Au Pair in the USA: Requirements, J-1 Visa, and How It Works in 2026

The Au Pair program in the United States is one of the most accessible and safest ways for young Brazilians to have an international experience with legal work, cultural immersion, and English language development. Regulated by the U.S. Department of State, the program allows participants between 18 and 26 years old to live with a host family, care for children, and, in exchange, receive accommodation, meals, a weekly stipend, and educational assistance.

Unlike other exchange programs, Au Pair offers a genuine experience of American daily life. The participant becomes part of the family’s routine, creating bonds that often last a lifetime. It is an opportunity that combines personal, professional, and linguistic growth in a single structured program with government backing.

For those considering this experience in 2026, it is essential to understand the requirements, the J-1 visa process, and the real conditions of the program – including rights, duties, and updated values.

How the Program Works

The Au Pair is an official cultural exchange program in the United States, managed by sponsor agencies designated by the Department of State. These agencies are responsible for connecting candidates to host families, issuing the necessary documentation, and monitoring the program throughout its duration.

The standard duration is 12 months, with the possibility of extending for an additional 6 or 12 months. During this period, the Au Pair lives in the host family’s home and assumes responsibilities exclusively related to child care.

In return, the host family must provide a private room, three daily meals, a minimum weekly stipend of US$ 195.75, and up to US$ 500 for educational costs. The stipend is calculated based on the federal minimum wage multiplied by the maximum 45 weekly working hours.

Requirements for Brazilians

To participate in the program, Brazilian candidates must meet the criteria established by the U.S. government and sponsor agencies. Meeting these requirements ensures safety and suitability for all parties involved in the exchange.

• Be between 18 and 26 years old
• Have completed high school
• Have proven experience in child care, whether formal or informal
• Hold a valid driver’s license and have driving experience
• Demonstrate an intermediate level of English, sufficient for daily communication
• Have no criminal record
• Be in good physical and mental health
• Have no children

In addition to personal requirements, the candidate must be accepted by a sponsor agency authorized by the Department of State. This agency will be the bridge between the participant and the host family throughout the program and is also responsible for issuing the DS-2019 form.

The J-1 Visa

The Au Pair program uses the J-1 visa, classified as an exchange and non-immigrant visa. This means the participant must demonstrate the intention to return to their home country at the end of the program. The J-1 is issued specifically for cultural exchange programs approved by the U.S. government.

The process for obtaining the J-1 visa follows these steps:

1. Acceptance by a sponsor agency authorized by the Department of State, which will issue the DS-2019 form
2. Payment of the SEVIS fee (form I-901), mandatory for all exchange program participants
3. Completion of the DS-160 form, the online non-immigrant visa application
4. Scheduling and attending the consular interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Brazil

It is essential to gather all documentation in advance and prepare adequately for the consular interview, which assesses both the candidate’s suitability for the program and their ties to Brazil. Demonstrating clarity about the program and personal goals significantly increases the chances of approval.

Rights and Duties

The program has clear rules that protect both the Au Pair and the host family. Understanding these conditions before departure is essential for a successful and conflict-free experience.

Regarding the work schedule, the Au Pair may work a maximum of 45 hours per week and 10 hours per day. The minimum weekly stipend of US$ 195.75 cannot be withheld for any reason – not for accidents, phone bills, absences due to illness, or any damages. Payment must be made weekly, without exceptions.

The rights guaranteed by the program include:

• 1.5 consecutive days off per week
• At least one full weekend off per month
• Two weeks of paid vacation during the program period
• Private room in the host family’s home
• Three daily meals
• Educational assistance of up to US$ 500 for courses at American institutions

The Au Pair’s responsibilities are exclusively related to the children: preparing children’s meals, helping with homework, taking and picking up from school and extracurricular activities, organizing educational games, and keeping the children’s rooms and belongings tidy. The Au Pair is not a housekeeper – general house cleaning tasks are not part of their contractual obligations.

Benefits of the Experience

The Au Pair experience offers a unique combination of advantages that are rarely found in other exchange programs. The cultural immersion is deep, as the participant lives daily with an American family, understanding the country’s customs, traditions, and social dynamics in an organic and natural way.

English language development is accelerated by constant practice, both with the family and in social and academic settings. For many participants, the level of fluency achieved in one year as an Au Pair surpasses that of years of formal study in Brazil.

The program also allows for travel throughout the United States during time off and vacation periods. The connections formed with the host family and with other Au Pairs from various countries create an international network of contacts that lasts for years. Financially, the combination of accommodation, meals, and a weekly stipend allows the participant to save money while living abroad.

Challenges and Preparation

Despite the many benefits, the experience also presents challenges that deserve attention. Cultural adaptation can be intense in the first few months, with significant differences in routine, food, communication, and even sense of humor. Homesickness is natural and expected, especially for those who have never lived outside Brazil for an extended period.

Clear and open communication with the host family is the foundation of a successful experience. Expectations should be aligned from the start, and any conflicts should be resolved through dialogue – always with the support of the sponsor agency as a mediator.

Emotional preparation is as important as gathering documentation. Researching the region where the family lives, talking to former program participants, and maintaining an active support network contribute significantly to a positive and transformative experience. The Au Pair program is not just a work program abroad – it is a journey of growth that marks the lives of thousands of young Brazilians every year.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.