Non-Immigrant Visas

Au Pairs

United States visa law prohibits anyone admitted into the United States as a visitor on a B1/B2 visa, or visa free under the Visa Waiver Program, from working as an au pair, nanny or mother's helper even if only in exchange for room and board. Anyone seeking employment as child care provider is required to obtain an exchange visitor (J-1) visa through the sponsorship of an officially approved exchange visitor program overseen by the Public Affairs Division of the Department of State (PA). PA has designated the following organizations to administer the Au-Pair Program. Anyone wishing to participate in such a program should contact the organization directly. The only exception to this rule is for au pairs, nannies and mother's helpers who are accompanying a United States citizen or non-immigrant visa holder to the United States for a temporary visit. In such circumstances, a B-1 visa is appropriate.

Application Procedures for Nannies, au pairs, and mothers' helpers, who are accompanying a nonimmigrant visa holder to the United States.

The applicant is required to furnish the original of a written contract signed and dated by both the employer and the employee which guarantees the employee the minimum or prevailing wage, whichever is higher, for an eight hour workday, and any other benefits normally required for the United States domestic workers in the area of employment, and requires that the employer give at least two weeks notice intent to leave such employment.