Does the Au Pair choose the agency or the family first?

The Au Pair Program in the United States is a cultural exchange opportunity that allows young people to live with a host family while assisting with childcare. This process is regulated by the Department of State and involves well-defined steps to ensure that both the Au Pair and the host family have a positive and safe experience.

Normally, the first step for anyone wishing to participate in the program is to choose an agency designated by the US government. These agencies are responsible for guiding, providing support, and ensuring compliance with the program’s rules. When enrolling in an agency, the candidate goes through a profile review, receives orientation, and then gains access to a database of pre-selected and verified host families.

From there, the decision to choose the family is made by the Au Pair, but always with the agency”s supervision and mediation. In other words, the Au Pair does not directly select the family before joining the agency. The agency acts as an intermediary, ensuring that the profiles of candidates and families are compatible and that the program”s conditions are respected.

Therefore, choosing the agency comes first, and only after this step does the Au Pair have the opportunity to meet and select the family that best meets their expectations. It is important to remember that following immigration laws and the specific program rules guarantees the safety and success of the exchange. Always seek information from official sources and specialized companies. This way, you minimize the risk of falling for scams or being influenced by marketing campaigns that promise results without legal backing.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.