How Do I Get an Au Pair Visa to the United States? Your Questions Answered!

Are you dreaming of living in the United States, gaining international experience, and becoming part of an American family? As an au pair, you have the opportunity to do exactly that through a special visa designed for cultural exchange and childcare. The J-1 au pair visa allows young people from around the world to live and work in the U.S. while caring for children, learning about American culture, and building lifelong memories.

But how exactly do you get an au pair visa to the United States? And who is eligible? In this guide, we’ll answer all your questions, from the au pair and visa application process to finding a host family and everything in between. We’ll cover:

The J-1 au pair visa requirements
How to get an au pair J-1 visa
How to apply for jobs with a USA au pair visa
The rules and restrictions of an au pair visa in the USA
How AuPairCare supports au pairs throughout the visa process
Experiences from AuPairCare au pairs

AuPairCare has successfully placed more than 100,000 au pairs with loving, caring host families. As a designated U.S. Department of State J-1 visa sponsor, we help applicants secure their J-1 au pair visa, match au pairs with a host family who shares their values and interests, and provide support for our au pairs every step of the way.

Does working as an au pair in the United States sound like the adventure you’ve been looking for? Then start your AuPairCare application here! In the meantime, this article will give you all the information you need to begin your journey as an au pair in the U.S.

Understanding the Au Pair Program and Visa Requirements

The au pair program is designed for young individuals who want to live and work in the United States and experience American culture firsthand. As part of the program, au pairs live with a host family, provide childcare, and, in return, receive a stipend, room and board, and the chance to gain college credits. To legally work as an au pair in the U.S., you need a J-1 visa, which is designed for cultural exchange.

What Is the J-1 Visa for Au Pairs?

The J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows individuals to participate in approved work-and-study-based exchange visitor programs. For au pairs, the J-1 visa is specifically tailored to enable cultural exchange while providing childcare services for an American host family.

The program allows au pairs on a J-1 visa to stay in the U.S. for up to 12 months, with the possibility of extending their stay for an additional 6, 9, or 12 months. Au pairs must work with an official sponsor agency, like AuPairCare, to apply for the J-1 visa.

The J-1 visa does more than just allow au pairs to live and work in the United States. It promotes cultural exchange by encouraging au pairs to immerse themselves in American life, while also sharing their own culture with their host family. This experience is as much about building relationships and fostering cultural understanding as it is about providing childcare.

Eligibility Requirements for the Au Pair J-1 Visa

To qualify for the J-1 au pair visa, you must meet specific eligibility criteria. Let’s take a look at some general J-1 au pair visa requirements for the USA, as well as the eligibility requirements of the AuPairCare program.

General J-1 Au Pair Visa Requirements

To be eligible for the J-1 au pair visa, applicants must show that they are suitable for both the cultural exchange aspect of the program and the childcare responsibilities they will take on. Established by the U.S. Department of State, these general requirements include:

Proficiency in English
Aged between 18 and 26
High school diploma (or equivalent)
In good health (confirmed by a physical exam)
Passing a criminal background check
Availability for a minimum 12-month au pair program

As well as passing a background check, applicants also need to provide three non-family-related personal and employment references for verification.

AuPairCare’s Eligibility Requirements for a J-1 Au Pair Visa

As well as the standard requirements outlined by the Department of State, AuPairCare has some specific program and eligibility requirements that must also be met, including:

Previous childcare experience
A driver’s license

If you meet these criteria, you’re one step closer to discovering all the amazing au pair benefits that AuPairCare offers!

Do I Need an Au Pair Visa Before Applying for Au Pair Jobs?

When you first start looking into securing an au pair visa for the USA, you might wonder whether it’s better to start with the visa application, or if finding a host family first is more important. The answer is a little bit complicated, because the first step is actually to find a J-1 visa sponsor.

You can’t apply for your own J-1 visa—it requires a sponsor. AuPairCare is a Department of State-designated J-1 visa sponsor, and has been matching au pairs with host families for over 35 years. Once you choose AuPairCare as your J-1 visa sponsor, we’ll help you match with a host family that’s right for you, then get to work on your au pair USA visa.

How Do I Apply for the Au Pair J-1 Visa?

When you work with AuPairCare, the au pair visa application process looks like this:

Create your AuPairCare online profile
Meet with a local AuPairCare representative
Start interviews with host families
Match with a host family
Complete your J-1 au pair visa application

Basically, we don’t start the visa application process until after you match with a host family and transfer the program fee. Here’s a look at how to get an au pair visa in more detail.

Create Your AuPairCare Online Profile

The first step in both becoming an au pair and securing your au pair visa is to create your AuPairCare online profile. You’ll need to complete a short application form that confirms your eligibility for the au pair program in the United States. After that, you’ll start to build out a larger profile detailing your past childcare experience and references.

Meet With a Local AuPairCare Representative

Once your online profile is up and running, you can meet with a local AuPairCare representative in your country. We’ll set up an in-person interview, which gives the rep a chance to get to know you better and also lets you ask any questions you have about the program. If you need any help with your profile or application, your representative will be with you every step of the way.

Start Interviews With Host Families

After your application is complete, your profile will be visible to host families in our system. All of the AuPairCare host families have already completed a criminal background check and had an in-person interview with an AuPairCare representative. When families are interested in learning more about you, they’ll schedule a phone or video interview.

You can interview with multiple families, and you’re under no obligation to match with a host family that interviews you. We never let host families choose an au pair alone—it has to be a mutual fit on both sides. When you’re choosing your host family, you’ll generally have several conversations with the same family before making a final decision—we want to make sure it’s a great fit!

