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How many hours does the Au Pair work per week?

The Au Pair works up to 45 hours per week, with one and a half days off, following a formal contract to ensure balance between work, studies, and rest during the cultural exchange in the USA.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on December 12, 2025
2 min read
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The Au Pair program, regulated by the J visa, is an excellent opportunity for cultural and professional exchange, allowing young people to work caring for children while getting to know the culture of the United States. This program has well-defined rules to ensure both the well-being of the Au Pair and the fulfillment of obligations with the host family.

Regarding the work schedule, the program guidelines establish that the Au Pair must work a maximum of 45 hours per week. This workload includes activities agreed upon with the host family and guarantees that the participant has enough time for studies, leisure, and rest.

Furthermore, it is essential to have one and a half days off per week, ensuring a healthy balance between work and personal time. It is worth noting that all work terms must be clearly formalized in a contract, including specific activities, distribution of hours, and days off.

Following these guidelines is fundamental to comply with United States immigration laws, avoiding issues that could compromise your status in the country. Finally, it is always wise to seek information from official sources and obtain proper guidance when considering exchange programs. Be wary of those who promise miraculous results or use exaggerated marketing campaigns. Verifying information and strictly following the rules ensure a safe and enriching experience for everyone involved.

Learn more about J-1 Visa

Type
Cultural exchange
Duration
Program duration
2-year rule
Applies in some cases
Processing
2-6 weeks
All about J-1 Visa
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.

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How many hours does the Au Pair work per week?

The Au Pair works up to 45 hours per week, with one and a half days off, following a formal contract to ensure balance between work, studies, and rest during the cultural exchange in the USA.

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