Hi! My name is Lisa and I’m loving being an Au Pair. I live in a small town near New York City and I’m really beginning to settle in, I pretty much have a whole new life here now with friends, college and hopefully soon some volunteer work. 
Host Families The Visa The Visa The Visa
The Visa
Au Pair in America is recognized by the U.S. Government, which means we are able to act as your sponsor for a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa. The J-1 visa is the only legal way to work as an Au Pair in the USA.
Your visa will be valid for 12 months as an Au Pair, followed by a 30-day period which allows you to continue travelling in the USA.
In order to apply for your J-1 visa, you will need to attend a personal interview at the US Consulate - this is a requirement for all ‘J’ visa applicants. US Consulates are located in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.
Extending your stay
Upon completion of a successful year, you have the option to extend your visa for additional 6, 9 or 12 months. You can either stay on with your current host family or explore a different part of America by matching with a different family. Au Pairs who are approved for a program extension will receive the Completion Bonus at the end of their first 12 month term. (please note that Edu Care Companions DO NOT receive a completion bonus)
If you extend your visa then your weekly pocket money increases and your host family will also pay for you to continue with your studies.
Weekly pocket money during your extension period will be | |
|---|---|
| Au Pair in America | US$ 176.85 |
| Au Pair Extraordinaire | US$ 225 |
| Educare in America | US$ 132.64 |
Additional Study Allowance
You are expected to continue your studies while in the US.
As a Au Pair in America or Au Pair Extraordinaire participant you will receive an additional US$250.00 toward your course for the 6 month extension, and US$500.00 for a longer extension.
Educare companions receive US$500.00 toward courses for the 6 month extension, and US$1000 for a longer extension.
Insurance
You will continue to receive Basic Medical cover at no cost during your extended stay. Details on how to extend the Comprehensive Insurance Package will be provided upon acceptance for extension.