The Au Pair Program in the USA: How It Works

The Au Pair Program is a U.S. Department of State cultural exchange program, regulated under federal rule 22 CFR 62.31, that lets a young adult from another country live with an American host family and provide up to 45 hours of childcare a week. Only agencies designated by the State Department, such as GreatAuPair USA, may place J-1 au pairs.

Is there an Au Pair Program in the USA?

Yes. Qualified exchange visitors can take part in the US Au Pair Program through au pair agencies designated by the U.S. Department of State, such as GreatAuPair USA. As an authorized sponsor, GreatAuPair USA is permitted to place carefully screened au pairs with American host families and to support both sides throughout the year-long placement.

Only a select number of agencies hold this Department of State designation, and a family cannot legally host an international au pair on a J-1 visa without going through one of them. Working with a designated sponsor is what makes the arrangement lawful, and it is also what gives families access to full screening, a Local Childcare Coordinator, healthcare coverage, and year-round support. GreatAuPair USA has recruited and screened au pairs in-house since 2001, so every au pair meets the program's standards before a family ever sees their profile.

See How the GreatAuPair USA Au Pair Program Works

What is the Au Pair Program?

The Au Pair Program is a U.S. Department of State cultural-exchange program, part of the BridgeUSA exchange visitor initiative and regulated under federal rule 22 CFR 62.31. It allows young people from around the world to live with an American host family and provide childcare assistance while continuing their education. The Department of State oversees the program to protect the well-being of both the au pairs and the host families who welcome them.

Under the program, each au pair is issued a J-1 visa, which authorizes them to enter the United States legally and serve as a live-in childcare provider for up to one year, with the option to extend. The core purpose is cultural exchange: au pairs and host families share customs, language, and traditions, building understanding between countries through everyday life in an American home.

What Are The Host Family Requirements For Au Pair Program Participation?

To take part in the program, both host families and prospective au pairs must meet defined requirements. Host families must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents who are fluent in spoken English, name a responsible adult in the home to supervise the au pair, provide the au pair with a private bedroom and three meals a day, and pay a weekly stipend that meets federal, state, and local wage rules. Every adult in the household completes a comprehensive application, is interviewed by the agency's Local Childcare Coordinator, and undergoes a background check.

A few additional expectations round out the family's commitment. Host families live within about an hour of their Local Childcare Coordinator, communicate with that coordinator at least once a month, and support their au pair's participation in monthly coordinator-sponsored activities. Families must provide two weeks of paid vacation, contribute up to $500 toward the au pair's required coursework, and treat the au pair as a member of the household—including them in family meals, outings, and holidays whenever possible. Because the au pair is not a housekeeper, any chores should relate directly to the children.

What Are The Requirements For Au Pair In America?

Au pairs must be between the ages of 18 and 26, be proficient in spoken English, and hold a high school diploma or its equivalent. Prospective au pairs must document verifiable childcare experience, and any au pair who will care for a child under the age of two must provide extra hours of verifiable infant-care experience. Every applicant also completes a thorough screening process—criminal background check, reference verification, a standardized spoken-English evaluation, and a medical examination—to confirm they are qualified and ready to join a family.

How Does the Au Pair Program Work?

Once approved, au pairs are matched with host families based on their preferences, skills, and interests. An au pair typically lives with the host family for one year, extendable to a second year, and provides childcare for a maximum of 45 hours per week. In return, the au pair receives a weekly stipend, a private room, and meals, and has time to attend classes and take part in cultural activities. Each family and au pair are supported by a Local Childcare Coordinator—a representative of the au pair agency who lives nearby, stays in regular contact with both parties, and confirms that program regulations are being met.

Throughout the placement, the U.S. Department of State monitors host families and au pairs for compliance with program rules. Working through its designated agencies, the Department provides guidance, resources, and support so that every participant has a positive, enriching experience, and it holds those agencies accountable for ongoing compliance.

Why Does the Au Pair Program Exist?

