Au Pair Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Au pair positions in the U.S. are specifically sponsored through the J-1 visa Exchange Visitor Program, not traditional work visas. This cultural exchange program allows young adults (typically 18-26) to live with American families for 12-24 months, providing childcare in exchange for room, board, and a cultural experience. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsGENERAL DUTIES
The Nanny is to provide responsible care for the Children and assistance to the household. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
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Gentle Guidance: In no event will a Child be allowed to engage in any activity that is deemed dangerous by the Parents or the Nanny. The Children are not to be spanked, hit, or touched with force for transgressions.
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Transportation: The Children will not be transported without the Parents’ prior consent and instruction. The Children will not be transported to someone else’s home without prior consent of the Parents. All transportation will be with the parent's vehicle and with proper car seat provided and approved by parents. No person, other than parent-approved child care providers or babysitters, has permission to transport the Children without the Parents’ prior consent. The Parents will cover all reasonable associated fees, including the Nanny’s car insurance and fuel (the Nanny will be reimbursed for fuel costs associated with transporting the Children, not for personal trips).
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Meals: The Nanny will arrange for full meals three times per day, healthy snacks and bottles of milk.
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Naps: Nanny will ensure that Children follow the nap schedule and routine provided by the Parents.
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Guidelines for Releasing Children: The Nanny will not release Children to any relative, neighbor, family friend, or friend’s parent without the Parents’ direct authorization to do so.
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Time Outside: The Nanny will spend at least sixty (60) minutes each day outside with the Child, weather permitting in the backyard of parent homes or parent-approved parks. The Nanny will ensure adequate sun or rain/snow protection for the Child (e.g., sunscreen, jackets, etc. to be provided by the Parents).
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Regular Updates to Parents: The Nanny will provide the Parents with a daily update via text message or email.
DOMESTIC DUTIES
The Nanny will be responsible for the following domestic duties as part of her job:
i. Baby dishes/bottles: Daily cleaning of all bottles, cups, dishes, etc. that are used by the Child and the Nanny (e.g., the Nanny will put dirty dishes in the dishwasher, run the appropriate dishwasher). The Nanny will also vacuum and/or sweep under the kitchen tables and wipe down tables and countertops after eating, as needed.
ii. Play Area: Pick up toys and clothes daily in the Child’s play areas (including Child’s rooms, play room, living room, and outside) and rotate toys periodically.
iii. Laundry: weekly cleaning and ironing of the Children's clothes and bedding.
iv. Cooking: Weekly meal planning and pre-cooking meals for the Children, to be stored in the freezer. The meals to be prepared for the Children are to be agreed upon with the Parents prior to being made.
v. Activities: Organizing, scheduling, and attending appropriate classes, play dates, and activities, to be agreed with the Parents.
GENERAL DUTIES
The Nanny is to provide responsible care for the Children and assistance to the household. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
-
Gentle Guidance: In no event will a Child be allowed to engage in any activity that is deemed dangerous by the Parents or the Nanny. The Children are not to be spanked, hit, or touched with force for transgressions.
-
Transportation: The Children will not be transported without the Parents’ prior consent and instruction. The Children will not be transported to someone else’s home without prior consent of the Parents. All transportation will be with the parent's vehicle and with proper car seat provided and approved by parents. No person, other than parent-approved child care providers or babysitters, has permission to transport the Children without the Parents’ prior consent. The Parents will cover all reasonable associated fees, including the Nanny’s car insurance and fuel (the Nanny will be reimbursed for fuel costs associated with transporting the Children, not for personal trips).
-
Meals: The Nanny will arrange for full meals three times per day, healthy snacks and bottles of milk.
-
Naps: Nanny will ensure that Children follow the nap schedule and routine provided by the Parents.
-
Guidelines for Releasing Children: The Nanny will not release Children to any relative, neighbor, family friend, or friend’s parent without the Parents’ direct authorization to do so.
