Choosing a Sponsor Agency

This chapter could save you from a huge mistake. Choosing the right sponsor agency is one of the most important decisions you will make in your au pair journey. The wrong choice can mean poor support, bad matching, or worse — getting scammed. The right choice means you have a team behind you every step of the way.

Why You Must Use a Sponsor Agency#

Let me say this clearly: you cannot become an au pair in America without going through a designated sponsor agency. This is not optional. The US Department of State requires it. Your sponsor agency is the organization that:

• Processes your application
• Matches you with a host family
• Issues your DS-2019 form (which you need for your J-1 visa)
• Provides orientation and training
• Supports you during your entire program
• Helps with rematch if your host family placement does not work out

Without a sponsor agency, there is no visa, no legal status, and no program. Period.

The Designated Sponsor Agencies#

Only agencies approved by the US State Department can sponsor au pairs. Here are the main ones and what you should know about each:

Au Pair in America (AIFS)#

This is one of the oldest au pair programs in the United States. It has been running since 1986.

• Strengths: Long track record, large network of host families, strong local support through community counselors, well-organized training
• Good for: Au pairs who want a well-established, reliable program with a long history
• Website: aupairinamerica.com

Cultural Care Au Pair#

This is the largest au pair program in the world. They place more au pairs than any other agency.

• Strengths: Biggest family pool, meaning more options for matching, comprehensive training program at their training school in New York, strong global presence
• Good for: Au pairs who want the widest selection of host families and do not mind a larger, more corporate program
• Website: culturalcare.com

InterExchange Au Pair USA#

InterExchange is a well-respected nonprofit organization that runs several cultural exchange programs, including au pair.

• Strengths: Known for excellent support and responsive staff, strong matching process, good reputation among au pairs
• Good for: Au pairs who value personal attention and strong support throughout the program
• Website: interexchange.org

AuPairCare#

AuPairCare is part of Intrax, a larger cultural exchange organization.

• Strengths: Solid program with good structure, access to Intrax's resources and network, reliable matching process
• Good for: Au pairs who want a dependable mid-sized program
• Website: aupaircare.com

EurAupair#

A smaller agency that offers a more personalized experience.

• Strengths: Smaller program means more individual attention, staff get to know you personally, good support during the matching process
• Good for: Au pairs who prefer a smaller community feel and more one-on-one attention
• Website: euraupair.com

GoAuPair#

GoAuPair has built a good reputation for being responsive and supportive.

• Strengths: Good communication, responsive support team, positive reviews from former au pairs, solid matching process
• Good for: Au pairs who want an agency that is easy to reach and quick to respond
• Website: goaupair.com

Agent Au Pair#

A smaller agency that prides itself on being attentive to each au pair.

• Strengths: Very personalized service, smaller caseloads mean your coordinator knows your situation, responsive to questions and concerns
• Good for: Au pairs who want the most personal, hands-on support possible
• Website: agentaupair.com

How to Choose the Right Agency#

Here is what you should look at when deciding:

1. Support Quality#

This is the most important factor. When you are living in a foreign country and something goes wrong — your host family is not treating you well, you are working too many hours, you are homesick — you need an agency that answers the phone and takes action.

Ask former au pairs about their experience. Look for reviews online. Join Facebook groups for au pairs and ask which agencies people recommend.

2. Family Matching Process#

How does the agency match you with families? Do they just send you a list of families, or do they actively help you find the right fit? A good agency takes time to understand what you want and what families need, and tries to make a match that works for both sides.

3. Rematch Support#

Sometimes a placement does not work out. Maybe the family's expectations are unrealistic. Maybe you are not a good fit for each other. A good agency has a clear rematch process — they help you find a new family quickly so you do not have to go home.

Ask the agency: what happens if my placement does not work out? How long do I have to find a new family? Will you help me actively, or am I on my own?

4. Training and Orientation#

Some agencies provide better training than others. Cultural Care, for example, flies all their au pairs to New York for a multi-day training before they go to their host families. Others provide training online or locally. Good training prepares you for American culture, childcare expectations, and what to do if problems arise.

5. Fees#

This is critical: legitimate agencies do not charge the au pair large fees. The host family pays the agency fee, not you. You may have small costs like a medical exam, background check, or passport, but you should never be asked to pay thousands of dollars upfront.

Some agencies charge a small application or processing fee, and that is normal. But if someone is asking you for $2,000 or $5,000 to "place you with a family," that is a red flag.

Red Flags: How to Spot a Scam#

Unfortunately, scammers target young people who dream of going to America. Here is what to watch out for:

They are not on the State Department list. If an agency is not officially designated by the US Department of State, they cannot legally place you as an au pair. Check the official list on the State Department website (j1visa.state.gov). If they are not on that list, walk away.

They ask you to pay thousands upfront. Real agencies are paid by host families, not by you. Small processing fees are normal. Thousands of dollars is not.

They promise guaranteed placement. No one can guarantee you will be matched with a family. If someone promises you a spot, they are lying.

They communicate only through WhatsApp or social media. Real agencies have official websites, email addresses, and offices. If someone contacts you only through WhatsApp and wants money, it is almost certainly a scam.

They want you to come on a tourist visa. The Au Pair program requires a J-1 visa. If someone tells you to come on a B-1/B-2 tourist visa and work as a nanny, that is illegal. You would have no protections, no support, and could be deported.

They pressure you to decide quickly. Scammers create urgency. A real agency gives you time to read, ask questions, and make an informed decision.

How to Apply to an Agency#

The process is similar across most agencies:

1. Go to the agency's website and fill out the online application form. This includes basic information about you, your education, and your experience.

2. Create a video introduction. Most agencies ask you to record a short video (2 to 5 minutes) introducing yourself, talking about your experience with children, and explaining why you want to be an au pair. Be natural, smile, and speak clearly.

3. Submit your documents. This includes your passport, education certificates, reference letters, childcare hours documentation, driver's license, and any other required paperwork.

4. Complete an interview. An agency representative will interview you, usually over video call. They want to see that your English is good enough, that you are mature and responsible, and that you understand what the program involves.

5. Pass the background check. The agency will run a criminal background check. You will also need to provide a police clearance from your country.

6. Medical exam. You will need to visit a doctor for a medical examination and provide the results to the agency.

7. Create your profile. Once approved, the agency helps you create a profile that host families can see. This is like your "resume" for families — your photo, your video, your experience, your personality. We will cover this in detail in the next chapter.

Can You Apply to More Than One Agency?#

Yes, you can apply to multiple agencies at the same time. Some au pairs do this to increase their chances of being matched quickly. However, once you are matched with a family through one agency, you must commit to that agency for your program.

Applying to two or three agencies is a smart strategy, especially if you are in a hurry. Just be transparent — do not hide the fact that you are applying elsewhere.

My Advice#

If I had to give you one piece of advice about choosing an agency, it would be this: talk to people who have already done it. Find au pairs from your country or region who went through the program. Ask them which agency they used, what the support was like, and whether they would recommend it.

Join Facebook groups like "Au Pair in America," "Au Pair Life USA," or groups specific to your country. Ask questions. Read reviews. Do not just pick the first agency you find online.

The agency you choose will be your support system for the next 12 to 24 months. Choose wisely.