. How much are the au pairs paid?
Q. How long is the Au Pair USA program?
Q. How long can an au pair stay in the United States after
completing their time with a host family?
Q. Do au pairs clean the house or do other domestic duties?
Q. Are au pairs required to take classes?
Q. Is it necessary for the au pair to drive a car?
Q. Does an au pair have her/his own bedroom?
Q. Can an au pair do extra work for extra money?
Q. Can the au pair travel?
Q. What have other au pairs said about the Au Pair USA program?
Q. Who qualifies to be an au pair?
A. Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 26. Applicants must provide two childcare references, one character reference, a medical report and a police clearance report. In addition, applicants must be interviewed in English, complete a personality profile test and show proof of secondary school education. (top)
Q. How do I apply to be an au pair?
A. Contact your international cooperator and fill out an application. (top)
Q. What does the program cost the au pair?
A. Au pairs pay a Program Share Fee that differs from country to country. Ask your international cooperator for details. (top)
Q. Do the au pairs have medical insurance while in the United States?
A. Yes. Part of your Program Share Fee and part of the host family's Program Fee covers the cost. (top)
Q. What are the au pair's responsibilities?
A. Up to 45 hours per week of caring for the children, including preparing meals and packing lunches, bathing, cleaning play area, children's laundry and making beds. Au pairs are also expected to clean up after themselves and behave as an extended member of the host family. (top)
Q. How much are the au pairs paid?
A. Currently about $160 per week plus room, board and up to $500 toward 6 credits at an accredited educational institution. (top)
Q. How long is the Au Pair USA program?
A. The program lasts for 1 year. An extension option is available for an additional 6, 9 or 12 months if agreed upon by the au pair and the host family. Extensions must also be approved by the U.S. Department of State. See our Extension Program (link to Au Pair Extension Program page) for more information. (top)
Q. How long can an au pair stay in the United States after completing their time with a host family?
A. After the au pair successfully completes their time with their host family, au pairs may stay in the United States on the J-1 visa for 1 more month of travel. Au pairs may not work during the travel period. (top)
Q. Do au pairs clean the house or do other domestic duties?
A. No. The au pair is treated as an extended member of the host family. Other than picking up after the children, preparing snacks, lunches, children's laundry and performing regular chores, it is not acceptable for the au pair to clean the entire house, do the family laundry or to regularly prepare meals for the entire family. (top)
Q. Are au pairs required to take classes?
A. Yes. All au pairs on J-1 Exchange Visitor visas must complete 6 credit hours at an accredited educational institution. (top)
Q. Is it necessary for the au pair to drive a car?
A. It is not required by Au Pair USA, but almost all host families require that their au pair be a safe and experienced driver. If you are a good driver, it will be easier for you to find a host family. In most American cities it is necessary to drive. (top)
Q. Does an au pair have her/his own bedroom?
A. Yes. (top)
Q. Can an au pair do extra work for extra money?
A. No. This would be a violation of the visa. (top)
Q. Can the au pair travel?
A. Yes. Au pairs may travel freely within the United States. The J-1 Exchange Visitor visa allows a 13th month for additional travel in the United States after completion of the au pair program year. If traveling out of the United States with the host family, the au pair must research and comply with the specific visa rules and regulations of the destination country prior to departure. An au pair must carry her/his DS2019 form at all times. (top)
Q. What have other au pairs said about the Au Pair USA program?
A. Please visit our Au Pair Testimonials and Photos page to read testimonials from previous au pairs. (top)
