I've posted this before but my 2nd au pair was the best friend of our first au pair. 2nd AP came on a tourist visa finititlaly to meet us (daughter and I, single mom by choice situation) , and to spend 3 weeks in the US getting an idea of what to expect. Once back home, she went thru a local agency and placed with us. They both found our 3rd AP (first AP was already back home working in a great job with her improved English skills) and we did the same -- come for a visit and then decide. So yes use an agency but the decision is already made.

She has to go through an agency to come and work here legally. She'll be given J-1 visa. She also has to complete 6 credit hours and attend monthly au pair meetings. I'm a local cultural coordinator, so I'd be happy to answer any questions you have and recommend agencies that work in her country.

Our first au pair knew someone that wanted to be an au pair. We spoke with her and then had her signed up through the agency and tell us when she was on the "system" and we immediately matched with her. We also told the agency what was going on. They gave a small discount. Though not sure how it would work if you don't have a prior connection to an agency. I'm sure they won't have a problem taking your money.

Yes you need to go through an agency.

Au Pair in America and Cultural Care have lots of au pairs around here and can match you up once you're both in their system.

Anonymous wrote:We know a young person abroad who is interested in becoming an au pair. It might work to be the host family and we would love that. Does it make sense to go through an agency (I assume yes since they’ll handle all the paperwork etc for the fee? Not even sure we could address the immigration side without that?) and does anyone know if agencies are open to putting together matches like this?

We did this once, sent her through an agency (to be legal) and got a small discount on fees. TBH, she wasn't our best au pair, but she was fine, and it was nice not to have to "compete" with our families.

You must go through the agency. There are only two in the area, so just contact both and ask.

We know a young person abroad who is interested in becoming an au pair. It might work to be the host family and we would love that. Does it make sense to go through an agency (I assume yes since they’ll handle all the paperwork etc for the fee? Not even sure we could address the immigration side without that?) and does anyone know if agencies are open to putting together matches like this?