How to Get Started

Before starting the application process, please review our host family qualifications to ensure that your family meets the U.S. Department of State requirements. If you meet the qualifications, you're ready to apply online.

We're here to help you every step of the way. After submitting your application, you'll be contacted by:

• Your dedicated Matching Expert, who will explain the au pair selection process and provide personalized au pair recommendations
• Your local Area Director, who can answer any questions you may have about hosting an au pair in your community

Ready to find an au pair for your family? Here's how:

Apply Online Applying to Au Pair Care is fast and easy using our secure online application. You can apply in just 15 minutes.

Review Au Pairs Right Away Once you have completed the online application, you’ll gain access to Family Room™, Au Pair Care’s 24/7 online matching system, where you can review hundreds of au pair profiles based on criteria that's important to you. Our Matching Experts are also available to hand select au pairs for you based on your family's needs.

Interview Interview your top au pair candidates by phone or Skype - it's a good idea to get the whole family involved! Your Matching Expert can connect your international calls for free and provide interviewing advice. Also, your local Au Pair Care Area Director will contact you to schedule an in-home interview to discuss the au pair program in more depth.

Match & Select Arrival Date Once you agree to match with your au pair, consult our au pair arrival calendar to find a date that works for your family. Au pairs arrive from overseas at least every two weeks and more often in the summer months. Your au pair can arrive to your home in as little as 6 weeks!

AuPairCare Processes Documentation After you decide on your arrival date, we’ll take care of the rest. Au Pair Care processes all visa paperwork and flights for your au pair.

Au Pair Training Your au pair arrives in the U.S. about 4 to 5 days before your chosen arrival date and goes straight to our Au Pair Academy in New Jersey for a 4-day mandatory training program. At the Academy, au pairs are trained to follow important child safety practices and learn CPR and first aid. (Note: Infant Specialized™ au pairs must complete a 5-day training program)

Au Pair Arrives To Your Home Your local Area Director conducts an orientation for you and your au pair shortly after his or her arrival and maintains monthly contact with you for your entire program year. Also, your Area Director will organize regular activities and outings for the au pairs in your community as well as an annual host family day!