Nothing screams cultural exchange more than the super multicultural US! The land of the Big Apple, the Grand Canyon, and Route 66. American culture has countless celebrations, among which are Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the 4th of July, that you genuinely cannot miss, and that inspire manu au pairs every year to do their exchange there. Then, why not expose your children to different cultures and languages while receiving flexible childcare support?

Whether you are a future au pair or a host family, let’s walk you through everything you need to know about the au pair programme in the United States: requirements, visas, host family rules, and what everyday life really looks like. Before anyone starts packing their suitcase or decorating a guest room, both au pairs and host families need to make sure they meet the American program requirements.

For Au Pairs: No Big Apple Without the Basics 🇺🇸

Dreaming about starting your au pair adventure in the United States? Before you can pack your bags, there are a few key criteria you’ll need to meet. The USA is different from most countries: every au pair stay must be arranged through an official U.S. government–designated agency that manages the J-1 Au Pair visa. This means the process is structured, safe, and supportive from start to finish, for both au pairs and families. You’ll need:

• To be between 18 and 26 years old
  
• To have finished secondary school or completed a vocational program
  
• To be confident in English, both spoken and understood
  
• To have experience caring for children
  
  • (Planning to live with a family that has a little one under two? Then you’ll need to show at least 200 hours of infant-care experience.)
    
• Be single and without children of your own
  
• Be open to spending a full year living with an American host family
  
• Be ready to take part in daily childcare responsibilities and family life
  
• Have the financial means to cover the fees of an officially accredited U.S. au pair agency (required for obtaining the J-1 visa)
  

If you can tick all these boxes, great news! Your U.S. au pair journey can officially begin. If not, don’t be discouraged. Many other countries offer fantastic au pair opportunities too!

Why Choose the USA?

Life as an au pair in the USA is a blend of cultural adventures, family time, and personal growth. You will live with your host family and become part of their daily routine, from school runs and bedtime stories to summer barbecues and weekend outings.

A typical au pair week may include 30–45 hours of childcare, helping with children’s meals, handling school drop-offs and pick-ups, and assisting with after-school activities. You may also spend time on playtime, homework support, and bedtime routines. As part of the program, you will attend classes, with your host family contributing $500 toward your education. You are guaranteed at least one and a half days off per week, as well as one full weekend off each month.

🇺🇸 Experience American life from the inside
🎓 Improve English every single day
🏞️ Explore iconic places like New York, California, Florida, and more
👨‍👩‍👧 Build lifelong bonds with your host family
📚 Receive an educational allowance as part of the J-1 program
🎆 Celebrate American traditions: Halloween, Thanksgiving, 4th of July
🚙 Travel across one of the most diverse countries in the world

For Host Families

Thinking about inviting an au pair into your home? The American program also has specific guidelines for families who want to participate. To host an au pair in the USA, your family should:

• Have a child under 18 who lives full-time in your household
  
• Offer a private bedroom and three meals a day to your au pair
  
• Integrate the au pair into your household by involving them in childcare and light child-related duties
  
• Commit to hosting for 12 months
  
• Speak English in everyday life
  
• Be either U.S. citizens or hold valid long-term U.S. residence permits
  
• Cover the financial obligations of the program
  
  • (This includes an agency fee of roughly $6,000–$8,000, the au pair’s weekly pocket money, and a $500 education contribution.)
    

If you meet these expectations, wonderful! You’re well on your way to welcoming an au pair into your family.

A quick but important reminder: U.S. host families must arrange the placement through an officially recognized sponsoring agency. This ensures the program complies with J-1 visa regulations and maintains a safe, supportive structure for everyone involved. At Nina.Care you can find your perfect match and find an agency together to do the visa process together.

Life as a Host Family 🇺🇸

Hosting an au pair means welcoming someone from another culture into your home, not just for help, but for connection.

Families often say their au pair becomes:
💛 A big sister or brother to their children
🌍 A window into a new culture
👨‍👩‍👧 An extended family member
🧡 A positive, reliable source of childcare support

The cultural exchange goes both ways, your children learn about a different country, your au pair learns American traditions, and everyone grows together.

Ready to Begin Your American Adventure? 🇺🇸

Whether you’re dreaming of becoming an au pair in the USA or you’re a host family ready to welcome one, the U.S. au pair program is a life-changing experience full of connection, learning, and adventure.

At Nina.care, we help both sides prepare, match, and navigate the next steps.  Ready to take the next step toward your American dream? Let’s make it happen!