how to apply for au pair visa in usa

Visa and entry requirements for au pairs in the USA

• Step 1: Register with AuPairWorld and select your agency. We work with trusted partner organisations which you can...
• Step 2: Prepare the au pair stay together with the agency. Various conditions have to be fulfilled in order for the au...
• Step 3: Apply for the J-1 visa. In cooperation with the agency, the au pair or...

Full Answer

How to go to the US as an au pair?

The only way to go to the US as an Au Pair is with a valid J-1 visa! This visa can only be obtained if the participant is placed through a US Department of State designated Au Pair program and thereby follows the J-1 visa rules. With the help of our US partner agency Agent Au Pair, it’s possible to register with us and apply for the program.

What do I need to apply for an au pair visa?

The host family will need to apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) if it is required to withhold tax and file Form W-2. The au pair will need to apply for a U.S. social security number.

Can a J-1 visa be used for an au pair?

Au Pair in USA: J1-visa information. The only way to go to the US as an Au Pair is with a valid J-1 visa! This visa can only be obtained if the participant is placed through a US Department of State designated Au Pair program and thereby follows the J-1 visa rules.

Do you need a Social Security number for an au pair?

The au pair will need to apply for a U.S. social security number. Income Tax Withholding. Since au pair wages are paid for domestic service in a private home, they are not subject to mandatory U.S. income tax withholding and reporting on Forms 941 and W-2.

How long does it take to get an Au Pair visa?

Normally, you receive your visa within five working days. You should apply at the agency about six months before you wish to start your au pair stay. This leaves you enough time for your application process and your documents are still up to date.

How can I get J-1 visa Au Pair?

The J-1 Visa for Au PairsBe 18 to 26 years-old.Be in good health.Speak and understand English.Be a secondary school graduate.Have an international driver's license and a minimum of 50 hours of driving experience.Be a non-smoker if required by the host family.Be of good character and receive a police clearance report.More items...

How much does it cost to get an Au Pair in the US?

The average cost of Au Pair program for Host Families is as follow: Au Pair cost per week: 80 - 370 USD. Au Pair cost per month: 360 - 1650 USD. Au Pair cost per year: 4320 - 19800 USD.

Do you need a visa to be an Au Pair?

In order to become an Au Pair in the United States, the candidate will need a J-1 visa. To apply for a legal J-1 Cultural Exchange Visitor Visa, the candidate needs the following documents: A passport (valid until 6 months after your stay)

What type of visa do au pairs need?

J-1 visaThe J-1 visa permits Au Pair in America participants to reside legally in the United States for 12 months while caring for children in a program-approved host family.

Can I sponsor my au pair?

The only legal way to be an au pair in the USA is through a designated sponsor like Au Pair in America. As a legal sponsor our cultural exchange program is U.S Department of State regulated and subject to strict guidelines, which are there to ensure everyone has a safe and quality experience.

Is au pair cheaper than nanny?

Au Pair vs Nanny Cost On average, annual live in nanny cost is between $26,000-$35,000, while the cost of a standard Au Pair for a year is under $19,900. Most live in nannies for hire would not consider working up to 45 hours per week for that price!

How long can an au pair stay in the US?

How long can an au pair stay in the United States? Au pairs initially come to the U.S. on a 12-month J-1 au pair visa and can extend for an additional 6, 9 or 12-months, allowing a family to benefit from up to two years of live-in childcare from the same au pair.

How much does it cost to sponsor an au pair?

Program Fees – 2022Au PairEducareMatch Processing Fee$475$475Annual Program Fee$9,395$8,500Minimum Weekly Stipend* Paid weekly$195.75*$146.81*

What is the best country for aupair?

Best countries to Au Pair based on pay, hours, and benefitsUnited States. Pay: $850 a month. Hours: 45 hours per week. ... Denmark. Pay: $650 a month. Hours: 18-30 hours per week. ... Sweden. Pay: $450 a month. Hours: 25 hours per week. ... Germany. Pay: $360 a month. Hours: 30 hours per week. ... China. Pay: $100-$300 a month.

