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The Au Pair Care USA Program is a government-regulated cultural exchange opportunity allowing young adults ages 18–26 to live in the United States, provide loving childcare, study at an American college, and create lifelong memories.
Review the official details of the Au Pair Care USA program as authorized under the U.S. Department of State J-1 Exchange Visitor regulations.
The Au Pair Care USA Program is a cultural exchange opportunity that allows qualified young adults to live with an American host family, provide childcare, experience American culture, and further develop their personal, educational and professional skills.
At ARC International Exchange, we assist qualified candidates throughout the application and recruitment process and help guide you toward becoming an Au Pair in the United States.
This program is conducted under the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program and is regulated by the U.S. Department of State.
A life-changing cultural exchange opportunity awaits you! ♡
Private room & meals provided as part of the family.
Allowance provided to take courses in the USA.
18 – 26 years
(must arrive in the U.S. before 27)
Completed secondary/high school or equivalent.
More than 300 hours of verifiable childcare experience (references from non-family members).
Good conversational English and able to communicate effectively.
Driver's license is a plus, but not required.
Good health and must complete a medical examination.
Pass criminal background checks and demonstrate good character.
Approximately 12 months (extensions may be available).
Under the U.S. Department of State regulations, your American host family and program provide comprehensive support, room, board, and compensation.
Enjoy your own private furnished bedroom and 3 healthy meals per day provided by your host family at no cost to you.
Receive a weekly pocket money stipend regulated by the U.S. Department of State to spend on hobbies, travel, shopping, and entertainment.
Your host family contributes toward college credits or courses at an accredited American college or university.
Receive 2 weeks (14 days) of paid vacation time, plus 1.5 consecutive days off each week and at least one full weekend off per month.
Upon successfully completing your 12-month program, you get a 30-day grace period to freely explore the United States from coast to coast!
A dedicated Local Childcare Coordinator lives near you in the U.S. to organize monthly au pair meetups, support you, and ensure your success.
ARC International Exchange guides you with personalized coaching from your initial application through host family matching and visa approval.
Fill out the free online assessment form to confirm your age, childcare hours, and basic background.
Create your welcoming au pair profile, verify 300+ childcare hours with references, and complete medical check.
Connect with verified American host families via video interviews until you find the family you love.
Receive your official DS-2019 sponsorship documents and attend embassy interview with our expert prep.
Arrive in America, meet your host family, start your 12-month cultural exchange and make memories for life!
Complete this quick assessment form. An ARC Au Pair Program Coordinator will review your details and reach out within 24–48 business hours.
Find quick answers to common questions about the Au Pair in the USA program.
An Au Pair is a young person who travels to the United States on a legal J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa to live as an extended family member with an American host family. You provide loving childcare up to 45 hours per week, receive free room and board, a weekly stipend, and an educational allowance to take college courses.
Any verifiable childcare with children from non-family members counts. This includes babysitting for neighbors or family friends, volunteering at daycare centers, teaching Sunday school or summer camps, tutoring, coaching sports, or working at a nursery. ARC helps you organize and document these references properly.
A driver's license is a plus, but not strictly required. Many American families live in urban or walkable areas near parks and schools where driving is not mandatory. If you are currently learning to drive, you can also update your profile once you receive your license.
Yes! Upon successful completion of your initial 12-month program, you can apply for an official program extension of 6, 9, or 12 additional months, either with your existing host family or matching with a new host family in a different U.S. city!
Once your profile is certified, host families across America can view your application. You will have video interviews with interested families, ask questions about their home, children, lifestyle, and city, and both you and the family must mutually agree on the match!
