AuPairCare Advocacy in Action
How the U.S. Department of State Au Pair Program Fosters Connections in American Families
The au pair program is a cornerstone of cultural exchange, fostering mutual understanding, learning, and meaningful connections between people from around the world. For over 35 years, AuPairCare au pairs have arrived to the U.S. legally on a J-1 non-immigrant visa, contributing to cross-cultural understanding while providing quality live-in childcare with an American family, returning home after their program to share their experiences in the US. We are proud of our strong foundation and unwavering commitment to this transformative program. Loved by host families and au pairs alike, the program continues to thrive, creating cultural bridges that last a lifetime.
Our primary focus is on the health, safety, and well-being of all participants. Through changes in government administration, it’s business as usual at AuPairCare. We remain dedicated to supporting families and au pairs for years to come.
Please see details below of our Advocacy in Action. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at customercare@aupaircare.com.
The Federally Designated Au Pair Program
- The au pair program has a robust set of comprehensive federal regulations, including limits on working duties, hours, minimum stipend payments, paid vacation time, and time off. These are important requirements that both families and au pairs must abide by in order to participate in the program.
- As J-1 non-immigrants, au pairs are cultural exchange participants, not domestic workers, and they receive strong protections under federal regulations. These also include: A-rate insurance, 24/7 emergency support, regular contact with their State Department-designated visa sponsor, and opportunities to attend culturally-immersive local events and pursue education.
- In October 2023, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) at the U.S. Department of State (DOS) released a notice of proposed rule-making (NPRM) outlining significant regulatory changes to the federal au pair cultural exchange program. These changes were only proposed (not enacted) and put forward for public comment.
- After receiving over 10,000 public comments on the proposed au pair regulations, the U.S. Department of State is taking a step back to carefully reassess its approach. We look forward to the opportunity to review the proposed new regulations in full once they become publicly available and to weigh in at that time on the impact they may have on our international exchange community.
- Check out the full summary of the work on the Au Pair proposed regulations.
- AuPairCare supports the U.S. Department of State reaffirming that its federal regulations preempt state and local laws. The U.S. Department of State was very clear in the Administration’s 2018 Amicus Brief declaring “the Federal au pair regulations do not leave room for a state or municipal government to impose terms of employment for au pairs that differ from the terms set forth in the regulations."
- AuPairCare is closely monitoring legislative developments that could impact the au pair program. Alongside other sponsors and the Alliance for International Exchange, we remain committed to protecting and strengthening the program. Since its inception, the program has been federally regulated, ensuring consistency and uniformity for all participants. The federally designed stipend structure promotes affordability and flexibility for families while allowing au pairs to choose their exchange location without being restricted by local room and board costs. We remain hopeful this structure will continue and will keep you informed as updates become available.
- Take Action: Raise your voice in support of international exchange!
AuPairCare’s Ongoing Commitment
to the Au Pair Program
Advocacy Day
AuPairCare building bridges with Congress on Capitol Hill. Learn more about Advocacy Day
Exchange Day
AuPairCare celebrating the power of exchange with au pair participants. Learn more about Exchange Day
Summer of Action
AuPairCare connecting with Legislators in their home districts. Learn more about Summer of Action
Cultural Connections with AuPairCare
AuPairCare au pairs volunteer in local communities. Learn more about AuPairCare's Cultural Connections
Global Exchanges have Local Impact
Drives the U.S. Economy
International exchange students contribute $40.1 billion to the U.S. economy and support 368,000 American jobs.
Creates Future Leaders
More than 31 million job openings require skills in communication, leadership and problem solving – all shaped through international exchange programs.
Advance American Interests
Exchange programs build bridges between Americans and future global leaders, fostering friendships that enhance national security and global alliances.
Telling America’s Story
Seeing the world through a new perspective strengthens our communities.
Alliance for International Exchange: Impact Survey of the Au Pair Program
AuPairCare, the Alliance for International Exchange, and the sponsor community are working hard as we advocate for international cultural exchange. We continue to meet ongoing with key players in Congress to share the importance of cultural exchange through examples and data. Exchange programs are a proven investment in America – an investment in our economy, in our people, and in our foreign policy influence and interests. Congress needs to hear loud and clear that to expand America's global influence, it’s important to invest more in international exchanges.
For more information about current advocacy campaigns, see here.
Building Positive Change
Advocacy Works! We build momentum with voices in action, ensuring program integrity. AuPairCare collaborates with the Alliance for International Exchange to support the modernization of the Au Pair Program.
Get involved: Raise your voice to support international exchange!
Join us in supporting the au pair program and cultural exchange to foster global connections.
