au pair

How to become an Au Pair in the USA?

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!
Au Pair USA requirements
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:  
  1. Age: 18 - 26 years
  2. Good English language skills
  3. Not married and no children
  4. In good health
  5. Willing to stay with a family for a minimum of 1 year
  6. Childcare experience of at least 500 hours in the past 2 years
  7. Driver’s license and driving experience
  8. Clear criminal record
You fulfill these requirements? Then don’t wait!

Free Registration as Candidate

Step by step into the USA!

It is very easy to become an Au Pair. Just follow these steps: 

1
Register with us and start planning your trip!
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 a J1 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:

Services

  • Personal Interview and Support
  • Placement with a Host Family
  • Infopackage “Au Pair in the USA”
  • Support with applying for the J-1 visa
  • Emergency-Hotline

In the USA

  • Flight to the USA 
  • Flight back home upon successful completion of the program
  • Orientation days and workshop in San Francisco
  • Accommodation and lodging at the Host Family’s place
  • Support and assistance during your stay through a local coordinator
  • Up to $500 for you to complete 72h at an accredited US institution
  • Health insurance for the whole stay
  • Monthly Au Pair meetings
  • Access to the Au Pair community
  • Possibility to stay a 13th month for travelling (if you have completed your year of being an Au Pair)
  • Emergency-Hotline

In your Host Family

  • Weekly pocket money of minimum $195,75
  • At least 1,5 days off per week
  • 2 weeks of paid vacation
  • 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
  • SEVIS fee of $35
Click here to apply


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