The Au Pair Program creates a rare opportunity that serves host families and au pairs alike. Families gain reliable, flexible childcare while their children are exposed to new cultures, languages, and points of view. At the same time, au pairs sharpen their English, gain meaningful childcare experience, and form lifelong bonds with the families who host them. Cultural exchange is the heart of the program, and childcare is the shared, everyday work that makes it possible.

How Long Can An Au Pair Stay In The US?

An au pair can stay in the United States for up to two years on the J-1 au pair visa, after which they must return to their home country. The program begins with a one-year commitment and can be extended for a second year in increments of 6, 9, or 12 months. Once an au pair still meeting all program requirements completes their time, they may reapply after satisfying the required waiting period.

What Child Ages Can Au Pairs Care For?

Under 22 CFR 62.31, the federal rule that governs the US Au Pair Program, au pairs are authorized to care for children who are under the age of 18. The exact age range an au pair covers is set by the individual host family's needs and preferences. Some families need help with infants and toddlers; others want support with older children. Host families and au pairs should agree in advance on the ages of the children the au pair will care for, making sure it fits both the family's requirements and the au pair's experience and abilities. An au pair who will care for a child under the age of two must document additional verifiable infant-care experience.

What Does an Au Pair Do?

Under 22 CFR 62.31, an au pair provides live-in childcare assistance to the host family. The specific duties vary with the family's needs and the ages of the children, but the primary role never changes: to safeguard the well-being, safety, and development of the children in the au pair's care.

Here are the responsibilities an au pair is commonly expected to fulfill:

1. Childcare: Au pairs supervise and engage with the children, keeping them safe and well at all times. This includes playing with them, organizing age-appropriate games and educational activities, helping with homework, and offering steady emotional support.

2. Meal Preparation: Au pairs may prepare meals and snacks for the children, planning and cooking nutritious, balanced food while respecting any dietary restrictions or preferences in the household.

3. Transportation: Depending on the family's needs and the au pair's driving experience, an au pair may drive the children to and from school, activities, playdates, or appointments, whether in the family's vehicle or by public transportation.

4. Light Housekeeping: Childcare comes first, but au pairs may handle light housekeeping directly related to the children—tidying play areas, doing the children's laundry, and keeping their bedrooms and shared spaces clean and organized.

5. Cultural Exchange: Cultural exchange is a central goal of the program. Au pairs are encouraged to share their language, customs, and traditions with the family, teaching the children phrases in their native language and taking part in cultural moments together.

Open communication makes the difference. When host families and au pairs discuss expectations and agree on specific tasks in advance, both sides can build a positive, harmonious experience that benefits the children and deepens the cultural exchange.

Do Au Pairs Cook and Clean?

Yes—as it relates to the children. Au pairs may cook meals and snacks for the kids, planning and preparing nutritious, balanced food while keeping any dietary restrictions or family preferences in mind. Light housekeeping tied to the children may also be part of the role: tidying the children's play spaces, washing their laundry, and keeping their bedrooms and shared areas clean and orderly. An au pair is not a general housekeeper, and household chores unrelated to the children are outside the scope of the program.

Do Au Pairs Need Their Own Room?

Yes. Under the rules of the US Au Pair Program, host families must provide the au pair with a private bedroom—a designated space within the home that is exclusively the au pair's. A private room matters for the au pair's comfort, privacy, and well-being throughout the placement.

A private bedroom gives the au pair somewhere to relax, unwind, and enjoy personal time when off duty. It provides a real sense of privacy and independence inside the host family's home, and it helps ensure the au pair has a comfortable, secure place to live during their stay.

Beyond the bedroom itself, host families should provide the everyday amenities an au pair needs: access to bathroom facilities, storage for personal belongings, and a comfortable bed.

Can Au Pairs Babysit?

Yes. Au pairs can babysit for their own host family—though not for others—as part of their responsibilities. Childcare, sometimes called "babysitting," is central to the role, since au pairs are there to provide live-in childcare support. It is worth remembering, though, that the program's purpose is cultural exchange combined with live-in childcare, not babysitting services alone.

Au pairs generally provide regular childcare during agreed-upon hours, which may include daytime care, after-school care, or occasional evenings and weekends. The specific schedule and expectations should be settled between the host family and the au pair before arrival.

