Becoming an au pair in the United States is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture, improve your language skills, and experience life abroad in a structured and supportive environment. However, the process to become an au pair requires careful planning, the right documentation, and making the best possible match with a host family. That’s why Au Pair Weekend has put together this convenient guide to help you navigate the steps and understand what the experience entails.
Wit
How To Start Becoming An Au Pair In America
The first step in becoming an au pair in the United States is finding an agency to represent you. U.S. law requires au pairs to go through designated agencies so that the process can be regulated, safe, and in line with both immigration and childcare guidelines.
Your au pair agency will help you with:
- Finding and screening host families
- Paperwork, including visa applications
- Training
- Support during your stay in the U.S.
Choosing The Right Au Pair Agency
Choosing the right agency is a crucial decision that will have a big impact on your experience. Different agencies offer varying levels of support, services, and fees. Make sure that you research several agencies, read reviews from former au pairs, and compare the benefits each agency provides. Check out the Department of State's list of list of au pair agencies (also known as "sponsor organizations").
The agency is responsible for finding families that meet your needs, but ultimately you are the only person who can decide which family is right for you. You’ll have the opportunity to review potential host families and conduct interviews with them. This process usually takes between 3 and 6 months, depending on the availability of families looking for an au pair.
How To Interview Host Families
Once your agency presents you with potential host families, you will begin the interview process. This is an extremely important step to ensure that you and the host family are compatible.
During the interviews, ask the host family specific questions about their expectations, the children’s routines, and what a typical day looks like in their household. Remember, you’re not only agreeing to provide childcare, but also committing to live with the family for an extended period of time. You’re not just interviewing your potential bosses, but also your potential roommates.
Some questions to consider during these interviews include:
- How many children would you be responsible for, and what age?
- What are the specific duties they expect from an au pair?
- What is the family’s lifestyle and daily routine?
- How does the family spend their weekends and vacations?
- How do they handle disciplinary matters, and what role will you play in managing the children’s behavior?
- What opportunities are there for you to explore the local area or meet other au pairs?
The interview process is a two-way street; not only should the family feel comfortable with you, but you should feel confident that you can live and work in their home. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it's better to wait for the right match than to accept an offer too quickly..jpg?width=401&height=401&name=4th%20(1).jpg)
Applying for a J-1 Visa and Preparing to Travel to the U.S.
Once you’ve matched with a host family, the next step is to apply for a J-1 visa, which allows you to live and work as an au pair in the United States. The J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that promotes cultural exchange, and the au pair program falls under this category. Your agency will assist you with this step.
The J-1 Visa Application Process
The application process for the J-1 visa involves several steps, including filling out an online visa application form and scheduling an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. During your visa interview, you’ll need to provide various documents, such as:
- A valid passport
- Proof of your au pair placement (provided by your agency)
- Financial documents (to show that you can support yourself during your stay)
- A visa fee payment receipt
The interview is generally straightforward, and as long as you meet all the program requirements, you should not have any difficulties obtaining the visa. However, make sure you’re prepared to answer questions about your intentions, your host family, and your understanding of the program.
If you need help preparing your J-1 visa application, your au pair agency should be able to guide you through the process.
Booking Flights And Preparing to Leave
After your visa is approved, the final step is preparing to travel. Your au pair agency will likely help you with travel logistics, such as booking flights and providing you with any pre-departure training that may be required. Some agencies offer an orientation program upon arrival in the U.S., which gives you a chance to meet other au pairs and learn more about the cultural and legal aspects of living in the country.
Before you leave, take time to mentally prepare as well. Moving to another country for a year can feel overwhelming, so it’s important to have a clear understanding of what to expect. Stay in contact with your host family throughout the planning process and ask any final questions you may have.
Packing thoughtfully is also important. Bring essential items that will help you feel comfortable in your new environment, but avoid overpacking, as you’ll likely accumulate new belongings throughout the year.
Your First Year As An Au Pair in the U.S.
Once you arrive in the U.S., your exciting year as an au pair begins! Most au pairs work for 12 months, though many opt to extend their stay (more on that later). During this time, you will provide childcare for up to 45 hours per week, while also living with your host family and becoming part of their daily life.
As an au pair, your primary role is to care for the children of your host family. Your specific duties will vary depending on the ages of the children and the family’s routine, but common tasks might include:
- Getting the children ready for school in the morning
- Preparing meals and snacks
- Helping with homework
- Driving children to and from school and activities
- Engaging the children in fun and educational activities (museum visits, going to the library, etc.)
- Bathing and putting the children to bed
While your main responsibility will be childcare, it’s important to maintain a good work-life balance. Au pairs are legally entitled to regular time off, including at least one full weekend per month. You’ll also have the opportunity to take vacations, either with your host family or independently.
J-1 Visa Education Requirements For Au Pairs
One unique aspect of the U.S. au pair program is the educational requirement. To maintain your J-1 visa status, you’ll need to complete the equivalent of 6 credits from an accredited U.S. college or university. This requirement is designed to enhance your cultural exchange experience by allowing you to meet other students, expand your knowledge, and develop skills that will benefit you in the future. You can take classes on any topic, so be sure to take some time and find a course that interests you.
Many au pairs worry about balancing their work schedule with attending college classes. Fortunately, programs like Au Pair Weekend offer flexible options that allow you to complete your credits online or during weekend courses. This is particularly helpful for au pairs who are busy working during the week or don’t live near a college campus.
The added bonus of programs like Au Pair Weekend is that they often include opportunities for travel. You can earn your credits while visiting a new city, meeting other au pairs, and participating in unique cultural activities. Some au pairs take advantage of this to explore different parts of the U.S., all the way from New York to Los Angeles. Sign up for our "First to Know" mailing list to be informed when a new course registration opens!
What To Do After Your First Year as an Au Pair
At the end of your first year as an au pair, you’ll have three main options to consider. Depending on your goals and experiences, you can:
- Return Home: Some au pairs choose to return to their home country after completing their year in the U.S. They take with them a wealth of new experiences, language skills, and friendships that will last a lifetime.
- Stay in the U.S. with Another Visa: If you’ve fallen in love with the U.S. and want to stay longer, you can explore other visa options, such as a student visa if you want to pursue further studies, or a tourist visa if you wish to extend your stay for travel purposes.
- Extend Your Au Pair Status: If you’re not ready to say goodbye just yet, you can extend your au pair status and J-1 visa for an additional 6, 9, or 12 months. Many au pairs choose this option because they’ve developed strong bonds with their host families and want to continue their experience. If you opt to extend, you can either stay with your current host family or match with a new one in a different part of the U.S.
Becoming an au pair in the United States is a rewarding and life-changing experience. From your first search for the perfect host family to the cultural exchange that takes place throughout your stay, being an au pair offers a chance to grow, learn, and immerse yourself in a new culture.
The journey may be challenging at times, but the memories, friendships, and skills gained along the way make it an unforgettable adventure. Whether you choose to extend your stay or return home after your year, the experience will undoubtedly shape your perspective on the world and leave a lasting impact on your life.
Ready to dive into the world of au pairs? Meet your J-1 visa requirements with ease through Au Pair Weekend's many educational programs, both online and in-person. Click here to register!
Use discount code "1BLOG25" during registration for $25 off any course.
