Visas
Au Pair in America has been designated by the U.S. government as
an Exchange Visitor Program, enabling participants to obtain a J-1
visa. The J-1 visa permits the participant to reside legally in
the United States for 12 months while caring for children in a program-approved
host family. Au pairs/companions in good standing may apply for
an extension of stay to continue participation in the program an
additional 6, 9 or 12 months.
J-1 visa regulations state that the au pair/companion must meet
her responsibilities to the host family, not accept paid employment
outside of the family and return home at the end of her program
participation. Providing child care for an American family beyond
the 12-month visa or extended duration of stay is illegal.
Participants who leave the program early and remain in the United
States are in breach of visa regulations. If this happens, Au Pair
in America notifies the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and
the U.S. Department of State.
The DHS allows J-1 visa holders to take an additional month at
the conclusion of the exchange to travel in the United States. During
that time, participants are free to travel independently of the
program. They are not permitted to provide child care during their
travel month in the United States.
Insurance
Medical insurance for the au pair/companion includes treatment
(less a $200 deductible per 12-month term) by a physician or surgeon
and hospitalization (semi-private room) to a maximum of $100,000
per accident or illness. Exempt are pre-existing medical conditions,
pregnancy, mental illness and dental treatment. An optional insurance
plan that extends the medical coverage (to $500,000)
and protects against loss of baggage is offered.
Au Pair in America is among the select few in-home care programs
that offer Personal Liability Protection for its participants.
Au pairs are covered for up to $100,000 under our basic insurance
policy (automobile coverage not included). This increased protection
benefits host families and au pairs/companions.
Au Pair Fees and Accountability
All au pairs pay a Program Fee to Au Pair in America that covers some of the costs of processing the application forms, arranging the placement, issuing and sending visa papers, and flight arrangements to New York. The Program Fee also includes a contribution toward the Basic Insurance Plan. An optional upgraded insurance plan (Comprehensive Insurance Plan) is available for an additional fee.
Applicants must also budget for a $100 U.S. Embassy visa fee, an international driving permit, obtaining medical and criminal reports, and travel costs. Many of our agents charge the applicant an interview fee paid locally in their own currency. Apart from the visa fee, the amount of these additional costs varies considerably from country to country.
Au pairs who successfully complete the program (12 months) and the educational requirement are eligible for a flight home (a surcharge may apply) and a Completion Bonus of up to U.S.$200. Candidates who do not successfully complete the program for any reason will not receive the Completion Bonus and flight home. There is no Completion Bonus on the EduCare program
Transportation
Flights are offered from more than 20 departure cities (or "gateways")
worldwide at no charge to au pairs. Au pairs traveling to or from
a city other than a designated departure city will incur surcharges.
However, the au pair is responsible for transportation from the
host community to one of two New York area international airports
at the end of the program. Other departure cities are offered at
a reasonable cost.
Online Resources
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