Au Pair in America FAQs

An au pair is a young adult who lives with a host family in the USA and provides up to 45 hours of childcare per week. In return, au pairs receive accommodation, meals, weekly spending money, paid holidays, and support throughout their stay

The standard au pair program lasts for 12 months. At the end, participants also receive an additional 1-month travel period to explore the USA. Extensions of 6, 9, or 12 months are also possible

Au Pair in America was the original au pair sponsor, authorised by the US Department of State. It provides unmatched experience, support, and guidance, including visa help, pre-departure training, 24/7 support, and a dedicated community counsellor in the US.

No. As a J-1 visa holder, you can only work for your designated host family and cannot take on other paid employment

Yes. The U.S. Department of State requires all au pairs to complete academic coursework as part of the program

You can choose to study subjects like art, psychology, marketing, or history at an accredited U.S. college. Your host family contributes up to $500 toward your course. If costs exceed this, you'll need to cover the difference

Applicants must be 18–26 years old, single with no dependents, in good health, with at least 200 hours of recent non-family childcare experience, a secondary education qualification, a clean criminal record, and conversational English

You must have at least 200 hours (400 for male applicants) of non-family childcare experience—such as babysitting, nursery work, volunteering, or holiday camps

You need to have a good standard of spoken English, typically B1–B2 level or higher

Yes. A valid driving licence with a clean record is required

No. Only applicants who are single and have no dependents are eligible

You’ll need to show proof of good health and submit any required medical forms.

You must be between 18 and 26 years old 

You can begin the process by completing an online application.

Yes. Support is available during the application process, and you can get help in your local language. To be eligible for the program, however, you will need to have English language skills

You’ll need proof of identity, childcare references, health records, criminal background check, driving licence, educational certificates. Au Pair in America will be able to provide you with a full list of documents as part of your application process

This varies between different au pair applicants, but the process includes completing your application, interview, matching with a host family and obtaining your visa. 

Yes,  support is provided throughout the application and matching process

Once your application is complete, you’ll be added to the APIA matching platform where host families can view your profile and contact you for interviews

You can express preferences, but matches depend on availability and mutual interest. Flexibility increases your chances of matching

It varies depending on your experience, preferences, and family availability. Some au pairs match quickly, while others may take a bit longer

Au Pair in America continues to support your profile visibility and helps you prepare for interviews until a suitable match is found

If challenges arise, your community counsellor helps resolve issues or find a new host family, ensuring your wellbeing remains a priority

You need a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa. Au Pair in America is an official sponsor for the visa application process

Au Pair in America assists with paperwork, provides visa sponsorship, and offers interview guidance to help secure your visa

Yes. Return flights to and from the USA are included as part of the program fee

Yes. You’ll have two weeks of holiday, one weekend off per month, and a one-month travel period at the end of the program to explore the USA

You’ll become part of an American family, sharing meals, holidays, and special occasions while caring for the children

Yes. You will have a private bedroom and three meals per day

Yes. Every area has a local group (cluster) of au pairs supported by a community counsellor who also organises meet-ups

You’ll have support from your local community counsellor, organised social events, and 24/7 emergency assistance

Yes. You only pay the program fee after you match with a family. It covers flights, training, support, and more

You’ll receive a weekly stipend, along with room, board, and other benefits. The exact amount may vary but is consistent with program standards

The host family contributes up to $500 toward your education. If your course exceeds this amount, you'll need to cover the difference

You’ll be supported by a local community counsellor, access monthly check-ins, social events, and 24/7 emergency support

Your community counsellor will work with both sides to resolve issues. If needed, a rematch may be arranged to ensure a positive experience

Yes. You will have access to 24/7 emergency assistance throughout your stay in the USA

Your community counsellor organises regular events and meet-ups with other au pairs in your local area

Yes, as long as you’ve completed your 12 month program and have lived outside the USA for at least 2 years afterward

The returner program allows previous au pairs to rejoin the program and experience a new part of the USA while continuing their studies and cultural exchange

Yes, but details depend on the length and terms of your return. You still receive study support and must meet program requirements