Use your interviews to learn more about the host family’s values, lifestyle, and expectations. If you need any help securing interviews, your local AuPairCare representative can help you improve your online profile and give you some interview tips for au pairs to find a compatible match.

Match With a Host Family

Once you match with your host family, you and the family need to decide on an arrival date, and AuPairCare will book your flights to the United States. We’ll also start the J-1 au pair visa process (more on that in a second).

At this point, you’ll receive access to AuPairCare's Academy Training Program. This online au pair training program covers different elements of childcare, CPR, and first aid, as well as giving you an introduction to life in the United States. It’s a combination of videos, lessons, and interactive webinars that you can complete at your own pace before you leave your home country.

Complete Your J-1 Au Pair Visa Application

Once you’ve matched with a host family and paid your program fees, AuPairCare will send you the official documents needed for your J-1 visa. Don’t worry—we’ll guide you through every step of the application process!

What to Expect in Your J-1 Au Pair Visa Interview

Once your au pair visa paperwork is taken care of, the next step is attending your J-1 visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or consulate in your home country. The visa interview is a critical part of the process, as it determines whether you will be approved to enter the U.S. as an au pair.

Make sure you bring all necessary documents, including your passport, Form DS-2019, the DS-160 confirmation page (your visa application form), and any additional paperwork that the embassy requests. You may also need to provide proof of your SEVIS fee payment, which is required for all J-1 visa applicants.

During the interview, the consular officer will ask you questions to assess your intentions and eligibility for the au pair program. Common questions include:

Why do you want to be an au pair in the United States with AuPairCare?
How will you handle the responsibilities of caring for children?
What do you plan to do after your au pair program ends?
What are some aspects of American culture you’re excited to experience?

The goal is to show that you understand the cultural exchange element of the program, that you’re prepared for the responsibilities of living with an American family and providing childcare, and that you plan to return to your home country after the program ends. Be honest and confident in your answers, and show that you’re excited about the program. The interview process is generally straightforward, and we’ll make sure you have everything you need for it.

How AuPairCare Supports Au Pairs Throughout the Visa Process

Navigating the process of obtaining a J-1 au pair visa can be stressful, but that’s where AuPairCare comes in! As a designated sponsor organization, we provide comprehensive support to help you through every step of the visa process and beyond. We’re here to ensure your au pair experience is smooth and stress-free from beginning to end.

Our Initial Guidance and Support

Once you express interest in becoming an au pair, we guide you through the initial steps of the application process, including explaining the program requirements, how the matching process works, and what’s needed for your visa application. Having a local representative in your area makes the process so much easier—there’s someone in person who can answer your questions, help you with your application, and give you tips for getting host family interviews.

Help With Documentation and Visa Interviews

The visa application process can involve a lot of paperwork, but AuPairCare is here to make sure you have everything you need to navigate it confidently. After matching with a host family, we’ll provide you with the documents needed for the J-1 visa, and explain the steps you need to take. When it’s time for your visa interview, your local representative will help you prepare, make sure you have everything you need, and answer any questions or concerns you have about the process.

Our Ongoing Support Throughout the Program

AuPairCare’s support extends all throughout your time in the United States, starting with AuPairCare Connect in New York City, where we’ll welcome you with an orientation. Before meeting your host family in person, you’ll have a chance to connect with other au pairs, tour NYC, and chat with our staff about childcare, the program, and all things au pair.

You’ll have advanced au pair online training and other online resources you can access whenever you need them, as well as support from your local AuPairCare Area Director once you arrive at your host family’s home. Your Area Director lives near you, and will make sure you’re safe and happy throughout the program. They’re your first point of contact for anything you need.

Whatever challenges might come up along the way, the AuPairCare team is here to help you navigate them smoothly and have the most memorable, safe, incredible year with your host family in the United States. We know the importance of local support, which is why your Area Director always lives nearby. Many of our staff members were either previously au pairs or host families, so they understand the program better than anyone!

Ready to begin your journey? Start your AuPairCare application here!

Hear From Our AuPairCare Au Pairs!

Don’t just take our word for it—hear testimonials from au pairs who joined the program on a J-1 au pair visa. Here’s what they have to say about AuPairCare’s support and their experience as an au pair in the United States:

“I was an aupair with aupaircare for 2 years. I was able to build relationships that last a lifetime. I found my 2nd family in the US and made friendships from all over the world. My LCC Ana in Fort Worth was always there for me when I needed her! Sometimes you struggle when you’re abroad in another country so it’s even more important to have someone that you can always count on. I also really enjoyed all the monthly aupair meetings where so many different cultures meet. I would always do it again! Experience of a lifetime- literally ♥️” -Franziska Marxreiter, Au Pair

“My experience is being great, because i have an awesome family and amazing host kids. I take care of two kids and i work with another Au Pair in the house. Is an amazing experience to share this job with another Au Pair! My family is wonderful, they make me feel part of the family and we love to spend time together. My host kids are amazing and i love to be their Au Pair, they make me happy everyday. We do all kind of things and is amazing.” -Maria Emilia Lizarraga, Au Pair

Reach Out to Secure Your Au Pair Visa With AuPairCare!

Being an au pair is an incredible experience, but it can be hard to know where to start when you don’t even know the au pair visa type you need! At AuPairCare, we take care of all the details behind the scenes, so that you can focus on preparing for your year abroad. We’ll help you secure your J-1 au pair work visa, book your flights to the United States, and give you the warmest possible welcome at AuPairCare Connect in NYC!

Don’t let the visa process hold you back from the adventure of a lifetime—start your AuPairCare application today and we’ll help you secure your au pair visa and start your journey as an au pair abroad!