The only way you can become an Au Pair in the USA is with a legal agency that is approved by the US government. Since we have a partner agency in the USA, we are able to help Au Pairs to get to the United States. If you register with Agent Au Pair, you will be helped with the application and everything that needs to be done. The only way for you to get the J-1 Visa is to work with an agency, so you are in the right hands!
Are you interested in the US culture? It differs a lot from southern states to northern states, from west coast to east coast. There is a huge variety of people in the states! It’s definitely worth spending a year there and get to know at least some of them.
Au Pair requirements in the USA
To take part in the Au Pair program in the USA you have to meet the following requirements:
You can register on our website and create a profile. Don’t forget: you can not go to the USA as an Au Pair without aJ1 visa, which you will only get with a registered local agency. For that reason, we are working together with a local agency, Agent Au Pair, that places Au Pairs with Host Families. So we can be your way to the USA.
2
Fill out the application
You will fill out the application and our American partner team will contact you, so you can finish your application together.
They will refer you and your application and qualifications will be checked.
3
Agent Au Pair will find families in the USA for you
Once there are some families interested in you, Agent Au Pair will suggest them to you so that you can communicate.
If you want to be in control of your search, you can also search for a Host Family on AuPair.com and talk to them. If it’s a good match, the Host Family can then register with Agent Au Pair in order for you to be legally placed with them.
4
Paperwork and visa for the USA
Once you have matched with a Host Family through our partner agency Agent Au Pair, they will contact both you and the family to discuss the next steps. Agent Au Pair will issue the needed paperwork so you can then apply for your visa at the US embassy near you. One of Agent Au Pair’s partner agents will assist you in applying for your visa. Once your visa is approved, Agent Au Pair will start planning your travel to the US and will enroll you in the health insurance.
5
Apply for the J-1 Visa
You need to get an appointment at the US embassy to apply for your J-1 visa. Think of all the important documents you need to take with you and leave your house just in time. Include traffic and possible difficulties getting to the embassy in your planning. You can not be late for your appointment.
6
Prepare for traveling - that's almost it!
Pack your bags. Buy small gifts maybe and celebrate with your friends and family at home for one last time. You won’t see them for a whole year! The flight is organized and paid for by Agent Au Pair.
7
The Au Pair School Training
Once you arrive in America you will need to take part in training for Au Pairs. You will learn First Aid and get prepared for some situations that might occur during your Au Pair experience.
8
Arrival at the Host Family’s place
After the training days you will go and meet your Host Family. Depending on where the family lives, a bus or flight will take you there or your Host Family will pick you up.
9
Support during the program
You will have full support during your stay with the Host Family. If you have any questions or concerns, always feel free to contact Agent Au Pair.
Au Pair USA cost - Services and fees
Of course Agent Au Pair won’t leave you alone. They’re always happy to assist you before, during and after the stay. Find out what their services include:
Some Host Families will let you use their car also for private usage, but it’s not mandatory
Upon successful completion of the program
Certificate of participation
Flight back home
Opportunity to travel the USA for 1 month
Program Fee
Program fees to become an Au Pair in the USA range from $400 USD to $1,500 USD. Please, get in contact with Agent Au Pair for further information regarding their fees. Agent Au Pair’s international partner agents charge fees according to their individual policies and procedures.
Other expenses:
There will be other expenses that you will have to take care of. We have listed everything you need to think of:
Transportation to your personal interview
Medical report (they differ from doctor to doctor)
Request of a Criminal Record and an International Driver’s license
Passport, if you don’t have one yet
Visa fee (160 €) and transportation to the appointment at the US embassy
Transportation to the airport you’re leaving from
Luggage costs, if you’ve packed too much
Additional costs for a course if it costs more than $ 500
Personal expenses during the orientation days and during your whole stay
Maybe gas for the private use of the family car
Taxes in the USA
Flight back if you don’t complete the stay of 1 year