Frequently Asked Questions
US Au Pair Program Requirements for Family
Families are required to meet the following criteria in order to be accepted into the US Au Pair Program and receive an Au Pair on a J-1 visa:
- Family may only require the Au Pair to care for no more than 4 children aged 3 months – 12 years.
- Au pair to provide no more than 45 hours of childcare per week not more than 10 hours per day spread over 5 1/2 days per week. Au pair must have off one complete weekend (Friday night thru Mon morn) each calendar month. Each remaining weekend of the month, the au pair must have 1.5 continuous days off falling on a Friday/Saturday/Sunday.
- Au pairs must be provided with their own bedroom.
- Host families must provide up to $500 towards education requirement of 6 credit hours at a college or university, with classes in either English language, American culture or history. Families must provide transportation to school.
- Families must allow their au pair to participate in activities sponsored by their community counselors once per month.
- Families must communicate with community counselors once per month.
- Families must provide 2 references (non-family).
- Families must provide 2 weeks paid vacation to the au pair.
- Must provide weekly pocket money to au pair of $139.05 per week.
- Understand that the au pair is not a housekeeper. She may do all duties related to the children, (i.e. putting away toys, cleaning rooms/bathrooms, laundry, etc). She may chip in with housework, but no more than a family member, fair share.
- Must make a 12-month commitment.
- Family must live within 1 hour of a Local Agency Community Coordinator.
See which agency is right for
you, visit:
Au Pair Premiere Program
Au Pair Premiere Program

