how to get au pair visa

1. 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. The Host Family will need to send a signed contract to their Au Pair. ...
3. Download and fill in the visa application form available at the German embassy or the embassy's website.
4. In most cases, Au Pairs will need to present proof of basic knowledge of the German language. Usually the Goethe A1 Certificate or similar is enough.
5. Some German embassies require a motivation letter from Au Pairs in which they explain why they want to live the experience in Germany and learn German.
Candidates will generally need an invitation letter from their Host Family in which they explain a bit of the Au Pair duties and express their interest in the cultural ...
Au Pairs from Non-EU countries must have a private health insurance valid in Germany. It must cover major medical expenses during the whole stay.

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.

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 visa for Au Pair?

within five working daysNormally, 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?

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.

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.

Can an Au Pair get a tourist visa?

All au pairs come to the U.S. on the J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa, which is a non-immigrant visa granted by the U.S. Department of State. InterExchange functions as the visa sponsor for the au pair and will make all the arrangements for the au pair to receive the visa from their nearest American Embassy or Consulate.

How can I stay in US after au pair?

Potential ways to stay in the US after a J1 Visa: Stay on an expired visa. This is illegal and you run into a list of legal issues in making a life here or if you leave the country and try to come back. ... EB3 Nanny Visa. ... International Student Visa. ... Get married to a US citizen. ... H1B or other employment visas.

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.

What kind 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.

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 au pairs get a green card?

The Labor Certification and Green Card Process for an Au Pair. A third option is filing a labor certification so that your au pair may request a green card.

Can I sponsor a nanny in USA?

Sponsoring a Nanny for Permanent Residence 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 you bring a nanny to USA?

Both temporary visa and permanent green card possibilities exist to bring a foreign nanny to the United States, most notably: J-1 visa for foreign au pairs. H-2B visa for unskilled worker. B-2 visa if you yourself are a foreigner in the U.S. on a visa, and the nanny will be coming to the U.S. with you, and.

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 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 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.

Can two families share an au pair?

Can two families “share” an au pair? Two families cannot share an au pair. Au pairs are required to reside with and provide childcare for only one family during their program term.

Does an au pair need a visa?

Au pairs should apply for the visa at the responsible foreign mission of the intended host country in the au pair's home country or wherever the au pair is presently located. Often it is possible to make this application in writing, but in some cases one needs to appear in person.

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 to become an au pair?

You can become an Au Pair if you: 1 are 17 - 30 years old 2 have a good command of English or other language spoken in the host country 3 enjoy working with kids 4 are not married and don't have kids of your own 5 have at least a high school diploma 6 are healthy without any chronic diseases 7 have a clear criminal record 8 want to spend time abroad

What do you need to be an au pair?

You need to be able to communicate on a daily basis with your Host Family. If the host country’s requirements don't state otherwise, usually good command of English or the host country's official language is more than enough. The Au Pair program is for you to practice a foreign language, so don't worry if you are not fluent yet!

What are the requirements to be an au pair?

In general, you need to meet: Au Pair age requirements (depends on the country) Family status requirement (not married / no children) Language requirements ( especially if you apply for a visa) Au Pair requirements.

What do host families expect from their au pair?

Most Host Families expect their Au Pair to have some kind of experience in childcare. You might have done some babysitting or worked in a kindergarten or another social institution for a while. The more references you can show, the better you can convince a Host Family.

Do you have to cover travel expenses for an au pair?

You must be able to cover the travel expenses required to reach the host country and get back home, unless you have agreed with your future Host Family on different terms. Though we encourage Host Families to support their Au Pairs with travel costs, this is not a mandatory requirement and totally depends on the family’s decision.

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 to get an au pair visa?

If your host family lives in the USA, you need to go through a full-service agency. Only if you register with an agency you will be able to get the J-1 visa. Otherwise you will enter the USA illegally. The local agency you register with should have a partner agency in the states. Fortunately AuPair.com is working together with a partner agency in America and is able to place au pairs in the USA officially. If you register on AuPair.com and you fulfill the age requirements to become an au pair, someone of the website will contact you and invite you to fill out a registration and all the forms that are need to be able to apply for the program.

Do you need a visa for an au pair?

Some countries offer special au pairs visa, in others an au pair will need a study or working holiday visa. It is always important to check which visa is needed on the website of the embassy of the host country in your home country.

Do au pairs need a visa?

Some au pairs need a visa to be able to go to a certain country to stay with a family. Within the EU, citizens can go whereever they want to. They do not need a visa. But if they leave the EU or if au pairs from Asia, Africa, Southamerica or the USA want to go to a European country they need to apply for a visa.

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:

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.

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.