Host Family FAQs - Rules and Regulations |
Q. What kind of screening process do the au pairs go through?
Q. Can my au pair stay home with my children when I travel on business trips?
Q. Can the au pair do extra work for extra money?
Q. Why does my au pair have to go to New York City before coming to my home?
Q. What if I know of someone abroad whom I'd like to have as my au pair (a pre-match)?
Q. What if I want an au pair from a specific country?
Q. Can I request an au pair who speaks a certain language?
Q. Is it OK if I ask my au pair to speak her/his native language exclusively (no English)?
Q. Can the au pair perform other household duties besides caring for the children?
Q. What if I would like my au pair to stay with my family longer than 1 year?
Q. Must I provide my au pair with her/his own bedroom, bathroom and car?
Q. If I am a single parent do I qualify to be a host family?
Q. How much experience is required for an au pair to care for an infant?
Q. Can my au pair travel with my family?
Q. What are the U.S. Department of State regulations regarding au pairs?
Q. What kind of screening process do the au pairs go through?
A. The international cooperator interviews each au pair applicant in her/his home country and obtains a confidential medical history report. A police clearance report, personal reference, two child-care references, proof of secondary education and a personal essay are gathered and included in the dossier sent to the host family. (top)
Q. Can my au pair stay home with my children when I travel on business trips?
A. No. Au pairs may not be home alone with children overnight, and never while parents are out of town. (top)
Q. Can the au pair do extra work for extra money?
A. No. This would be a violation of her/his visa. (top)
Q. Why does my au pair have to go to New York City before coming to my home?
A. The U.S. Department of State requires a 32-hour au pair orientation. Au pairs are trained in CPR and first aid by the American Red Cross, and are taught about typical American cultural issues such as how and when to call a pediatrician, child development, the 911 system, how to reach a parent at the office, etc. (top)
Q. What if I know of someone abroad whom I'd like to have as my au pair (a pre-match)?
A. Great! However, both you and the au pair must follow all Au Pair USA and governmental procedures in order for the J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa to be granted. (top)
Q. What if I want an au pair from a specific country?
A. You may request an au pair from a specific country. It is important to remember that an application with such a specific request may take longer to fulfill depending on how many qualified candidates apply from that country at the time of your application. (top)
Q. Can I request an au pair who speaks a certain language?
A. Yes, see above. (top)
Q. Is it OK if I ask my au pair to speak her/his native language exclusively (no English)?
A. No. The cultural exchange aspect of the au pair program is meant to benefit both the host family and the au pair. Many au pairs join the program in hopes of improving their English skills. It is OK to ask your au pair to speak her/his native language sometimes so that your family benefits from hearing and possibly learning a few words. (top)
Q. Can the au pair perform other household duties besides caring for the children?
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. What if I would like my au pair to stay with my family longer than 1 year?
A. The J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa is valid for 1 year and can be extended for an additional 6, 9 or 12 months with a mutual agreement between the au pair and host family. The Extension Agreement must also be accepted by the U.S. Department of State. Information on the Extension Program will be sent to each family toward the end of the au pair’s original stay. Full information can also be found on the Extension Program web page. (top)
Q. Must I provide my au pair with her/his own bedroom, bathroom and car?
A. The au pair must have a private bedroom. It is not required that the au pair have her/his own bathroom or car. (top)
Q. If I am a single parent do I qualify to be a host family?
A. Yes, as long as you meet all of the host family requirements. (top)
Q. How much experience is required for an au pair to care for an infant?
A. References that support at least 200 hours experience caring for a child under the age of 2. (top)
Q. Can my au pair travel with my family?
A. Yes. The au pair must research and comply with the specific visa rules and regulations of the destination country prior to departure. The au pair must carry her/his DS2019 form at all times. (top)
Q. What are the U.S. Department of State regulations regarding au pairs?
A. Click here to read the regulations. (top)
