if they are 26 and under you can bring them in as an au pair which is much easier. if you are over 26, you'll need to have them be nannies which means this will be a lot harder

au pair automatically will deal with every concern you asked about. if you do a nanny you'll need to figure out visas and have to pay at least minimum wage despite paying room and board

au pairs you pay below minimum wage

If I set it up with homepay here does that set it up as an Au pair?

Basically, do I ‘bring’ them to an au pair service or something? Is that what you’re saying?

Do you recommend an agency for this? She’s 18. AI just told me how to do it but want to make sure it’s aligned with what you’re saying: 1. You Must Use an Agency You cannot do this alone. The US Department of State requires that all au pairs be sponsored by a designated sponsor organization. • The Agency's Role: They handle the visa paperwork, vet the au pair (background checks, medical, etc.), and provide a local coordinator to oversee the placement. • "Pre-Matching": Since you already know this woman, you would tell the agency you want to "Pre-Match." You both apply to the same agency, and they facilitate the legal paperwork for your specific pair. 2. The Cost (It’s more than $1,500/month) The Au Pair program has a very specific fee structure that usually ends up costing more than your current estimate. • Agency Fees: You typically pay $8,000 to $10,000 upfront (or in installments) to the agency for the visa sponsorship, insurance, and recruitment. • Weekly Stipend: You pay the au pair a minimum weekly stipend. Currently, the federal minimum is $195.75 per week, but some states (like California or Massachusetts) require much higher rates based on local minimum wage laws. • Education Stipend: You are required to pay up to $500 toward her required college-level classes. 3. The Rules (The "Fine Print") The J-1 visa is a cultural exchange, not just a job. The Department of State has strict rules you must follow: • Hours: She can work a maximum of 10 hours per day and 45 hours per week. No exceptions. • Time Off: She must get 1.5 days off per week and one full weekend off per month, plus two weeks of paid vacation. • Living Conditions: She must have her own private bedroom. • Duties: She can only perform childcare-related tasks (laundry for the kids, tidying their rooms, making their meals). She is not a general housekeeper. 4. Step-by-Step: How to do it If you want to move forward with her, follow these steps: 1. Research Agencies: Look up companies like Cultural Care Au Pair, Au Pair in America, or AuPairCare. 2. Verify Her Age: The J-1 Au Pair visa is strictly for people aged 18 to 26. If she is 27 or older, she is ineligible for this specific program. 3. Start the Application: Both you and she apply to the same agency. Mention that you have already identified each other. 4. Interview & Vetting: The agency will interview her in London and you in your home. They will check her criminal record and references. 5. Visa Interview: Once matched, she will have to go to the US Embassy in London for a visa interview. 6. Arrival: The agency handles her flight to the US (usually included in your agency fees). Important Reality Check Because she is from London (a "high-income" country), the US Embassy can sometimes be skeptical about why she wants to be an au pair. She needs to show she has ties to the UK and plans to return home after her 12-month (extendable to 24) term is up.

after shabbos i'll check if there is a referral i can give you

but we used it for many years very happy, super cheap

If I set it up with homepay here does that set it up as an Au pair?

No

homepay is just if you hire as a nanny

for au pairs you don't need to run payroll. no complexities. its so easy

they need to become an au pair in their country before you can do anything

then you can match and then they get sent here

that's it

then you pay them cash no need for payroll

all legal