Who can be an au pair in USA?

Requirements for au pairs You are between 18 and 26 years old. You are unmarried and have no children. You speak and understand English well. You can pay the costs for an officially approved au pair agency in the USA.

Can an au pair stay in the US if they get married?

Yes you may continue to work as an Au Pair while filing for your adjustment of status. Your marriage will not cancel your J-1 visa, but it also does not give you any other form of status until you file for the adjustment.

Are au pairs worth it?

If you need reliable, consistent, and affordable childcare, hosting an Au Pair can be a wonderful experience. Hiring an Au Pair is an even better idea if you need an extra set of hands to help with all things child-related.

Whats the difference between nanny and au pair?

Nannies and au pairs both help with childcare in a family. A nanny is a standard employee and is paid a salary. An au pair is integrated into family life as a temporary family member. The au pair has a room in the family home and eats meals with the family and receives monthly pocket money instead of a salary.

Do au pairs do housework?

The U.S. Department of State agrees: “While the primary responsibility of the au pair is to care for the children, au pairs can perform some household duties that are child related (meal preparation, light housekeeping, etc.).” It goes without saying that if you ask your au pair for help with household chores, she must ...

Are au pairs safe?

Host families often feel vulnerable when bringing a stranger into their home to care for their children, but au pairs are at risk of being taken advantage of, too—and a good au pair agency will also carefully screen their host families to ensure they can provide a safe and supportive living arrangement.

How to apply for an au pair visa?

Go Au Pair’s partners worldwide help Au Pairs complete online Form DS-160. Form DS-160 is used to schedule the visa interview. The Au Pair needs their passport, dates of previous visits to the U.S., application with work experience and educational background, SEVIS ID number (provided by Go Au Pair from Form DS-2019) and a photo (with very specific requirements similar to a passport photo) to complete Form DS-160. After correctly and completely submitting Form DS-160 a barcode and confirmation page provide the application ID number needed to schedule the visa interview. The fee is collected when the appointment is scheduled and payment methods vary by embassy. The fee is valid for one year in the event the appointment is rescheduled.

How long is an au pair visa valid?

Non-immigrant visas are for temporary visits to the U.S., not permanent stays. All Au Pair visas are valid for 1 year. Visas may be terminated early by Go Au Pair if a participant leaves the U.S. early or otherwise discontinues participation in the Au Pair Program. Au Pairs have the option of extending their program and time in the U.S. for an additional 6, 9 or 12 months after the expiration of their visa. The extension continues legal valid program participation, however, does not modify the actual end date printed on the visa document. To qualify for an extension Au Pairs must complete all program requirements in their first year including education and attending events.

Why is my visa denied?

The reasons for a visa denial vary and most of the time no explanation is provided at all. The most common known reason for visa denial is “insufficient ties to the home country”. The U.S. State Department explains, “Applicants must demonstrate to the consular officer that they have binding ties to a residence in a foreign country which they have no intention of abandoning, and that they are coming to the U.S. for a temporary period.” Other less common reasons for visa denial include having a family member living in the U.S., a previous visa problem such as overstaying on a tourist visa, a family member violating terms of a visa, insufficient finances to support program participation, applicant not prepared or confident enough with responses and applicant doesn’t meet eligibility or objectives.

How long has Go Au Pair been in business?

Go Au Pair has over 30 years of experience helping Au Pairs apply for visas to come to America. Although a visa is never guaranteed, Go Au Pair has averaged a 96.9% approval rate over the last decade*. We help Au Pairs understand all visa eligibility requirements, simplify the fee payments and prepare Au Pairs for the visa interview and success in America.

What are the requirements for an exchange visitor visa?

Eligibility requirements include a minimum amount of education, skills, abilities and training, a demonstration of program understanding and expectations for life in the U.S. and clear ties with the home country. Au Pair requirements are confirmed as part of the visa application process. Eligibility and suitability for program participation helps to ensure the safety and well-being of the participant during their time in the U.S.

How long does it take to become an au pair?