-
Time Outside: The Nanny will spend at least sixty (60) minutes each day outside with the Child, weather permitting in the backyard of parent homes or parent-approved parks. The Nanny will ensure adequate sun or rain/snow protection for the Child (e.g., sunscreen, jackets, etc. to be provided by the Parents).
-
Regular Updates to Parents: The Nanny will provide the Parents with a daily update via text message or email.
DOMESTIC DUTIES
The Nanny will be responsible for the following domestic duties as part of her job:
i. Baby dishes/bottles: Daily cleaning of all bottles, cups, dishes, etc. that are used by the Child and the Nanny (e.g., the Nanny will put dirty dishes in the dishwasher, run the appropriate dishwasher). The Nanny will also vacuum and/or sweep under the kitchen tables and wipe down tables and countertops after eating, as needed.
ii. Play Area: Pick up toys and clothes daily in the Child’s play areas (including Child’s rooms, play room, living room, and outside) and rotate toys periodically.
iii. Laundry: weekly cleaning and ironing of the Children's clothes and bedding.
iv. Cooking: Weekly meal planning and pre-cooking meals for the Children, to be stored in the freezer. The meals to be prepared for the Children are to be agreed upon with the Parents prior to being made.
v. Activities: Organizing, scheduling, and attending appropriate classes, play dates, and activities, to be agreed with the Parents.
See all 104+ Au Pair Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Au Pair roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Au Pair Jobs
Target designated sponsor organizations
Only State Department-designated sponsors can facilitate J-1 au pair placements. Major sponsors include Au Pair in America, Cultural Care, and InterExchange. Apply directly through their programs, not individual families.
Meet strict age and education requirements
You must be 18-26 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent. Previous childcare experience (minimum 200 hours) and basic English proficiency are mandatory for program acceptance.
Understand the exchange program structure
This isn't traditional employment, it's cultural exchange. You'll receive weekly stipends, educational allowances, and room/board rather than standard wages. The focus is cultural immersion alongside childcare responsibilities.
Plan for the 12-month commitment
Most J-1 au pair programs require a full year commitment. Early departure can complicate future U.S. visa applications. Extension to 24 months is possible with sponsor approval.
Complete required training components
All au pairs must complete 32 hours of childcare training before arrival, plus 6 credit hours of academic coursework during their stay. Sponsors coordinate these educational requirements.
Prepare for intensive matching process
Families and au pairs undergo extensive background checks, interviews, and compatibility assessments. The matching process can take 2-6 months, so start early and be patient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a college degree to be an au pair?
No college degree is required for J-1 visa au pair programs. You need a high school diploma or equivalent, plus 200+ hours of documented childcare experience. Some sponsor organizations prefer candidates with post-secondary education or specialized childcare training, but it's not mandatory for program eligibility.
Can au pairs change host families during their program?
Yes, but family changes must go through your sponsor organization, not independently. Valid reasons include personality conflicts, unrealistic expectations, or safety concerns. The sponsor will help facilitate a rematch with a new family, though this process can take several weeks to complete.
What happens after my J-1 au pair program ends?
You have a 30-day grace period to travel or prepare for departure. Some au pairs extend for a second year, while others pursue different visa categories like F-1 student status. You cannot immediately switch to work visas like H-1B visa directly from J-1 au pair status.
Are there nationality restrictions for au pair programs?
J-1 au pair programs are open to most nationalities, but specific sponsor organizations may have country limitations based on their State Department designations. Citizens from countries without strong diplomatic ties to the U.S. may face additional screening requirements or limited sponsor options.
Can I work additional jobs while on a J-1 au pair visa?
Outside employment is strictly prohibited on J-1 au pair status. You can only work for your designated host family providing childcare services. Violating this restriction can result in program termination and future visa complications. Educational activities and volunteer work are generally permitted.
How to find Au Pair jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Au Pair jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international candidates with families offering J-1 visa sponsorship. Focus on registered au pair agencies and host families in suburban areas who frequently sponsor international au pairs. These positions typically offer J-1 Exchange Visitor visas for cultural exchange programs lasting 12-24 months.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Au Pair jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.