Clear communication and mutual understanding are essential. Host families should give the au pair a schedule that spells out when care is needed, along with any specific requirements or additional compensation for those times.

Can Au Pairs Look After Infants and Babies?

Yes. Properly qualified and trained au pairs may care for infants and babies as part of their childcare responsibilities. Caring for the youngest children calls for a high level of skill, experience, and attention to detail, so any au pair placed with a family that has a child under the age of two must document additional verifiable infant-care experience.

When choosing an au pair for infant care, host families should favor candidates with proven experience and training with this age group. An au pair who has worked with infants brings valuable expertise in feeding, diaper changing, soothing, and keeping a baby safe.

Host families should share their specific requirements and expectations during matching—feeding schedules, nap times, hygiene practices, and any other instructions related to the baby's care.

Guidance and support matter, too. Host families should demonstrate proper handling techniques, talk through safety precautions, and pass along any information about health concerns or medical conditions relevant to the child.

Finally, it helps to discuss the au pair's comfort level and experience with infants during the interview stage. That conversation confirms the au pair has the skills and confidence to care well for the youngest members of the family.

Can Au Pairs Provide Special Needs Care?

Yes—depending on the au pair's qualifications, experience, and comfort level. Some au pairs have specific experience or training in caring for children with special or medical needs and can offer valuable support to families who require it. At GreatAuPair USA, Specialized Care au pairs are screened and qualified for exactly this kind of placement.

If you are a host family with a child who has special needs, communicate your requirements and expectations clearly during matching. Provide detailed information about the child's condition, any medical or therapeutic needs, and any additional training or certifications that may be required.

It also helps to discuss the au pair's previous experience with special needs care and their comfort handling particular challenges. That conversation supports a strong match between the au pair's skills and the family's needs.

Keep in mind that while au pairs can provide live-in childcare for children with special needs, they are not trained medical professionals or therapists. They can help with daily activities, personal care, and general supervision, but they do not offer the clinical expertise of specialized healthcare providers.

Host families may need to provide extra training or guidance so the au pair has the skills and knowledge to care for their child confidently—sharing care plans, demonstrating techniques, and reviewing safety considerations together.

How Do I Get An Au Pair In The USA?

Eligible au pairs are available through Department of State-designated sponsors like GreatAuPair USA, which recruit, screen, vet, and train their au pairs for the US Au Pair Program. As a designated sponsor, GreatAuPair USA issues Form DS-2019—the Certificate of Eligibility for J-1 status—to qualified au pairs, who then schedule a consular interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Once approved, the au pair receives a non-immigrant J-1 au pair visa valid for one year and extendable for a second. The agency arranges and manages the au pair's travel to your home city and provides healthcare coverage and year-round local support through a nearby Local Childcare Coordinator.

The path from registration to arrival follows five clear stages: the au pair completes an application and screening, matches with a host family, receives the DS-2019 and J-1 visa, travels to the United States, and begins the year. Once a match is confirmed, some au pairs arrive in as little as three to five weeks, depending on their country and the availability of visa appointments. Families move fastest when they respond quickly to candidates and keep their own paperwork ready. Throughout the process, a program advisor guides the family, and the Local Childcare Coordinator meets with them at home to understand their needs and explain how the program works.

What is Au Pair 2-Year Rule?

An au pair may request a visa extension for a second year, either with their current host family or with a new one, but they cannot change au pair agencies during that time. After completing the second year, the au pair must return to their home country and satisfy the required waiting period before reapplying to the program through a designated sponsor. All program requirements must still be met at the time of reapplication.

What if My Au Pair Quits?

If your au pair leaves before the agreed end of their contract, it can be an unexpected and challenging situation for a host family. There are, however, clear steps you can take to manage it:

1. Communicate and mediate: Have an open, honest conversation with the au pair to understand why they want to leave. Their reasons may reveal concerns you can address—and sometimes resolve.

2. Review the contract: Consult your host family agreement and the program guidelines to understand the terms around early termination, including any notice periods or required procedures.

