how to get an au pair visa

Step by step visa guide

• 1 Passport Au Pairs need a valid passport that covers the length of their stay. They will also need to present the original and a copy at the embassy.
• 2 Au Pair contract The Host Family will need to send a signed contract to their Au Pair. ...
• 3 Appointment and visa application form ...
• 4 German certificate ...
• 5 Motivation letter ...
• 6 Invitation letter ...
• 7 Health insurance ...

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 are the requirements for an au pair visa?

This is also a very important criteria to be entitled to the Au Pair visa. In many countries, you need to be unmarried as well. You need to have at least a school diploma (depending on the country). Some Host Families might ask for additional certificates or documents proving your experience in childcare.

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.

Can I become an au pair in Spain?

Yet, Non-EU participants need to apply for a visa to be able to become an Au Pair in Spain. We’ve created a list of different countries, to share the requirements for different nationalities. If your home country is not on the list, please read the information about “other countries”.

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.

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.

What visa do I need to be an Au Pair in the USA?

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.

How can I get J-1 visa Au Pair?

How can I apply for a J-1 visa? In order to become an Au Pair in USA you will need to contact an Au Pair agency in your country. The agency will work together with its partner agency in the USA to help you with the application for the J-1 visa.

How can I get an au pair in the US without an agent?

In theory, you could find an Au Pair without an agency if you restrict your search to Americans. Sites like Care.com offer families a candidate pool of local live-in nannies. For a monthly fee, you can use the platform to find your ideal candidate.

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.

How long can au pairs stay?

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 are au pairs paid in USA?

$195.75 weeklyHost families pay a sponsoring agency $8,000 upfront and the au pair a $195.75 weekly stipend, room and board and a $500 education credit. In return, the au pair can work up to 45 hours per week. When all the funds are counted, au pairs are left with $4.35 per hour in their pockets.

Who can apply for au pair in USA?

18 to 26 years old. Proficient in conversational English. Good health. High school graduate or equivalent.

Can an au pair work on a tourist visa?

We want to point out that an Au Pair cannot work under a tourism visa. Tourists are not allowed to earn money during their stay. Applying for a tourist visa in order to become an Au Pair is illegal and can lead to serious consequences.

Can you sponsor a nanny from another country?

A family can sponsor a foreign nanny for a green card as an option for them to live and work in the U.S. permanently. This option begins by completing the labor certification or PERM process, which is often lengthy and complex.

Can an au pair change a visa status?

This legal step is 'insurance' so that an Au Pair will be able to change her visa status in the United States, reapply for a new visa at a U.S. Consulate abroad; and be eligible for travel (called advance parole) if being sponsored for permanent resident status based on employment or marriage.

Can I sponsor my nanny to stay in Australia?

Tourist visa as nanny visa Australia A tourist visa is granted by the Department of Immigration for tourism purposes only. Work is not allowed for tourist visa holders. Keeping in mind that babysitting is a work, it's essentially illegal to be an au pair or a nanny as a tourist visa holder.

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 can I contact a Host Family?

You need to visit the Host Family’s profile and drop a message there. If the family is a Premium Member , they will be able to read your message a...

Can you help me with the paperwork and the placement process?

Unfortunately, we can’t help you with it. We are an online matching agency , thus we can’t interfere in your searching or placing process. We are...

How long does it take to find a Host Family?

It depends on several factors. Create your profile and make it attractive for other users. Check that you meet the Au Pair requirements set by...

Can I become an Au Pair?

The Au Pair program accepts participants who meet mainly education, family and age requirements . Please take a look at the full list of Au Pai...

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 US?

The US Department of State has strict rules regarding the Au Pair program. 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)

How long does it take to get an au pair?

The Au Pair needs to make an appointment at the closest US embassy or consulate to their hometown. Usually the applicant will get one within a couple of days. At the day of the appointment it is really important to think of all the documents needed, otherwise the applicant will have to get a new appointment.

Can you be an au pair without an agency?

Participants have the opportunity to extend their stay for another 6, 9 or 12 months. Please, do not, under any circumstances, try to take part in the Au Pair program without an agency. It is illegal for families to invite someone to become their Au Pair and for an Au Pair to participate without an agency. It is not possible to participate ...

How long before a course can you be on an Au Pair visa?

One week before the start date of the course, if the course lasts 6 months or less. One month before the start date of the course, if the course lasts more than 6 months. The Au Pair can extend the stay when they enroll in a course. For this visa you must show that you are able to support yourself.

How long is an au pair visa valid?

The visa is usually valid for 24 months - during this period of time the Au Pair can leave and re-enter the United Kingdom. The work permit received along with the visa under the Scheme is also valid 24 months. The visa allows the Au Pair to work part time, but immigration officials can refuse the entry if the applicant intends to work full time.

What is an au pair?

The Au Pair is in charge of the visa application - but it is possible to submit the application online. The Au Pair has to submit several documents to the British embassy or consulate along with the Au Pair contract: a valid passport. a photograph meeting the Scheme requirements.

How long does it take to get a visa decision?

You’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.

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

16 years old or older (but to become an Au Pair in the UK: at least 18) received an offer to enroll in a course in the United Kingdom. good English language skills (proven by a certificate, at least B1 or B2 depending on the course) enough savings to pay for the course - the exact amount varies depending on the course.

How many hours a week is required to study for a degree in immigration?

Full-time, with at least 15 hours per week of daytime study and leading to qualification that’s at least level 3. Overseas, equal to UK higher education course and being run by an overseas institution. You can find detailed information about the course on the official website of immigration authorities .

Do au pairs need a visa?

Depending on where the Au Pair is from , they might need a visa to work in the United Kingdom. Most of the Au Pairs need one of these visas:

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 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.

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.

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.

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 ...

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;

How long can an au pair stay in Spain?

If an Au Pair stays more than 90 days , the participant can apply for a Student Visa. It requires applicants to take a Spanish class in Spain. The applicant has to enroll for it before the arrival to Spain. The participant needs to attend this class for at least 20 hours a week.

How long can you stay in Argentina as an au pair?

Applicants from Argentina can take part in the Au Pair program through the Working Holiday agreement. Participants are allowed to stay up to 12 months. However, they can only work for up to 6 months. For more information please contact the Spanish Embassy in Buenos Aires.

How long do you have to stay in Spain to get a visa?

For that reason they should check the requirements with the Spanish embassy. If they stay less than 3 months they won’t need a visa at all.