Au Pair Visa Requirements for the US

People from almost all countries can become au pairs in the United States. However, in order to legally become an au pair in the US it is necessary for an individual to obtain a J1 Visa. In order to get this visa, an au pair has to go through one of the eleven government designated au pair agencies. With this visa, au pairs may work for a family as an au pair for 12 months and may apply to stay for an extra month in order to travel round the US. However, after that time the au pair is expected to return to their home country. Also, in order to work as an au pair in the US, an au pair must produce a certificate of health, a certificate of good conduct and experience in the field of child care.

The eleven government designated agencies are:

• Agent AuPair
• American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS)
• AuPairCare
• Aupair Foundation
• Cultural Care Au Pair
• Cultural Homestay International
• Educational Foundation for Foreign Study
• EurAupair
• Go Au Pair
• InterExchange Au Pair
• US Aupair

For more information on being an au pair in the US the U.S Department of State has an au pair brochure that is available to download. It is very informative and will answer many of the questions you may have on the U.S au pair program.

Information on visas in:
Australia / Austria / Belgium / Canada / Denmark / France / Germany / Ireland / Italy / Netherlands / New Zealand / Norway / Spain / Sweden / Switzerland / UK