The application process is thorough and extensive with over a dozen documents completed and verified. Au Pairs can expect the application process to take one to three months to complete. Education (including screening requirements) about the Au Pair program is the critical first step for acquiring a J-1 Visa. [possible link to https://www.goaupair.com/au-pairs/3-steps-become-au-pair/apply-now/]

Can an au pair be denied?

In some countries there is an almost 100% likelihood for being denied an Au Pair visa. Country-wide Au Pair visa denials are the result of prior participants in Exchange Visitor programs not returning home after the program ends. The U.S. State Department, U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection closely monitor Exchange Visitor participants and quickly identify trends. Because former Au Pairs did not honor their obligation to return home future Au Pair applicants from Mongolia, Philippines, Georgia, India, Kenya, Albania, Armenia and Cameroon cannot be considered. All Au Pair visas from these countries are denied. Au Pairs who do not return home after the program not only hurt future applicants but also their own family members who are very likely to have any type of visa to the U.S. denied.

How long do you have to be an au pair?

The minimum length of an au pair stay as regulated by the J-1 VISA Exchange Visitor Program is 12 months.

How long does an au pair stay in the USA?

The au pair stay in the USA begins with a five-day orientation program conducted by the agency that is sponsoring the stay. At the end of the orientation the au pair travels to the host family.

How many references do you need for an au pair?

The designated agency conducts a personal interview with the au pair and checks at least three written references from non-family sources. In addition, it is necessary for au pairs to submit a medical report showing that they can successfully participate in the au pair program and to undergo a criminal record check.

How to become an au pair in the USA?

To be a legal Au Pair in the USA you need to apply to a US Government designated Au Pair agency. Only approved agencies can provide you with a J-1 Cultural Exchange Visitor Visa.

What is an au pair?

Being an Au Pair in the USA will provide you with a life-changing experience that will benefit you throughout your life. The program will help you to become more independent, self-confident and improve your English and communication skills. The experience will help you in your future educational and career plans, as this global experience is highly valued by universities and employers. The benefits include:

How to find host family for Au Pair?

If you have registered and created a profile on AuPair.com, our partner agency will check your profile to see if you fulfill the requirements to be part of the program. Only if they think they can find a Host Family for you, they will contact you to get to know you in an interview. If the interview goes well, they will ask you to send them various documents, such as references, a medical report and a criminal record. Once they have all your documents, they will start looking for a suitable Host Family for you. If you don't want to wait, you can contact the agency directly - click here .

What documents do they ask for when they interview you?

If the interview goes well, they will ask you to send them various documents, such as references, a medical report and a criminal record.

What is a J1 visa?

The J1 Visa is the only type of visa that allows you to enter the United States as an Au Pair and the only way to obtain it is through a certified US Au Pair agency. Read more.

What is an au pair visa?

The J1 visa au pair program is a US exchange visitor program that places foreign nationals with host families in the United States to work as domestic assistants. In exchange for childcare, au pairs receive room, board, and a weekly stipend, in addition to being able to experience the domestic culture of the United States.

How long can an au pair stay in the US?

The au pair may not enter the US more than 30 days before the start of their au pair program. At the end of the program, the au pair may spend an additional 30 days in the US to travel, but not work.

Can an au pair be placed in a home?

Generally, an au pair cannot be placed in a home: With a baby that is three (3) months old or younger, unless a parent (or another responsible adult) also is present. With children under two (2), unless applicant has 200 or more hours of infant childcare experience.

Can you work as an au pair for older children?

Individuals who apply to be au pairs for families with older children who go to school during the day may work as EduCare au pairs. EduCare au pairs:

What happens after an interview with Au Pair?

After the interview, your interviewer will submit your application to your local Au Pair in America Agency for final review before it is submitted to Au Pair in America. You will be notified by Au Pair in America once your application has been accepted and your profile will then be ready to be presented to our host families. How exciting!

What is the aim of an au pair profile?

Your aim is to create a personalized online profile that will stand out to host families who are looking for their next au pair. It is important that you provide as much information as possible so that host families can get a good understanding of who you are, what you are hoping to gain from your au pair experience and what you can bring to their family. Host families may look at a number of au pair profiles and you need to think about what information is going to make your profile stand out from the crowd.

