Before the Au Pair stay can begin both parties need to sign the Au Pair contract.

All legal Au Pair programs in the USA follow US Government regulations which protect Au Pairs and Host Families.  As a result of these regulations, programs in the USA have Au Pair and Host Family Agreements (contracts). Both parties have to sign it. The contract is a legal document that enforces the rules of the Au Pair Program which all participants have to follow at any time.

Important points of the contract

• Length of stay
• Start and end date of the job
• There should be a detailed description of separate room, food and other facilities to be given to the Au Pair
• Job responsibilities for child care should be mentioned in the contract (max. 45h per week)
• Job timing, health insurance and other duties should be clearly described in this contract
• Pocket money (weekly or monthly paid) and paid holidays (two weeks of vacation)
• Notice period guidelines should be a part of this contract with mutual understanding
• Information on conveyance to language classes should be provided
• Information on registration formalities related to travel and stay at host country
• Important information like phone numbers and addresses

The contract is important for everyone’s protection and helps to avoid any misunderstandings or problems during the stay. It also ensures that all sponsoring organizations follow the US Government rules.

Click here to download the contract of AuPair.com.

What else?

•  The Au Pair will also receive a signed letter of invitation from AuPair.com’s partner agency, Agent Au Pair, including the information about the stay. After the plane has landed in the USA border control might ask some questions about the stay. With this invitation letter they can prove the reason for them being in the USA.
•  The Au Pair will also need all these documents for the visa application process at the US embassy. If they forget some of the documents, they will have to get a new appointment.