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Au Pair in the US: requirements, how it works and alternatives
See how the Au Pair program (J-1 visa) works: age, requirements, childcare hours, duration and what to do if you do not fit.
Redação H2A Works Updated on October 30, 2026 6 min read
The Au Pair is a cultural exchange program, on a J-1 visa, in which a young person lives with an American family and looks after the children in exchange for housing, meals and a stipend. It is a way to experience daily life in the US for a period, not a permanent work visa.
Quick answer: the program is for people aged 18 to 26, with a secondary school diploma and spoken English, and lasts one year, with the possibility of an extension. Selection goes through sponsor agencies authorized by the Department of State. Outside that profile, the H-2A can be an alternative.
Main requirements
According to the Department of State, participants must:
- Be between 18 and 26 years old.
- Have a secondary school diploma or equivalent.
