Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions?
Well, we have answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. Do you have an additional question? Please contact us to speak directly with a member of the Au Pair in USA who can help you get the answers you need.
What is the difference between a nanny and an Au Pair?
Nannies are child-care providers who are paid for their expertise and experience and they are employees of the family for whom they work. Nannies are private providers who are typically costly and ask for many benefits such as health insurance and Social Security from the family. Au Pairs, on the other hand, are participants in a Department of State cultural exchange program. Au Pairs provide up to 45 hours of childcare per week as part of their responsibility to their Host Family and are considered members of the family, NOT domestic servants.
What is the Educational Component of the Au Pair program?
Au Pairs are required to attend an accredited, post-secondary institution, such as a Community College, college or university, to earn at least six credits or 72 classroom hours of education. Host Families contribute up to $500 towards the cost of the education.
How is Au Pair in USA program regulated by the Department of State?
Au Pair in USA agencies are audited annually to ensure compliance with the procedures and reporting requirements set forth in the Department of State's Regulations. Additionally, on an annual basis, Au Pair in USA must submit the following to the Department of State: copies of our advertisement and recruitment materials, a summary of the annual survey we conduct of Host Families and Au Pairs, which includes a summation of all complaints received and their resolutions, and all situations which resulted in the placement of an Au Pair with more than one Host Family.
ONCE THE AU PAIR IS WITH THE HOST FAMILY ::
Can the Au Pairs drive?
Most Au Pairs are fully licensed to drive in their home countries. Some even possess International Drivers' License. If the Host Family wants the Au Pair to drive they must include the Au Pair on their insurance policy and assume the associated costs. Au Pair in USA cannot make any guarantees on the driving ability of an Au Pair. We ask that Host Families ask very specific questions about an Au Pair's driving ability during the interview process.
How long can an Au Pair stay with a Host Family, and can the arrangement be extended?
Au Pairs commit to staying with their Host Family in the U.S. for one year. Four months prior to the end of the program year both the Au Pair and Host Family have the option of extending the match for 6, 9 or 12 months. The host family can also choose a new, overseas Au Pair for a 12 month placement. The current Au Pair can choose to extend with a new Host Family for 12 months. Au Pair in USA Host Families receive discounted program fees for renewing and extending from the agencies.
What responsibilities do Host Families and Au Pairs have?
Either a Host Parent or responsible adult must be present in the home for the first three days that the Au Pair is with the Host Family. This can include a weekend. There must be a signed written agreement between the Host Family and the Au Pair outlining the Au Pair's obligation to provide not more than 45 hours of childcare per week, among other agreements. The Host Family and Au Pair must attend at least one of their sponsoring organization's family day events during the Au Pair's program year.
What are Host Families entitled to?
Host Families are entitled to up to 45 hours of childcare per week, with a maximum of 10 hours in any given day. Host Families have the benefit of someone from another culture living in their home. The Host Family enjoys cultural exchange, exposure to foreign languages - as well, the comfort of experienced childcare in the comfort of their own home.
What are Au Pairs entitled to?
Au Pairs are entitled to a private bedroom, meals, a weekly stipend of $195.75 (the weekly stipend will increase if the federal minimum wage increases), a full weekend off each month, two weeks of paid vacation, and up to $500 towards fulfilling the mandatory education requirement at an accredited, post-secondary institution.
What can you expect as an Au Pair in USA ?
You can expect an exciting year living in the United States with an English speaking family. In exchange, you are expected to give loving and responsible childcare for up to 45 hours each week. You may also be asked to help out with making the children's meals or helping the children keep their rooms tidy. Although you are not a domestic servant, you will be expected to keep the common areas of the home tidy after you use them and to be respectful of the Host Family's home. You will enjoy participation in Cultural Immersion activities with your Host Family while in the US. And you'll have free time to get to know your American community with family and friends.
QUESTIONS OR PROBLEMS ::
If I am not happy with the match, can I back out?
