Au Pair Visas

An au pair is defined as anyone going to live with a family residing in the US to provide child-care services to the host family and attend an accredited US post-secondary institution. Duties may include light housekeeping or cooking relating to taking care of the children. These services are performed in exchange for room and board or salary.

Anyone seeking employment as an "Au Pair" or child-care 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 Department of State website 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. You may also try this list of J1 agents (PDF 22KB).

Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 26.

You will need to submit with your file a copy of your "baccalauréat" or "Certificat de fin d'études" issued by the "Rectorat".

You may NOT be an au pair in the US if you enter as a tourist. A "J" visa is required even if you are staying with friends or family. Avoid being denied entry to the US, and other problems, by obtaining the correct visa prior to your departure.

Please visit our site How to Apply for more information on paying the application fee, scheduling an appointment and photo requirements.