How old do you have to be to be an au pair?

An au pair must be between the ages of 18 and 26. They are usually students who participate in the program in the United States for the educational and cultural experiences it provides them.

How many hours do au pairs need to enroll?

Au pairs are required to enroll for not less than 6 semester hours of classes at a post-secondary educational institution; but may audit the classes for no credit if they wish.

How to file W-4 for an au pair?

If both the au pair and the host family agree, file Form W-4 with their host family, indicating on line 6 of such form that the au pair voluntarily wishes a withholding amount of U.S. federal income tax deducted from their weekly au pair wages. The host family will report and pay over this withheld federal income tax on Schedule H of Form 1040. The host family will also issue Form W-2 Wage and Tax Statement to the au pair to report their au pair wages and income tax withholding. The host family will need to apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) if it decides to withhold tax and file Form W-2. The au pair will need to apply for a U.S. social security number.

Why is an au pair stipend considered a wage?

Department of Labor determined that the au pair stipend constitutes "wages" because an employer-employee relationship exists between the au pair and their host family.

How do au pairs work?

Au pairs stay with host families chosen by sponsoring organizations, and are provided a private bedroom, meals, a full weekend off each month, two weeks paid vacation, up to $500 toward attending an institution of higher education, and a cash stipend tied to the U.S. minimum wage. They are not allowed to work more than 10 hours a day and not more than 45 hours per week. They are not expected to perform general housekeeping tasks but are expected to perform child-care functions. Au pairs are required to enroll for not less than 6 semester hours of classes at a post-secondary educational institution; but may audit the classes for no credit if they wish.

Do au pair pay Social Security?

Au pair wages are not usually subject to social security and Medicare taxes because of the au pair's status as a J-1 nonimmigrant and as a nonresident alien. However, if the au pair had previously been in the United States as a student, teacher, trainee, or researcher in F, J, M, or Q nonimmigrant status, then the au pair might be ...

What does "au pair" mean?

Au Pairs. "Au pair" is a French phrase meaning "at the par" or "at the peer" [level], and is used to describe someone who boards temporarily in someone else's home.

What is an au pair?

Through the Au Pair program, participants and host families take part in a mutually rewarding, intercultural opportunity. Participants can continue their education while experiencing everyday life with an American family, and hosts receive reliable and responsible childcare from individuals who become part of the family.

How old do you have to be to be an au pair?

Au Pairs must be: Proficient in spoken English; A secondary school graduate or equivalent; and. Between 18-and-26-years-old. Capable of fully participating in the program as evidenced by the satisfactory completion of a physical. Personally interviewed, in English, by an organizational representative who shall prepare a report ...

What is Au Pairs compensation?

Financial Compensation: Au pairs are compensated for their work according to the Fair Labor Standards Act as interpreted and implemented by the U.S. Department of Labor.

What is the background check for an au pair?

Successful in passing a background investigation that includes verification of school, three, non-family related personal and employment references, a criminal background check or its recognized equivalent and a personality profile. Such personality profile will be based upon a psychometric test designed to measure differences in characteristics among applicants against those characteristics considered most important to successfully participate in the au pair program.

Do au pairs have to sign an agreement?

Host families and Au Pairs must sign an Agreement detailing the au pair’s obligation to provide child care prior to the Au Pair’s placement in the host family’s home. In the event of questions regarding refunds or other adjustments, host families and au pairs should refer to their agreements. The Department of State does not have jurisdiction over contractual obligations.

Can an au pair work with a child with special needs?

The Au Pair can work with a special needs child if s/he has identified prior experience, skill or training in caring for special needs children. In this case, the host family must review and acknowledged the prior experience, skills or training in writing; and. In the homes of relatives.

Can an au pair be placed with a child?

Au Pairs cannot be placed: With a family that has an infant less than three months old unless a parent or other responsible adult is at home; In homes with children under two years of age unless the Au Pair has at least 200 hours of documented infant childcare experience;