Both the Host Family and the Au Pair have options if they are not happy with the match. In the rare event that an Au Pair is not right for your family, your Local Community Representative will work with you to find a replacement as quickly as possible. However, we do ask that no re-matches be made until after the first two months of the match in order to give both parties time to adjust.
What do we do if there’s an emergency?
You should contact your Local Community Representative or Regional Director. If unavailable or after normal business hours, we have a 24-hour emergency answering service that will connect you to your AuPair in USA agencies.
What if I have questions after the initial selection and match have been made, or what if a problem arises?
Our Local Community Representatives and Regional Directors are available to answer questions and to help and counsel one or both parties in situations where issues or problems arise. Au Pair in USA strives to provide personal service to all program participants before, during and after the match.
SELECTION AND SCREENING PROCESS ::
Do you offer male Au Pairs as well as females?
Yes, Au Pair in USA is pleased to offer male Au Pairs. Male Au Pairs make excellent nurturing caregivers to children. It's like having an older brother for your children.
Can we get an Au Pair at any time of the year?
Yes, Au Pair in USA schedules Au Pair arrival dates throughout the year and according to Host Family and Au Pair needs. Au Pairs can and do arrive any day of the year and all year round. Whenever you need an Au Pair, Au Pair Foundation can make it happen!
How do we select our Au Pair?
Au Pair in USA offers personalized, one on one service to all of program participants, especially during the matching process. You will work closely with your Regional Director to learn more about Au Pair candidates and also to express your needs for childcare and what you would like to have in your future Au Pair. We will provide you with information on Au Pair candidates with whom you are compatible. You will be able to see each candidate's application, essay, references, and medical report. If you are interested in a particular candidate, you will have an opportunity to communicate through e-mail and then interview them over via SKYPE. This will allow you to discuss your interests, child care expectations and background before deciding whether they are right for you. Throughout this process, your Au Pair in USA Regional Director will be on-hand to help you with any questions you might have, advice, as well as tips for interviewing Au Pairs and making that final selection.
How soon after we complete the Host Family Application can we expect to review Au Pair applications?
Once we receive your completed and signed Host Family Application, Host Family Agreement, Host Family Background Check Form, Payment Plan Option, and references, we will start the process with you. Once your Host Family Application is approved, your Local Community Representative will schedule an in-home interview with you to answer any questions you have and to view the private bedroom you plan to use for your future Au Pair. At this time, you will continue working with your Regional Director to begin the matching process and begin to review Au Pair applications.
What Host Family costs are involved?
The cost of an Au Pair is very affordable. While other forms of childcare cost per child, the cost of an Au Pair is per family. It does not matter how many children you have. At Au Pair in USA, we believe in straight-forward pricing - with no hidden fees. Currently, the costs are as follows: Host Family Program Fees paid to Au Pair Foundation, the weekly stipend of $195.75, which is paid directly to the Au Pair, and up to $500 towards the Au Pair's education component. The cost averages out to $354 per week and $7.88 per hour. That is less than $8 per hour for full-time, flexible, affordable and experience in-home childcare! Please visit our Program Fee page and Payment Option page for more details.
What kind of training and experience is required to be an Au Pair?
Au Pairs must be proficient in spoken English and have a high-school diploma or the equivalent. All Au Pairs must have at least 200 hours of documented childcare experience. Additionally, Au Pairs responsible for children under 2 years of age must have at least 200 hours of documented infant child care experience with children who are not family members. Before becoming part of a Host Family, an Au Pair must complete the Department of State required 8 hours of child safety, including 4 hours of infant related safety training, and 24 hours of child development instruction, including at least 4 hours devoted to the care of children under 2 years of age. The child safety training, provided by qualified organizations, includes basic childcare safety and development topics, as well as topics such as stress management and shaken baby syndrome.
TAX QUESTIONS ::
What effect do the IRS reporting requirements have on the Au Pair program?
