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Are au pairs and nannies the same?

No. Au pairs are visitors to the United States between the ages of 18 and 26 who live with an American family for up to two years. In exchange for room, board, and a weekly stipend, they help with childcare and light housework.

While an au pair may work up to 45 hours a week, depending on the terms you set, an au pair is different from an employee. The term "au pair" means "on par" or equal, and the idea is that your au pair becomes a member of your family for a year, participating in a cultural exchange experience.

Another difference between an au pair and a nanny is that au pairs may or may not have experience caring for children, while nannies usually do. (Au pairs caring for children under the age 2 must have at least 200 hours of experience.)

And if your au pair is part of a cultural exchange program and is in the United States on a J-1 Exchange Visitor visa, you generally don't need to withhold taxes.

If you're interested in finding an au pair to care for your children, look online for organizations that specialize in linking au pair candidates with host families, including Au Pair in America, Agent Au Pair, Au Pair USA,  AuPairCare, and Au Pair International.

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