How AuPairCare Keeps Au Pairs
Safe and Supported

Experience the U.S. with confidence! At AuPairCare, we ensure a safe, enriching, and life-changing cultural exchange. With over 35 years of experience, we provide unmatched support thorough host family screening and expert guidance — so you can focus on making unforgettable memories.

What's Included

Is It Safe To Become an au pair in the united states?

Coming to the United States as an au pair with AuPairCare is completely safe. Here is how AuPairCare ensures all of our au pairs are safe and supported throughout their program year.

24/7 Emergency Support

Au pairs experiencing a problem or emergency outside of business hours can call our 24/7 emergency support line. A member of the AuPairCare team will be in touch with the au pair to help.

Thorough Host Family Screening

AuPairCare performs a thorough host family background check for every family and an in-person site visit to their home to ensure they fit the program requirements.

Designated Area Director Support & Cultural Exchange

Every au pair has a designated local Area Director in their community. AuPairCare Area Directors provide:

Year round on program support and guidance

Monthly contacts to ensure a smooth program experience

Fun monthly in-person events where au pairs can meet new friends and have fun experiences in their community

Au Pair Benefits:

A private bedroom & weekly stipend

$500 towards college courses

10 days paid vacation & guaranteed time off

Travel & accident insurance

30 days to explore the U.S. after your program

Discover even more benefits of being an au pair in the U.S.!

au pair with children watching argentina team in world cup football

au pair celebrating halloween with children

au pair with children celebrating 4th of july

For Parents: Peace of Mind for
Your Child’s Journey

We understand that sending your child abroad is a big decision. That’s why AuPairCare prioritizes safety and support at every step:

Comprehensive Safety Measures: Host families go through an extensive screening process, ensuring a secure environment.

Reliable Support System: Our Area Directors provide ongoing guidance, monthly check-ins, and emergency assistance.

Cultural & Personal Growth: Your child will gain independence, language skills, and valuable international experience in a structured, nurturing program.

Regular Communication: AuPairCare stays connected with your child through direct updates, to help family back home feel reassured about their experience abroad.

Real Au Pair Experiences

"AuPairCare thinks about every little detail! ...during the entire process: from interviewing, placement, integrating the new au pair in the community, to checking on our wellbeing. They made a challenging time easier and tried their best to make us feel good about ourselves, our language skills and our own life choices before or during the process of choosing a career path."

Elyse

Au Pair Participant

Start your au pair journey with confidence.
Join AuPairCare today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Am I eligible to become an au pair in the U.S.?

To join the au pair program, you must be between 18 and 26 years old when your program begins, unmarried with no children of your own, a secondary school graduate (or equivalent), proficient in spoken English, a non-smoker in good health with no criminal record, and hold (or be willing to obtain) a valid driver's license. AuPairCare also requires more than 200 hours of prior childcare experience, two non-family childcare references, and one non-family personal reference. You'll apply through AuPairCare, a U.S. Department of State-designated J-1 visa sponsor, and complete a personal interview and background check before being matched with a host family.

How long is the program, and what will my schedule look like?

The au pair program is 12 months on a J-1 visa, with the option to extend for 6, 9, or 12 additional months. You'll provide up to 45 hours of childcare per week and no more than 10 hours in any single day. Each week you receive at least 1.5 days off, one full weekend off per month, and two weeks of paid vacation during your program year. You'll also complete at least 6 semester hours (or the equivalent) of accredited academic coursework while you're in the U.S.

What will I receive, and what does AuPairCare cover?

You'll receive a private bedroom, regular meals, and the AuPairCare minimum weekly stipend of $215 per week which is higher than the U.S. Department of State minimum.* Your host family contributes up to $500 toward your required academic coursework. AuPairCare separately provides travel and accident insurance for the full program year, your arrival flight for AuPairCare Connect (the New York City Adventure), your onward flight to your host family, and your return flight home at the end of the program.