Host families who wish to take the child-care credit on their Federal Income Tax Return or obtain reimbursement from an employer-sponsored, flexible spending account for the weekly pocket money paid to the au pair, must have a Social Security number for their au pair. In order to qualify for a Social Security number, the au pair must provide proof, on organization letterhead, of her authorization to work as an au pair with an American family. In addition, she must present her Sevis DS-2019 Form (Certificate of Eligibility for Visa Status), her passport containing a valid J1-Visa, and a print-out of her I-94 number. Au Pairs will receive the “authorization for employment” letter in their Welcome Packet that is sent to the Host Family home. Finally, as noted above, all these issues should be discussed with and confirmed by a host family's personal tax advisor, CPA, or accountant.
Do the program fees paid by the Host Family to Au Pair in USA qualify as a child care expense?
Possibly, however, we cannot answer for certain. On this point especially, Au Pair in USA advises Host Families to discuss this issue with their personal tax advisor, CPA, or accountant.
Does the weekly stipend payment to the Au Pair represent a qualifying child care expense to the Host Family?
The Host Family should verify their particular situation with their personal tax advisor, CPA, or accountant. Generally, the child care credit is allowed to a taxpayer who maintains a household for one or more children. The children for whom a dependency exemption can be claimed must be under age thirteen and the child-care expenses must enable the taxpayer to be gainfully employed or to seek gainful employment. These expenses include expenses for household services and the care of the child or children.
Are the weekly stipend payments to the Au Pair taxable to them and is Federal withholding required?
While the weekly stipend given to the Au Pair is not subject to Social Security, it is taxable to the Au Pair as wages. According to the IRS, there is no provision exempting these amounts paid, whether they have "J" visas or not. The IRS considers these payments to represent services rendered as a household "employee." Federal withholding is not required unless the "employee" (Au Pair) asks the "employer" (Host Family) to withhold Federal income tax and the "employer" agrees to do so.
Is withholding of Social Security tax required on the weekly stipend paid to the Au Pair?
The Internal Revenue Code states "Services performed by a non-resident-alien while temporarily in the United States as a non-resident under subparagraph (J) of Section 101(a)(15) of the Immigration and Nationality Act are excluded from coverage under the Social Security Program if the services are performed to carry out the purpose for which the non-resident alien was admitted to the United States."
Do you have questions?
Well, we have answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. Do you have an additional question? Please contact us to speak directly with a member of the Au Pair in USA who can help you get the answers you need.
What is the difference between a nanny and an Au Pair?
Nannies are child-care providers who are paid for their expertise and experience and they are employees of the family for whom they work. Nannies are private providers who are typically costly and ask for many benefits such as health insurance and Social Security from the family. Au Pairs, on the other hand, are participants in a Department of State cultural exchange program. Au Pairs provide up to 45 hours of childcare per week as part of their responsibility to their Host Family and are considered members of the family, NOT domestic servants.
What is the Educational Component of the Au Pair program?
Au Pairs are required to attend an accredited, post-secondary institution, such as a Community College, college or university, to earn at least six credits or 72 classroom hours of education. Host Families contribute up to $500 towards the cost of the education.
How is Au Pair in USA program regulated by the Department of State?
Au Pair in USA agencies are audited annually to ensure compliance with the procedures and reporting requirements set forth in the Department of State's Regulations. Additionally, on an annual basis, Au Pair in USA must submit the following to the Department of State: copies of our advertisement and recruitment materials, a summary of the annual survey we conduct of Host Families and Au Pairs, which includes a summation of all complaints received and their resolutions, and all situations which resulted in the placement of an Au Pair with more than one Host Family.
ONCE THE AU PAIR IS WITH THE HOST FAMILY ::
Can the Au Pairs drive?
Most Au Pairs are fully licensed to drive in their home countries. Some even possess International Drivers' License. If the Host Family wants the Au Pair to drive they must include the Au Pair on their insurance policy and assume the associated costs. Au Pair in USA cannot make any guarantees on the driving ability of an Au Pair. We ask that Host Families ask very specific questions about an Au Pair's driving ability during the interview process.
How long can an Au Pair stay with a Host Family, and can the arrangement be extended?
