So, you live in the United States and want to host an au pair? What are the requirements for becoming a host family in the United States? What does the process consist of? In short, how do you become a host family in the United States?
Requirements for the host family
These are the requirements for becoming a host family in the United States:
- You are a U.S citizen or legal permanent resident
- The family language is English
- You have adequate financial resources to fulfill all financial obligations
- Your au pair should take care of your children and do light housework
Contract
Au pairs and American host families must sign an au pair contract with the specifics of their agreement, such as working hours, schedule, holidays, weekly stipend, and other rules.
Minimum and maximum stay
Au pairs in the United States can stay in the country for 12 months with the option to extend 6, 9 or 12 more months. The residence permit for EU and non-EU au pairs is only valid for the length of employment within the 2-year stay. During this time, the au pairs can leave and enter the United States freely.
Earnings
As a host family in the United States, you will pay your au pair a weekly stipend of $195.75. Au pairs also receive their weekly stipend during holidays and when they fall ill. Au pairs are not subject to taxes on their weekly stipend.
Child care training
Au pairs should receive a minimum of 32 hours of child care training before they start. The training should include 8 hours of safety instructions of which at least 4 must be infant related and 24 hours of child development instruction of which at least 4 shall be devoted to specific training of children under the age of 2.
Educational component
Au pairs should receive not less than six semester hours (or their equivalent) of academic credit in formal educational settings at accredited U.S. post-secondary institutions. Host families must pay up to $500 towards the cost of such academic course work.
Amount of working hours
Au pairs in the United States can work a maximum of 45 hours per week with a maximum of 10 hours per day. They cannot work more than 45 hours a week even for more pocket money.
Days off and holidays
Au pairs in the US should have at least 1.5 days off per week including a complete weekend off each month.
According to the United States law, an au pair should get a minimum of two weeks vacation for each 12 month long exchange term. During their holiday, they should still be paid their regular weekly stipend.
Are you ready to become a host family in the United States?
As discussed, there are a number of conditions that you must meet to host an au pair. You have a lot of responsibility as a host family in the United States! No worries, we will guide you when you have questions.
If you want to go ahead and look for an au pair, you can register here. We’d love to look for the perfect candidate for your family!