From the Caribbean
to the United States

While many people use the terms "au pair" and "nanny" interchangeably, the two are actually quite distinct. In the United States, an au pair is a young person from another country who moves in with an American host family to help care for their children while also taking part in a cultural exchange program. They come over on a legal one-year visa sponsored through an approved au pair agency, and the U.S. Department of State oversees their working hours and conditions. While the initial commitment is one year, au pairs can choose to extend their stay by 6, 9, or 12 months. Most are eager to experience American culture firsthand, strengthen their English skills, and travel throughout the country. A nanny, by contrast, is a broader term referring to anyone who provides childcare professionally — ranging from formally trained caregivers to those with more informal backgrounds.

Becoming an au pair is a wonderful opportunity for young adults who enjoy working with children and are excited to experience life in the United States as part of a cultural exchange program.

To qualify, applicants must be between 18 and 26 years old when they arrive in the United States, be available to participate in a 12-month cultural exchange program in the United States, and have at least 500 hours of documented childcare experience. Applicants must also have a minimum B1 level of English, be a secondary school graduate or equivalent, be in good health, and have no criminal record.

Au pairs should genuinely enjoy working with children and be responsible, adaptable, and open to experiencing a new culture. You should also be ready to live with an American host family, become part of their everyday life, and embrace the many new experiences that come with spending a year in the United States.

The ABC Au Pair program fee is $1,499 USD. This fee includes application review and document processing, guidance throughout the application process, assistance preparing for host family interviews, access to our host family matching process, support throughout matching and placement, guidance with the J-1 visa application process, and pre-departure preparation and program support.

Additional Costs to Consider

There are some expenses that are not included in the $1,499 program fee and are the responsibility of the au pair. These may include U.S. visa and SEVIS fees (approximately $220 USD), costs associated with obtaining required documents such as a passport, police clearance, medical forms, or other required records, and transportation to and from your U.S. Embassy or Consulate appointment.

Au pairs should also plan for any travel, airfare, or hotel expenses required within their home country during the application and visa process, additional baggage or luggage fees charged by the airline, and any costs that exceed the educational allowance provided as part of the U.S. Au Pair Program.

At ABC Au Pair, we believe in being transparent about program costs from the beginning. Before committing to the program, you will receive clear information about the fees you are responsible for so you can plan and prepare for your au pair experience with confidence.

In addition to the program fee paid by the au pair, your host family also pays fees to participate in the au pair program. These fees help cover many of the services, benefits, and support provided to you before you arrive and throughout your year in the United States.

This includes host family application and document processing, host family matching services, assistance throughout the interview and matching process, au pair travel arrangements to the United States, health insurance, transportation guidance to your host family, orientation and program preparation, local support from a Local Care Coordinator, and access to 24-hour emergency assistance. Your program also includes return travel arrangements upon successful completion of your au pair year.

During your placement, your host family is responsible for providing you with a minimum weekly stipend of $195.75US and contributing up to $500 toward your required educational coursework. After successfully completing your program, you’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy a 30-day travel period in the United States before returning home.

Yes. To qualify for the au pair program, applicants must have at least 500 hours of documented childcare experience with non-family members.

If you would like to care for children under the age of two, you must also have at least 200 hours of documented experience caring specifically for infants and young children under age two.

Childcare experience may include babysitting, working in a daycare or preschool, nannying, tutoring or mentoring children, coaching, volunteering with children, or other hands-on childcare experience that can be verified.

Yes. A minimum B1 level of English is required to participate in the au pair program. You do not need to be perfectly fluent, but you should be comfortable communicating in everyday situations, understanding instructions, and connecting with your host family and the children in your care.

As part of your application, you’ll complete the iTEP English assessment to confirm your current level of English. Don’t worry—this isn’t about having perfect English! It simply helps ensure that you have the communication skills needed to feel comfortable, confident, and prepared for your au pair experience in the United States.

One of the wonderful benefits of becoming an au pair is the opportunity to use English every day. Living with your host family, meeting new people, and experiencing life in the U.S. will give you plenty of opportunities to build your confidence and continue improving your English throughout your au pair year.

You may begin your application without a driver’s license; however, you will generally need to have a valid driver’s license before your profile can enter the matching process. Because many host families rely on their au pair to help with school transportation, activities, and other child-related driving, having a license can significantly increase the number of families available to you.

There may be exceptions for direct placements with a host family that does not require their au pair to drive. If this applies to you, please contact ABC Au Pair so we can discuss your individual placement.

Even with a direct placement, we strongly recommend obtaining your driver’s license before beginning the program. If your circumstances change and you need to find a new host family during your au pair year, not having a driver’s license may make it much more difficult to find another suitable match.

The Au Pair Program requires a minimum commitment of 12 months, meaning you cannot participate for a shorter period of time. However, if you love your experience and want to stay longer, you absolutely have that option! Au pairs who wish to continue their time in the U.S. can extend their program — either with their current host family or with a new one — for an additional 6, 9, or 12 months.