Au Pairs commit to staying with their Host Family in the U.S. for one year. Four months prior to the end of the program year both the Au Pair and Host Family have the option of extending the match for 6, 9 or 12 months. The host family can also choose a new, overseas Au Pair for a 12 month placement. The current Au Pair can choose to extend with a new Host Family for 12 months. Au Pair in USA Host Families receive discounted program fees for renewing and extending from the agencies.
What responsibilities do Host Families and Au Pairs have?
Either a Host Parent or responsible adult must be present in the home for the first three days that the Au Pair is with the Host Family. This can include a weekend. There must be a signed written agreement between the Host Family and the Au Pair outlining the Au Pair's obligation to provide not more than 45 hours of childcare per week, among other agreements. The Host Family and Au Pair must attend at least one of their sponsoring organization's family day events during the Au Pair's program year.
What are Host Families entitled to?
Host Families are entitled to up to 45 hours of childcare per week, with a maximum of 10 hours in any given day. Host Families have the benefit of someone from another culture living in their home. The Host Family enjoys cultural exchange, exposure to foreign languages - as well, the comfort of experienced childcare in the comfort of their own home.
What are Au Pairs entitled to?
Au Pairs are entitled to a private bedroom, meals, a weekly stipend of $195.75 (the weekly stipend will increase if the federal minimum wage increases), a full weekend off each month, two weeks of paid vacation, and up to $500 towards fulfilling the mandatory education requirement at an accredited, post-secondary institution.
What can you expect as an Au Pair in USA ?
You can expect an exciting year living in the United States with an English speaking family. In exchange, you are expected to give loving and responsible childcare for up to 45 hours each week. You may also be asked to help out with making the children's meals or helping the children keep their rooms tidy. Although you are not a domestic servant, you will be expected to keep the common areas of the home tidy after you use them and to be respectful of the Host Family's home. You will enjoy participation in Cultural Immersion activities with your Host Family while in the US. And you'll have free time to get to know your American community with family and friends.
QUESTIONS OR PROBLEMS ::
If I am not happy with the match, can I back out?
Both the Host Family and the Au Pair have options if they are not happy with the match. In the rare event that an Au Pair is not right for your family, your Local Community Representative will work with you to find a replacement as quickly as possible. However, we do ask that no re-matches be made until after the first two months of the match in order to give both parties time to adjust.
What do we do if there’s an emergency?
You should contact your Local Community Representative or Regional Director. If unavailable or after normal business hours, we have a 24-hour emergency answering service that will connect you to your AuPair in USA agencies.
What if I have questions after the initial selection and match have been made, or what if a problem arises?
Our Local Community Representatives and Regional Directors are available to answer questions and to help and counsel one or both parties in situations where issues or problems arise. Au Pair in USA strives to provide personal service to all program participants before, during and after the match.
SELECTION AND SCREENING PROCESS ::
Do you offer male Au Pairs as well as females?
Yes, Au Pair in USA is pleased to offer male Au Pairs. Male Au Pairs make excellent nurturing caregivers to children. It's like having an older brother for your children.
Can we get an Au Pair at any time of the year?
Yes, Au Pair in USA schedules Au Pair arrival dates throughout the year and according to Host Family and Au Pair needs. Au Pairs can and do arrive any day of the year and all year round. Whenever you need an Au Pair, Au Pair Foundation can make it happen!
How do we select our Au Pair?
Au Pair in USA offers personalized, one on one service to all of program participants, especially during the matching process. You will work closely with your Regional Director to learn more about Au Pair candidates and also to express your needs for childcare and what you would like to have in your future Au Pair. We will provide you with information on Au Pair candidates with whom you are compatible. You will be able to see each candidate's application, essay, references, and medical report. If you are interested in a particular candidate, you will have an opportunity to communicate through e-mail and then interview them over via SKYPE. This will allow you to discuss your interests, child care expectations and background before deciding whether they are right for you. Throughout this process, your Au Pair in USA Regional Director will be on-hand to help you with any questions you might have, advice, as well as tips for interviewing Au Pairs and making that final selection.
How soon after we complete the Host Family Application can we expect to review Au Pair applications?
