So, it turns out au pairs may be able to collect $1,200 under the Cares Act:
https://www.wmdt.com/2020/04/j-1-visa-holders-eligible-for-stimulus-checks/
And here:
http://blog.sprintax.com/nonresident-aliens-guide-navigating-covid-19-cares-act-stimulus-payments/
“In short, the CARES Act can be claimed by US citizens, permanent residents and residents for tax purposes (individuals who can pass the Substantial Presence Test) who have a valid Social Security Number (SSN) and who have filed their 2018 tax return (in 2019), or their 2019 return (in 2020).”
Here is the key distinction: au pairs are not nonresident aliens, they are resident aliens in the U.S. for tax purposes if they pass the substantial presence test - which they most likely will, depending on when their au pair year ends in 2020. As a practical matter, they may not get a check mailed to them, unless they extended, are in their second year, and filed their taxes for 2019. They won’t be on the government’s radar. But it will likely reduce their tax liability by $1,200 as a tax credit, when they pay taxes for 2020 in 2021.
This all assumes they got a Social Security # and filed a tax return for 2019. If they were here in 2019, they can still file for 2019, as the date has been extended to July 15, 2020:
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-day-now-july-15-treasury-irs-extend-filing-deadline-and-federal-tax-payments-regardless-of-amount-owed
They can check the IRS website here:
https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment
Ironic twist - “My income does not qualify my household for any stimulus funds, except my au pair.”