How to Become a Host Family

Becoming a host family with Au Pair in America^® is simple with personalized support at every step of the way.

From applying to matching to getting ready for your au pair’s arrival, our team is here to guide you. With just a few steps, you’ll be on your way to finding the perfect match for your family!

The Application and Matching Process

Step 1

Register

Step 2

Submit a Host Family Application

Applying is easy and can take as little as 10 minutes! With no cost to apply, you can start viewing full au pair profiles right away without commitment.

Apply Now

Step 3

Search & Interview Au Pairs

Our website makes matching with compatible au pairs simple. Now that you’ve applied, you can view more detailed information on their au pair profiles and favorite those that align with your preferences — all from your host family account.

Click the “Contact Information” button on an au pair profile to set up an interview and discover if you’re a great fit for each other.

View Au Pairs

Step 4

Invite & Confirm Your Match

After you’ve interviewed an au pair candidate and feel confident you’ve found the perfect fit, click “match.” This sends an invite to your prospective au pair; the match is confirmed after they accept your invitation.

The au pair’s confirmation of your match reaffirms their commitment to your family — they’re just as excited about this opportunity as you are!

Get Started

au pair with host children playing on playground

How Soon Can My Au Pair Arrive?

Au pair arrival depends on several factors:

Visa processing status (in the U.S. and their country of origin)
The au pair’s arrival availability (which you can view on their profile)
You! How fast you complete the application and matching process.

Au pairs can arrive as soon as:

8 weeks if you apply and match quickly and the au pair’s visa process is smooth.
8 – 12 weeks is the average time it takes host families from registration to the au pair’s arrival.
2 weeks for rematches and 5 weeks for Year2 au pairs (au pairs already in the U.S.).

View 2025 Arrivals Schedule

FAQs

Have questions?  
Explore our FAQs for helpful answers.

View All FAQs

To apply to host an au pair, you must register for a free host family application.

Submitting an application for Au Pair in America^® can take as little as 10 minutes.

Yes, our team is here to support you at every step of the way.

After registering and submitting a free application, you can use your host famly account to view au pairs and search for one that matches your family’s preferences. Next, you can interview au pairs you’re interested in to ensure they’ll suit your family. Finally, once you’ve found an au pair you like, you can send an invitation to match. If they accept, your au pair match is confirmed!

Matching with an au pair can take as little as a day or two. After you find an au pair profile you like, you can reach out for an interview and match right away!

Yes, all Au Pair in America^® host families host an au pair of their choosing, ensuring that they are a perfect fit for your family.

Au Pair in America^® makes the process of selecting an au pair easy. You can view au pair profiles on our website and make your choice based on your unique preferences including relevant experience, age, sex, country of origin, and more.

Yes, male au pairs are available. Host families can select an au pair based on sex, nationality, childcare preference, and much more!