Once we receive your completed and signed Host Family Application, Host Family Agreement, Host Family Background Check Form, Payment Plan Option, and references, we will start the process with you. Once your Host Family Application is approved, your Local Community Representative will schedule an in-home interview with you to answer any questions you have and to view the private bedroom you plan to use for your future Au Pair. At this time, you will continue working with your Regional Director to begin the matching process and begin to review Au Pair applications.
What Host Family costs are involved?
The cost of an Au Pair is very affordable. While other forms of childcare cost per child, the cost of an Au Pair is per family. It does not matter how many children you have. At Au Pair in USA, we believe in straight-forward pricing - with no hidden fees. Currently, the costs are as follows: Host Family Program Fees paid to Au Pair Foundation, the weekly stipend of $195.75, which is paid directly to the Au Pair, and up to $500 towards the Au Pair's education component. The cost averages out to $354 per week and $7.88 per hour. That is less than $8 per hour for full-time, flexible, affordable and experience in-home childcare! Please visit our Program Fee page and Payment Option page for more details.
What kind of training and experience is required to be an Au Pair?
Au Pairs must be proficient in spoken English and have a high-school diploma or the equivalent. All Au Pairs must have at least 200 hours of documented childcare experience. Additionally, Au Pairs responsible for children under 2 years of age must have at least 200 hours of documented infant child care experience with children who are not family members. Before becoming part of a Host Family, an Au Pair must complete the Department of State required 8 hours of child safety, including 4 hours of infant related safety training, and 24 hours of child development instruction, including at least 4 hours devoted to the care of children under 2 years of age. The child safety training, provided by qualified organizations, includes basic childcare safety and development topics, as well as topics such as stress management and shaken baby syndrome.
TAX QUESTIONS ::
What effect do the IRS reporting requirements have on the Au Pair program?
Host families who wish to take the child-care credit on their Federal Income Tax Return or obtain reimbursement from an employer-sponsored, flexible spending account for the weekly pocket money paid to the au pair, must have a Social Security number for their au pair. In order to qualify for a Social Security number, the au pair must provide proof, on organization letterhead, of her authorization to work as an au pair with an American family. In addition, she must present her Sevis DS-2019 Form (Certificate of Eligibility for Visa Status), her passport containing a valid J1-Visa, and a print-out of her I-94 number. Au Pairs will receive the “authorization for employment” letter in their Welcome Packet that is sent to the Host Family home. Finally, as noted above, all these issues should be discussed with and confirmed by a host family's personal tax advisor, CPA, or accountant.
Do the program fees paid by the Host Family to Au Pair in USA qualify as a child care expense?
Possibly, however, we cannot answer for certain. On this point especially, Au Pair in USA advises Host Families to discuss this issue with their personal tax advisor, CPA, or accountant.
Does the weekly stipend payment to the Au Pair represent a qualifying child care expense to the Host Family?
The Host Family should verify their particular situation with their personal tax advisor, CPA, or accountant. Generally, the child care credit is allowed to a taxpayer who maintains a household for one or more children. The children for whom a dependency exemption can be claimed must be under age thirteen and the child-care expenses must enable the taxpayer to be gainfully employed or to seek gainful employment. These expenses include expenses for household services and the care of the child or children.
Are the weekly stipend payments to the Au Pair taxable to them and is Federal withholding required?
While the weekly stipend given to the Au Pair is not subject to Social Security, it is taxable to the Au Pair as wages. According to the IRS, there is no provision exempting these amounts paid, whether they have "J" visas or not. The IRS considers these payments to represent services rendered as a household "employee." Federal withholding is not required unless the "employee" (Au Pair) asks the "employer" (Host Family) to withhold Federal income tax and the "employer" agrees to do so.
Is withholding of Social Security tax required on the weekly stipend paid to the Au Pair?
The Internal Revenue Code states "Services performed by a non-resident-alien while temporarily in the United States as a non-resident under subparagraph (J) of Section 101(a)(15) of the Immigration and Nationality Act are excluded from coverage under the Social Security Program if the services are performed to carry out the purpose for which the non-resident alien was admitted to the United States."
