Host Family Application Process

The online Host Family application takes about 15 to 45 minutes to complete with most of that time spent on the “Dear Au Pair” letter. You can stop and save your progress after every page of the application if you need more time.

Your Host Family application must be reviewed and accepted before you can contact applicants.

The remaining portion of your Host Family profile is required shortly after you begin contacting and reviewing applicants. Completing the written agreement takes about 15 to 30 minutes and collecting photos varies from family to family.

Your Host Family application is your first opportunity to think about and specify your preferences for an Au Pair. Preferences are not required but in your application you may specify age, gender, languages spoken, nationality, cooking ability, driving ability, swimming ability and other qualifications you require.  

Most families specify Au Pair preferences which pertain directly to child care responsibilities, for example a specific type of child care experience. Your Placement Coordinator can assist you with determining Au Pair preferences for your family and your preferences can change during the matching process.

• personal information
• information about your home, family and neighborhood
• your preferences for an Au Pair (if any)
• your “Dear Au Pair” letter describing your family, your expectations, a typical workday and what the Au Pair can expect to experience living with your family

• The written agreement is the contract between you and your Au Pair. Your Au Pair mutually agrees to the terms you set forth including work schedule, responsibilities and tasks, car, computer and phone access, curfew, house rules and more. This agreement manages your Au Pair’s expectations and has the flexibility to change.
• The Host Family photo collage includes pictures of the kids, all adults living in the home, pets, and the Au Pair’s bedroom.

• The Host Family interview which is conducted in your home with your Local Area Representative. The interview is primarily a screening process; however, it is also a great time to ask questions, learn more about Au Pair child care in your local area and meet the person who supports you and your Au Pair during the experience.
• Employment evidence such as a pay stub, W2 or letter from your employer.
• Two non-family references which are submitted by your friends, coworkers, neighbors, etc
• A signed Host Family agreement

The application fee covers all of the costs associated with the Host Family application and profile and set up on the Online Portal.

The application fee is usually collected after the application is accepted, however, families who apply now have the application fee waived and can begin their Au Pair search with no financial commitment.

The Host Family Interview is part of Host Family screening required by U.S. Department of State regulations. The main objective of the interview is to determine if your family can provide a suitable environment for a cultural exchange experience.

The interview occurs in person and in your home with your Local Area Representative and all adult family members residing in the home. During the interview you will discuss the regulations and requirements for the Au Pair program, your expectations for your Au Pair and what to expect during the experience. Additionally, your Local Area Representative will tour your home, specifically inspecting the Au Pair’s living arrangements. The Host Family Interview is not viewed by Au Pairs.

The Online Portal is your primary resource for searching and choosing your Au Pair. Your Online Portal has the following functionality:

• Search Au Pairs - Enter your Au Pair preferences to see who in our pool of over 300 available Au Pairs match what you need.
• Apply - Apply for Au Pair child care for the first time or update your existing profile in preparation for your next Au Pair.
• Au Pair Files - Manage the list of Au Pair applicants you are considering with Au Pair files. Review detailed Au Pair information, record phone interview notes, track your progress, and ultimately narrow down your list to the Au Pair you choose.
• Additional resources - Your Online Portal also contains contact information for key members of our staff and your Local Area Representative, a list of educational options for your local area, helpful forms and more.

Gaining access to your Online Portal is free and easy. Only basic contact information is needed to create a login for our Online Portal which gives you access to Search Au Pairs and Apply. After your application is accepted you have full access to all functionality.

Host Family selection is regulated by the U.S. Department of State and includes at minimum:

• Host parents are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents
• Host parents are fluent in spoken English
• All adult members of the household are personally interviewed by organizational representative
• All adult members of the household successfully pass a background check including employment verification and personal character references
• Host Family has adequate financial resources to undertake hosting obligations
• Understand the exchange program and parameters of Host Family and Au Pair duties, participation and obligations

Go Au Pair screens and selects potential Host Families through the following:

• Host Family profile
• Host Family Interview
• Employment Verification
• References
• Host Family agreement

The Summer Au Pair program is no longer offered in the United States.  The Summer Au Pair program was a 3-year pilot starting summer 2005 which extended for an additional year before being discontinued in 2009 by the U.S. Department of State.  Summer Au Pairs were exactly like standard Au Pairs except their visas were granted for only a few months instead of a full year.

The U. S. Department of State ended the program because of logistical complications with Form DS-2019 and visa approvals around the world.  Full year J-1 Visas are now the only option for Au Pairs coming to the U.S.

Your “Dear Au Pair” letter is a chance to tell your potential Au Pair everything not specifically asked for in the application and to reiterate to your potential Au Pair what’s most important to you. Suggested topics to write about include:

• A typical week with your family, example schedule and responsibilities for Au Pair
• Describe your neighborhood and local activities and/or attractions
• Your family’s and especially your children’s hobbies and interests
• Describe your home, specifically the Au Pair’s bedroom
• Describe what you expect from your Au Pair

Your “Dear Au Pair” letter is completed as part of your online application and although you can save your progress at any time, Go Au Pair recommends you first draft your letter outside of the online application.
 

A Placement Coordinator is your dedicated support representative at our headquarters office who assists you during your entire Au Pair child care experience, start to finish and everything in between. Every Host Family is assigned to a dedicated Placement Coordinator.

Your Placement Coordinator supports you in the following ways:

• Accepting your application and advising you on your Host Family profile
• Recommending Au Pair candidates during the matching process
• Advising you during the matching process while reviewing candidates
• Collecting, organizing and administering paperwork
• Direct point of contact with headquarters office
• Regular contacts, check-ins, and follow-ups
• Support during your Au Pair child care experience, in addition to your Local Area Representative
• Assistance if issues arise
• Legal and financial point of contact