• Yes, many au pairs choose to extend their stay. You can extend your au pair year by 6, 9, or 12 months. You can stay with the same host family if they agree, or apply to join a different family in another region.

  • Yes! Your host family covers all flight costs. This includes your outbound flight from a major European airport to your host family in the USA, as well as your return flight home after successfully completing your program.
    You can even choose your return flight from over 100 departure airports across the U.S., giving you full flexibility for your travel month - at no extra cost.

  • Yes, going to the USA as an au pair a second time is possible. Your first au pair year must have ended more than two years ago, and you must have lived outside the US since then. You’ll also need to meet all the same requirements that applied during your first au pair year.

  • The Au Pair USA program lasts 12 months, with an optional 1-month travel period at the end. You can also extend your stay by 6, 9, or 12 months. If you choose to extend, your travel month will follow the extended period. Please note that you will also need to earn additional college credits during the extension.

  • Yes. Au pairs must pay taxes on their income in the USA. You’ll need to fill out the 1040NR-EZ or 1040NR form by April 15 each year. More information is available in your MyAuPairCare portal under “Resources” in the Au Pair Handbook.

    Tax laws can vary by state, so it’s a good idea to talk to a tax advisor or your host family for guidance. We recommend saving about US$25 from your weekly stipend to cover taxes.

  • The au pair USA program fee covers placement with a carefully screened host family, your round-trip flight, and insurance provided by your host family. You’ll also receive training, 24/7 support, your own room, full board, and a weekly stipend of at least $215.

    A major highlight of the USA program is AuPairCare Connect in NYC at the beginning of your program. The two-day orientation is also included in your program fees.

    Additional benefits include paid vacation, funding for college courses, and an optional travel month at the end of your program.

  • The interview usually only takes a few minutes, but you might have to wait longer for your appointment. Before the interview, your documents will be checked and your fingerprints taken. You’ll then be asked a few simple questions. Don’t worry - the questions are easy to answer.

  • In the USA, pocket money is regulated by the government: the host family must pay at least $195.75 per week. At AuPairCare, the pocket money is even at least $215 per week.

  • The waiting time for an appointment can vary and may change weekly depending on the number of applications. You can check the current waiting times for your city on the U.S. Department of State website.

  • Yes! US au pairs are required to take college courses during their stay. According to US Department of State rules, you must complete courses totaling 6 credits or 60 hours at a local community college during your au pair year. If you extend your stay, you’ll need to take more courses. College is a great way to learn something new, experience university life, and make friends.

  • For the Au pair program in the USA, you need to apply for a J1 Cultural Exchange visa. AuPairCare, as your official sponsor, supports you throughout the application process and provides guidance, tips, and help for your consulate interview.

  • Yes. If the only available appointments are after your program start date, you can request an emergency appointment. First, schedule a regular appointment on the embassy’s website, even if you can’t make that date. Then the option to request an emergency appointment will appear.

    Make sure you have all your application documents ready (like your DS-2019), as an emergency appointment could be available as soon as the next day. Keep in mind that US authorities won’t consider your booked flights or personal travel plans when scheduling.

  • To get your J1 visa, you need to go in person to the nearest US Embassy. There’s a fee and some paperwork, but we’ll guide you through all the forms and steps. You’ll usually get an appointment in 2–4 weeks, and processing takes about 5–7 working days. Make sure there are at least 5 weeks between matching with your host family and your departure so you have enough time for your visa.

    Your flight to the USA is booked by our American colleagues at least two weeks before departure. You can find all details and your electronic ticket in your MyAuPairCare portal.

  • Our Au Pair USA program costs 1.290 €. It includes 24/7 support, room and board, a weekly stipend of $215, full insurance, and a two-day orientation in New York City at the start of your stay.