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What Is the U.S. Au Pair Program? (2025 Guide)

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The U.S. Au Pair Program is part of the U.S. Department of State’s Exchange Visitor Program (J-1 visa category) under BridgeUSA. It is designed as a cultural exchange opportunity: young people from around the world live with an American host family, provide childcare, and in return, experience American life while also taking academic courses.

This program is more than just childcare—it’s about building cultural bridges, gaining independence, and growing through international experience.

Table of Contents

🌍 The Cultural Exchange Idea

As an au pair in the U.S., you:

Live with a vetted host family and become part of their daily life.
Provide childcare services such as supervising play, helping with meals, school runs, and light childcare-related tasks.
Take part in educational activities by enrolling in at least 6 semester hours (or equivalent) of study.
Immerse yourself in American culture while sharing your own background with the host family.

Host families and au pairs must use designated sponsoring agencies approved by the U.S. Department of State. These agencies handle matching, orientation, monitoring, and support throughout the program.

✅ Key Eligibility Requirements (2025)

To apply as an au pair in the United States, you must:

Requirement	Details
Age	18–26 years old at the time of application
Education	Completion of secondary school (or equivalent)
Language	Proficiency in spoken English (assessed via interview)
Childcare Experience	Proof of recent, relevant childcare experience
Health	Be in good health and pass a physical exam
Background Check	Clean criminal record, character references (3 non-family), credential verification, and personality assessment
Other Criteria	Must be unmarried, have no dependents, and commit to a minimum 12-month stay

👩‍👧‍👦 What Au Pairs and Host Families Do

Work Hours
- Standard: Up to 10 hours per day, 45 hours per week.
- EduCare program (school-aged children only): Up to 30 hours per week.
Education
- Enroll in 6 semester hours of academic credit (or equivalent) at a U.S. institution.
Compensation & Benefits
- Weekly stipend (varies by agency)
- Private room and meals (full board) provided by the host family
- Educational stipend contribution (host family pays up to a set amount)
- 2 weeks paid vacation per year + potential “travel month” after completion
- Support from a local coordinator for problem-solving and cultural adaptation
Placement Rules & Protections
- Cannot care for children under 3 months unless a parent or adult is present.
- If caring for children under 2, must show 200 hours of infant-care experience.
- Host family must interview the au pair before arrival and provide a written agreement on duties, hours, and benefits.

📝 Steps to Becoming an Au Pair in the U.S. (2025)

Choose a Sponsoring Agency
- Select from U.S. Department of State–designated au pair agencies (e.g., Au Pair USA, Cultural Care, Go Au Pair).
Submit Your Application
- Include details on childcare experience, education, health, references, and personal essays.
Interview & Match with a Host Family
- Virtual or phone interviews are conducted until both sides agree.
Obtain the J-1 Visa
- With your agency’s guidance, apply at the U.S. embassy/consulate in your home country.
Pre-Departure Orientation
- Training in childcare, safety, cultural adaptation, and U.S. program rules.
Travel & Begin the Program
- Arrive in the U.S., meet your host family, and settle in with support from local coordinators.
Fulfill Your Program Commitments
- Provide childcare within program limits, complete your education requirement, and stay in touch with your agency.
Extension Option
- After 12 months, you may apply for an extension of 6, 9, or 12 months.

✨ Why Join the U.S. Au Pair Program?

Affordable way to live in the U.S. while receiving room, board, and a stipend.
Cultural exchange: share your culture while learning about American life.
Professional growth: develop childcare, language, and intercultural skills.
Travel opportunities: explore the U.S. during your stay, with vacation and sometimes a “bonus travel month.”

👉 The U.S. Au Pair Program is a life-changing experience—a mix of cultural exchange, professional development, and personal growth. For 2025 applicants, the opportunity is as exciting as ever: a chance to live the American dream while creating lifelong memories.

Find out more here