Frequently Asked Questions about Au Pairs

• How long is the Au Pair Care Program?
• The au pair program is offered for one year, with the option to extend for 6, 9 or 12 months. As an au pair, you may stay and travel for one month at the end of your au pair program before returning home.
• What type of families joins Au Pair Care to find an au pair?
• Au Pair Care carefully screens families who apply to the au pair program. Most Au Pair Care families are typical American families - they are hardworking, friendly, busy, and want the best for their children. They participate in the au pair program because they want dependable care for their children, and look forward to sharing their home with an international au pair.
• How do families qualify for the au pair program?
• Families who are accepted into the Au Pair Care program are carefully screened and educated about hosting an au pair. Every family is interviewed in person in their home, provides two host family references and agrees to adhere to the guidelines regarding hosting an au pair. All host families meet U.S. Department of State guidelines that require them to be American citizens or permanent residents, speak English as the primary language in their home, and provide au pairs with a suitable private bedroom. Additionally, families are informed about limitations on au pair working hours (not more than 45 hours per week/10 hours per day) and the types of tasks an au pair can perform. Most importantly, our families must have a sincere desire to share their home and lives with a live-in au pair.
• Can I be placed anywhere in the United States?
• Au Pair Care has host families across the United States. You may request a particular region, and Au Pair Care will make an effort to show your application to families in that region. Our main objective is to help you find a compatible family. In some cases, the right family is in a different region than where you had requested.
• Are some locations better than others for an au pair?
• No. While some places in America are probably more familiar to you from movies and television, all parts of the country are interesting and each has its own advantages. The United States is truly a diverse and fascinating country, and as an au pair you may be surprised to discover cities or regions that you didn't know about before. You will have a chance to visit other parts of the country during your vacation and travel month.
• How long after I apply will I match with a family?
• Depending upon your au pair qualifications, it can take anywhere from three to eight weeks for you to match with a family. Once you are matched, you and your host family will agree on a U.S. arrival date. You will have a minimum of four weeks after matching in order to prepare for your arrival.
• Can I leave the au pair program early?
• Au Pair Care families rely on you to remain with them for the entire au pair program. In the event you leave the program early, you will be responsible for returning to your home country at your expense and will not be recognized as having successfully completed the au pair program.
• What if I have a problem while in the United States?
• Au Pair Care is here to support au pairs throughout their entire program.  Your local Area Director will be available to assist you in resolving any issues that may arise while on the program. In addition to your Area Director, Au Pair Care's Regional Managers and headquarter staff are available to assist you at anytime. We also offer a 24-hour telephone service by calling 1.800.428.7247 in the event you have an emergency after normal business hours.
• I have already completed the au pair program, but I would like to return to the United States again as an au pair. Can I be an au pair again?
• Yes, you can come back as a returning au pair as long as you have resided outside of the United States for at least two years, and have successfully completed your original au pair program including the educational requirements.
• Can I become an au pair if I’m 27 years old?
• The U.S. Department of State requires that au pairs be between the ages of 18 to 26 year old. As long as you arrive in the U.S. prior to turning 27, you can qualify to participate in the program.