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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:

  1. Family may only require the Au Pair to care for children aged 3 months to 18 years.
  2. 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 morning) each calendar month. 
  3. Au pairs must be provided with their own bedroom, and three meals a day.
  4. Host families must provide up to $500 towards the education requirement of 6 credit hours at a college or university. There are no specific class requirements, but the au pair must attend an accredited school.
  5. Families must allow their au pair to participate in activities sponsored by their agency's Local Childcare Coordinator once per month and attend one family day conference annually.
  6. Families must communicate with sponsoring agency's Local Childcare Coordinator at least once per month.
  7. Families must provide 2 references (non-family).
  8. Families must provide 2 weeks paid vacation to the au pair.
  9. Must pay the au pair a minimum weekly stipend of $195.75 per week, based on the FLSA.
  10. Understand that the au pair is not a housekeeper. She may perform chores related to the children, (i.e. putting away toys, cleaning rooms/bathrooms, laundry, etc). 
  11. Must make a 12-month commitment.
  12. Family must live within 1 hour of the sponsoring agency's Local Childcare Coordinator.
  13. Family must be US citizens or legal permanent residents, fluent in spoken English.
  14. All adult members of the household must be interviewed by the sponsoring agency's Local Childcare Coordinator.
  15. Host family must pass background investigations including employment and personal character references.
  16. Family must have adequate financial resources to undertake hosting obligations.
  17. Family must include the au pair whenever possible in family meals, outings, holidays and other events.
  18. Host families and au pairs must sign an agreement detailing the au pair’s child care responsibilities.

See which agency is right for you, visit: Au Pair Premiere Program

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