Country guide · 1,120 families hosting
Au pair in United States.
Agency-run J-1 cultural exchange. Here is what the exchange typically looks like there — money, hours, paperwork and pace of life.
- Typical pocket money
- US$200–US$250 / week
- Hours
- Max 45 hours / week
- Time off
- 1.5 days off + 1 full weekend a month
- Typical stay
- 12 months (extendable to 24)
- Language
- English
The visa, in plain language
The United States is the one country where you cannot arrange an au pair year privately. Every placement runs through a State Department designated sponsor agency on a J-1 visa, with a federally set weekly stipend and a study allowance.
- 01
Apply through a State Department designated sponsor agency
- 02
Complete interviews, background checks and childcare hour requirements
- 03
Match with a family through the agency and receive your DS-2019
- 04
Attend the agency's arrival training before joining your family
Typical current practice, January 2026 — not legal advice. Always check the country's official immigration guidance before applying.
What makes United States different
- Federally set stipend and a study allowance towards college credits
- Local coordinator and a big cohort of au pairs for support
- A 13th month of travel time at the end of the year
- Longer hours than Europe — 45 a week is normal, not an exception
Read before you go
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