Being an au pair or nanny in the USA

Basic information – au pair / nanny USA

The US Department of State has an Au Pair program with strict rules that you must follow. 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. People from almost all countries can become au pairs in the United States. However, in order to legally become an au pair in the US it is necessary for an individual to obtain a J1 Visa. In addition, in order to get this visa, an au pair has to go through one of the government designated au pair agencies. More info: https://j1visa.state.gov/programs/au-pair.

Visa type(s) for au pairs / nannies

Cultural Exchange Visitor Visa (J 1). The Exchange Visitor (J) non-immigrant visa category is for individuals approved to participate in work-and study-based exchange visitor programs. Participants are integral to the success of the program.

Basic eligibility for au pair / nanny visa

• Proficient in spoken English;
• A secondary school graduate or equivalent;
• 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 of the interview which shall be provided to the host family;
• 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.

Visa duration

Au pairs or nannies may work for a family as an au pair for 12 months and may apply to stay for an extra month in order to travel round the US. However, after that time the au pair is expected to return to their home country.

Basic condition for au pair / nanny visa

You must hold a valid passport from an eligible country.

Eligible countries of origin / nationality possibilities for visa applications

People from almost all countries can become au pairs in the United States. However, in order to legally become an au pair or nanny in the US it is necessary for an individual to obtain a J1 Visa. There are strict rules and list of requirements and limitations / exceptions. Please check details with the adequate authorities regarding your specific situation.

Basic general visa application requirements

• Invitation letter from host family to au pair/nanny, stating all details and conditions of the au pair/nanny job (dates and duration, working hours, salary, insurance, duties & responsibilities of both parties etc)
• Signed contract/agreement between host family and au pair
• Adequate visa application forms and fees etc. (This is a general summary abut visas, check the specifics on the official government website.)

VISA REQUIREMENT CHANGES	Note Regarding a Potential Au Pair Rule: In response to inquiries regarding a potential Au pair Rule: at an appropriate time the Department will decide on an appropriate course of action taking into account Department policy, White House guidance, and the Administrative Procedure Act.
USEFUL LINKS	If you are a US government designated agency for au pairs, please contact us for information regarding the placing of a link to your organization.
INTERESTED?	Please don’t forget it is your responsibility to check all the details and the latest information on the official government website of the country.