Au Pair Visa

For more detailed information please go to  Bureau of Consular Affairs (CA) page.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) defines an Au Pair as anyone going to live with a family residing in the US to provide services such as baby-sitting, housekeeping, cooking, or language instruction in exchange for room and board or salary.

Anyone seeking employment as an Au Pair, or childcare provider is
required to obtain an exchange visitor (J1) visa through the sponsorship of an officially approved exchange visitor program overseen by the Public Affairs Division of the Department of State (PA).

Please consult the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and click on "Au Pair Program" to find out the names of those organizations designated by PA. Anyone wishing to participate in such a program should contact the organization directly.

Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 26.

You may NOT be an Au Pair in the U.S. if you enter as a tourist. A "J" visa is required, even if you are staying with friends or family.

Avoid being denied entry into the U.S., and other potential problems by obtaining the correct visa prior to your departure.