DOS PROPOSES UPDATES TO AU PAIR EXCHANGE VISITOR PROGRAM
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) proposes to amend existing Exchange Visitor Program regulations governing the Au Pair category to clarify and modernize the Au Pair program. These changes include restructuring the child care and educational components, replacing the EduCare program with the part-time option, enhancing au pair and host family orientation requirements, formalizing standard operating procedures for rematching au pairs with new host families, and proposing new requirements to strengthen au pair protections.
DOS has carefully crafted a uniform system of regulations designed to protect au pairs and their host families while maintaining an environment conducive to a comprehensive federal educational and cultural exchange program. American host families compensate au pairs and subsidize the program’s required educational and cultural component, while exposing their children to international and intercultural differences and similarities. The Department of State’s public diplomacy objectives are best realized if all participants in the Exchange Visitor Program have positive cultural immersion experiences.
DOS encourages public comment on the proposed rule, particularly the restructuring of the au pair program and the calculation of the weekly compensation. DOS will accept public comments on the proposed regulation until December 29, 2023.
To comment on the proposed regulation, Visit the Regulations.gov website at: https://www.regulations.gov and search for the docket number DOS–2023–0025.
For more information on the proposed regulation, view the DHS Federal Register here.
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