Questions families ask

An au pair is a participant in a regulated cultural exchange program who lives with your family for a year and provides childcare within the program's limits. Hours are capped, duties are childcare-related, and the structure is set by federal rules. A nanny is an employee you hire and manage on your own terms. The full comparison, with 2026 costs.

When you both want that, and we ask both of you directly before a match. Some candidates want more English practice, so we settle language expectations before anyone interviews.

For children under two, the program requires documented infant-care experience, and we introduce candidates who have it. For a baby under three months, program rules require a parent or another responsible adult to be at home.

The designated sponsor administers the formal rematch process and makes those decisions. We listen, escalate promptly, and help source a replacement when we are authorized to and one is available. Our process is designed to identify avoidable mismatches before either side commits.

It depends on your location and schedule. Driving expectations are part of matching, and many candidates are experienced drivers. We will be honest about what your area requires.

A private bedroom is required and house rules are yours to set. We ask candidates how much family time versus independence they want, so you are matched with someone whose idea of "part of the family" matches yours.

Israel Au Pair's family program fee is $20,000, and it includes the designated sponsor's program fee. Separately, you pay your au pair a $400 weekly stipend, contribute up to $500 toward the college course the program requires, and cover room and board and other hosting costs, such as a phone line if you provide one, and a car and insurance where applicable. All fees and terms are confirmed in writing before you commit. See the pricing section or the full cost guide.

Yes. The au pair program is a federally regulated J-1 cultural exchange. Israel Au Pair recruits, evaluates, matches, and prepares. A U.S. Department of State-designated sponsor, confirmed with you during matching, approves the placement and administers the program. The U.S. government decides the visa. See how it works.