J-1 Au Pair Application Process

Traveling around the world to be an au pair in America is a big decision. So before you go, you'll want to be confident you've made the right choice. Your detailed application and profile are two key aspects that host families will evaluate when considering you as their au pair. As such, there's a process you must go through to complete the application.

Apply

Our application is easy to complete. It consists of questions that will help your potential host family evaluate your skills and experience so they may decide if you're a good fit for their family.

The GreatAuPair application consists of the following parts:

• Completed online application
• Uploaded photographs and video - Smile! This is where your personality shines!
• Two completed childcare references and one personal reference
• Copy of your secondary school completion certificate
• Medical form signed and stamped by your doctor
• Online psychometric test
• Criminal background check
• Signed au pair agreement

All of the documents listed above must be clearly legible, scanned and saved as PDF files and then uploaded into your account under the My Account section when you log in to GreatAuPair.com.

It might seem like a lot of information, but remember this is what helps match you with an ideal host family.

Get Started

Interview

Once you've completed the application and supplemental information, you will meet in person with a GreatAuPair interviewer. This interview will be an opportunity to discuss your background, skills, and motivations for wanting to be an au pair. It will also be an opportunity for GreatAuPair to assess your English language skills.

Childcare Experience

In our program, we have a variety of host families with children ranging from infants to school age. In the Childcare Experience section of the application, you will be asked to list your relevant childcare experience, including experience with family members. In order to be eligible as an au pair, you need to have a minimum of 1,200 hours of childcare experience with non-family members.

Special consideration is taken for families with kids under the age of two. If you'd like to work with toddlers and infants, you must have at least 600 hours of experience caring for children under the age of two.