Information for Host Families

Hiring an Au Pair can be a wonderful solution for families seeking help with childcare while also offering an enriching cultural exchange experience. If you are a Host Family in the USA considering welcoming an aupair into your home, this article provides you with all the key information you need to make an informed decision.

Becoming a Host Family in the USA

Becoming a Host Family in the USA allows you to bring an Au Pair into your home to care for your children, while also offering them a cultural exchange experience. The process involves finding an aupair who matches your family’s needs and completing the necessary steps with a recognized sponsor agency. As a Host Family, you will be responsible for providing room and board, as well as paying a weekly pocket money. In return, your Au Pair will assist with childcare and household duties, while also engaging in cultural and educational activities.

Requirements for host families in the USA

To host an Au Pair in the USA, there are several requirements that your family must meet:

Age of children: At least one child must be between the ages of 2 and 18 years old.
Room and board: You must provide the aupair with a private room and full access to family meals and living spaces.
Weekly stipend: You must pay the aupair a weekly stipend, which is regulated by the U.S. Department of State (currently set at $195.75 per week).
Cultural exchange: Your family must be willing to engage in cultural exchange, offering your aupair an opportunity to learn about American life while sharing their own culture.
Workload: You must ensure that the aupair’s work hours and responsibilities comply with the program guidelines (typically up to 45 hours per week).

Duties of an Au Pair

The main responsibility of an Au Pair is to provide childcare and help with light household duties related to the children. Specific duties can include:

Supervising children after school or during free time
Assisting with homework or school projects
Preparing meals and snacks for the children
Doing light chores (like laundry, cleaning up after meals, or tidying up toys)
Occasionally driving the children to school or activities

Au pairs are not expected to perform heavy household duties, such as cleaning the entire house or taking care of yard work. It’s essential to establish clear expectations from the start to ensure a good relationship between you and your aupair.

Costs for an Au Pair

Hosting an aupair in the USA involves certain financial commitments like the weekly pocket money, agency fees, room and board.

While there are costs associated with hosting an aupair, it is often more affordable than hiring a full-time nanny and offers a unique cultural experience for the whole family.

Read more: Costs of Hiring an Au Pair

How does the Au Pair gets a visa?

For an Au Pair to work in the USA, they must obtain a J-1 visa, specifically designed for cultural exchange programs.

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Why should you welcome an Au Pair in your home?

Welcoming an Au Pair into your home offers a variety of benefits, both for your family and the Au Pair:

Affordable childcare: Compared to other childcare options, hosting an au pair is often more cost-effective, especially for families with multiple children.
Cultural exchange: An au pair brings a unique cultural perspective into your home, offering your children the chance to learn about different cultures, languages, and traditions.
Flexible childcare: Unlike daycare centers or nannies, au pairs work with your family’s schedule and can offer more personalized care.
Help with household duties: An au pair can assist with light household chores, allowing you more time for your personal life and work.

By welcoming an aupair, you’re not just getting childcare support—you’re building a cultural bond that can last a lifetime.

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Find an Au Pair on AuPair.com

When looking for an Au Pair, using a reliable platform can make the process much smoother. AuPair.com is world’s leading online Au Pair and Host Family matching service, where you can search for qualified aupairs from all over the world. The platform allows you to:

Browse profiles of au pairs who are available for placement.
Filter candidates based on your preferences (language skills, experience, etc.).
Communicate directly with potential au pairs to find the best match for your family.
Work with a professional agency to help guide you through the matching and visa process.

Using AuPair.com gives you access to a wide pool of candidates and makes the search for the perfect Au Pair easier and more efficient.