As an au pair, you know what is required of you to be part of the au pair program. Have you ever wondered what host families have to do to host an au pair? Are there even any rules?! If you have ever wondered, we are here to help you answer some of these questions.
Please remember, the rules below are the basic rules that ALL host families have to follow, no matter which agency they sign up with. Some agencies have additional rules, however, the government’s rules are the core of this program.
We have found them on the Department of State government website and simply copy-pasted them in the text below. You can look it up yourself at:
https://j1visa.state.gov/programs/au-pair#hostsemployers
Host families are required to:
- Pay up to $500 toward the cost of the au pair’s required academic course work;
- Provide an appropriate suitable private room and three meals a day for the au pair;
- Be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents fluent in spoken English;
- Pay a weekly minimum stipend based on the program option selected;
- Give the au pair one complete weekend off each month (Friday evening to Monday morning);
- Facilitate the care provider’s requirement to enroll in and attend an accredited post-secondary institution to fulfill her Educational Component requirement;
- Provide a minimum of two weeks paid vacation for each 12 month exchange term (prorated for extension periods of six or nine months), in addition to regular weekly/monthly time off;
- Include the au pair whenever possible in family meals, outings, holidays and other events; and
- Host families and Au Pairs must sign an Agreement detailing the au pair’s obligation to provide child care prior to the Au Pair’s placement in the host family’s home. In the event of questions regarding refunds or other adjustments, host families and au pairs should refer to their agreements. The Department of State does not have jurisdiction over contractual obligations.
By Sam, Au Pair Buzz, November 25th, 2018