3. Contact the au pair agency: Inform your agency right away. They can guide you through the transition and may be able to help you find a replacement au pair.

4. Make alternate arrangements: Because a new match takes time, arrange interim childcare—temporary services, help from friends or family, or other options available through the GreatAuPair website.

5. Maintain open communication: Stay in close touch with your agency and keep them updated. They may be able to speed up the search for a replacement and support you through the change.

6. Assess future options: Reflect on your childcare needs and on why your au pair left, then decide whether any adjustments would help ensure a stronger match next time.

It can be disruptive when an au pair leaves, but staying flexible and proactive makes a real difference. By working closely with your agency, you can navigate the transition and find a suitable replacement for your family's live-in childcare needs.

What are Au Pair Care Requirements?

In order to be considered for the US Au Pair Program, in compliance with the US Department of State, our au pairs are required to:

• Be between the ages of 18 and 26 years old

• Be a non-US citizen who lives in a country serviced by GreatAuPair

• Love children and provide documented, verifiable childcare experience

• Document additional verifiable infant-care experience if they will care for a child under the age of two

• Be proficient in spoken English

• Have no criminal background

• Have completed secondary school

• Hold a valid driver's license if the family requires driving

• Be in good physical and mental health

• Be a non-smoker

• Be willing to commit to at least one year in the US

• Successfully complete the GreatAuPair Au Pair Academy training program prior to arrival

Hosting an Au Pair through the Official Au Pair Program: A Cultural Exchange

Hosting an au pair is a genuine cultural-exchange experience that rewards both au pairs and host families. The program brings young people from around the world into an American home, where they immerse themselves in a new culture and become part of the family's daily life. The sections below explain how the program works for both sides, the responsibilities of au pairs, and the many advantages it offers.

How the Official Au Pair Program Works

The official au pair program runs through authorized au pair agencies that act as the link between prospective au pairs and host families. These agencies do the essential work of matching suitable au pairs with American families, and the whole program is regulated and overseen by the U.S. Department of State under 22 CFR 62.31 to protect the well-being of everyone involved. Before supporting a match, GreatAuPair performs a criminal background check on both the au pair and the host family.

Au Pair Arrives in the Host Country

Once the au pair and host family confirm a match, the au pair travels to the United States and moves in with the family. Their role is to provide live-in childcare—typically up to 45 hours per week—while cultural exchange unfolds through the sharing of customs and traditions in everyday life. The au pair receives a weekly stipend as pocket money along with two weeks of paid vacation. See Au Pair Costs for the current weekly stipend rate.

Au Pair's Responsibilities

Au pairs participating in the official program have clear responsibilities. They provide childcare, help with light housework related to the children, and sometimes offer educational support. Their primary role is to protect the well-being, safety, and development of the children in their care—and, along the way, they become an integral part of the host family's everyday life.

Program Duration and Flexibility

The official au pair program begins with a one-year commitment and can extend into a second year. During their stay, au pairs take part in after-school activities, enroll in coursework, and complete the required academic study at an accredited U.S. institution. This blend of childcare and cultural activity creates a rich, varied experience for au pairs and host families alike.

Benefits for Both Au Pairs and Host Families

For au pairs, the program is a chance to live in a foreign country, improve their English, and gain valuable childcare experience. They immerse themselves in their host family's culture and build connections that last a lifetime.

Au pairs receive a weekly stipend as pocket money, two weeks of paid vacation, and academic credit toward the education requirement they complete during the year.

Host families gain a reliable childcare provider who exposes their children to new cultures, languages, and perspectives. The program's flexible hours help parents balance work and family life more effectively—one of the reasons so many families return to hosting year after year.

Beyond the everyday convenience, hosting an au pair brings a lasting kind of value. Children gain individualized attention in their own home, on a schedule that fits the family rather than a daycare's fixed hours, and they grow up alongside someone who opens a window onto another part of the world. Many host families and au pairs stay in touch long after the program ends, visiting one another across borders and treating each other as extended family. For families weighing the cost against the benefit, that combination of dependable childcare, cultural exchange, and genuine relationship is what sets the au pair program apart from other childcare options.