Au Pair in America and EduCare in America are programs designated by the Department of State to sponsor an au pair/companion on an Exchange Visitor Program intended to provide its participants an opportunity to “learn about American culture, improve English language skills and to assist host families with child care while living with American families as a guest member ‘on par’ for a 12 month cultural exchange.”
Since 1986, the program has evolved, and legislative authorization continues to distinguish this program from other in-home child care options. The government has issued regulations that establish the framework for recruitment, placement and monitoring of au pair/companion and host family relationships.
The regulations are included in the Host Family Guidelines for a Successful Year available on your host family site. The Code of Federal Regulations can also be found online; au pair regulations are sited at section 62.31.
The Social Security Administration will issue a “Valid for Work Only With DHS Authorization” social security card to any au pair/companion participating in a Department of State-authorized au pair program. To apply for a restricted working social security card, the au pair must go in person to the local Social Security Office in their community. They must go at least four business days after their arrival in the United States with the following documents:
- Valid Passport
- DS 2019 form
- I-94 card print out from the cbp website
- Proof of identification that is at least one year old (e.g. passport, driver’s license, birth certificate)
Social Security will verify the au pair’s status in SEVIS before a social security card number can be assigned. If there is a discrepancy with information, the Social Security Office may deny the au pair a social security card and request a manual verification of data, which would take additional time.
If the Social Security office says that they cannot issue a social security card and returns the application and documents, please call Fiorella Ciralli at Au Pair in America, (800) 928 -7247, ext. 5087, or email apiacompliance@aifs.com for further assistance.
