Nanny Visa Options

There are four options for host families to bring a foreign nanny/domestic worker to assist them in their home.

J1 Visa – Au Pair

The easiest and, by far, most popular option is to bring a nanny as an au pair.  The au pair program utilizes the J1 visa and persons wishes to hire an au pair must do so through an au pair program authorized by the US Department of State.  The prospective au pair are preselected by the program sponsor and the host family must choose the au pair from the offered pool.  Costs are typically between $7,500 to $12,500 which are paid to the au pair program and the host family must also pay the au pair expenses which run between $250 to $450 per week.  The au pairs themselves must undergo training and many types of background checks.  In addition, the au pairs must meet the following requirements:

(1) Are between the ages of 18 and 26;

(2) Are a secondary school graduate, or equivalent;

(3) Are proficient in spoken English;

(4) Are capable of fully participating in the program as evidenced by the satisfactory completion of a physical;

(5) Have been personally interviewed, in English, by an organizational representative who shall prepare a report of the interview which shall be provided to the host family; and

(6) Have successfully passed a background investigation that includes verification of school, three, non-family related personal and employment references, a criminal background check or its recognized equivalent and a personality profile. Such personality profile will be based upon a psychometric test designed to measure differences in characteristics among applicants against those characteristics considered most important to successfully participate in the au pair program.

The au pair may be granted a J1 visa for a duration of 12 months which can later be extended if the host family wishes to continue her services.

H2B Visa – Short Term Help

The H2B visa is generally employed by companies with seasonal or intermittent business such as coastal restaurants, theme parks or other tourist spots.  However, the H2B visa can also be used to bring nannies to the US.  Unlike the au pair program which requires the host family to go through an au pair program, the host family can directly petition for the nanny.  The downside is that the host family must be able to show that there are no available US workers for the job and that the work is temporary in nature.  While the visa may have a three year duration, the work period must be less than 12 months each year.  There are no program fees to be paid but the host family must pay the nanny the prevailing wage as determined by the US Labor Department.

B1 Visa – Accompanying US Travelers

US Citizens, permanent residents and foreign nationals coming to the US for temporary nature may bring domestic help with a B1 visa.  The parties must enter a written employment contract guaranteeing payment of the prevailing wage for an eight hour workday and provide any benefits normally required for US domestic workers in the area of employment.  B1 visa are typically valid for 6 months but may be extended.

PERM Labor Certification – A Permanent Solution

The PERM program offers a permanent solution for the host family that has chosen a nanny who they would like to keep permanently.  Similar to the H2B visa, PERM does not require the host family to go through a sponsoring agency, a prevailing wage must be paid and the host family must be able to show that no US workers are available for the position.  However, the work does not need to be temporary in nature and upon approval of the PERM process, the host family may petition for the nanny to obtain residency so she can enter the country.

In order to qualify as a nanny, the applicant must have two years of experience as a nanny and be offered full time employment as a nanny by the host family.  To qualify as a domestic live-in, the applicant must have one year of experience and the host family must show that the employment is a business necessity.

Posted on February 13, 2010 at 10:55 pm by Immigration Lawyer Peter Messersmith · Permalink
In: Au Pair, B-1 Visa, H-2B Visa, J-1 Visa, PERM · Tagged with: , , , ,

44 Responses

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  1. Written by Catriona Manly
    on May 9, 2010 at 7:38 am
    Permalink

    Hello
    I want to Nanny in the US for a year. Is the B 1 visa the best one for me. How do l go about applying for it?

    Kind regards

  2. Written by rajesh
    on March 3, 2011 at 12:37 pm
    Permalink

    i Rajesh , residing in Florida Orlando since last 6 months want to enquire about my status regarding, The imprint on my visa which says that it expires in 5 years. Right now i m on a j1 visa status.my colleague’s working with me in the same field with the same visa status have 12 months expiration imprints on on their visa.. I need the information that is it a misprint or is it liable for me to stay in the us in future. my visa issuing post name is Mumbai (Bombay) India .further it also says that i m not subject to two year home residency rule(212E), my visa issue date is 18 June 2010. Expiration date is 16 June 2015.
    I’m getting really confused about my situation, so please revert me back with the solution.

  3. Written by Tsyon
    on May 6, 2011 at 8:15 am
    Permalink

    i wont to go USA as a nanny

  4. Written by ramiila
    on July 25, 2011 at 3:18 am
    Permalink

    sir,I have been offered an aupair job in us but i saw age limit is from 18-26 but i am 27…will it be possible for them to send aupair visa or any other visa…i am confused

  5. Written by Mob
    on September 11, 2011 at 10:39 pm
    Permalink

    If you are from India you don’t need to come to USA since we have millions of you in every sector, on the other hand US greedy s are shipping enough job to India so I don’t see no reason for you all to come to the US!

  6. Written by Wyn
    on October 29, 2011 at 12:15 pm
    Permalink

    I am a Filipino Citizen, but my daughter is a US citizen, and I have a B1 visa, we are here now in the US, to visit my daughter’s keen on her father side. However, I wish to take my daughter’s nanny with us, while we stay here for couple of months. Is there an easy way for me to bring my nanny here in the US? I dont want to hire other nanny, since my daughter knew her so well, so as she and we trust her so much for the job.

  7. Written by Sarabjit kaur
    on February 16, 2012 at 3:46 am
    Permalink

    Hi there.
    I’m jassi from india and I have done G.N.M Nsg & have 5yrs experience in this feild.Now I want to work as a nanny in the us.what can I do?My date of birth is 12Aug,1883

  8. Written by N&N
    on February 29, 2012 at 5:56 am
    Permalink

    Hi, We are US citizens currently residing in India. We will be traveling to US and would like to bring our Nanny on a B1 Visa. Can someone share a sample of the employment contract?

  9. Written by Bode Ajigbotaya
    on May 8, 2012 at 2:19 pm
    Permalink

    Hello,
    I am a Nurse Anesthetist and my husband is a Security Guard. We have 2 children aged 4 an 7 and plan to hae another.

    My children have taken a liking to 66 year old woman visiting our neighbors from Ghana.

    Her visiting visa expires in October 2012, can we file to employ her as live-in nanny for our children? This will free us and improve our professional lives while helping to take care of the children after school, domestic care, etc for them.

    Please advise if this is possible and how we can do it before her visiting visa expires.

    Bode.

  10. Written by salma
    on July 6, 2012 at 8:09 am
    Permalink

    iam from morrocoo i want to work nany in usa please

  11. Written by brikena
    on August 10, 2012 at 6:39 pm
    Permalink

    I am a permanent resident mom of two (2 and 4) in US. My husband is leaving for a year in Iraq, and I have no family nearby. My sister could come and stay with me at least for a couple of months, but she applied for a visitor visa and was rejected. Can she apply for the nanny visa? I come to this country 3 years ago. Thank you.

  12. Written by nishanpreet
    on September 7, 2012 at 1:34 am
    Permalink

    hello ,i have done nanny in chandigarh in six month . now i want to more study of nanny in usa .plz give me a chance.

  13. Written by Edilyn
    on January 5, 2013 at 10:50 pm
    Permalink

    Hi I’m a filipino right now I’m working as nanny in singapore,someone asking to work in US as her nanny but to her email on me she telling that I have to shoulder the visa registration fee because she said that the us immigration comply this for her because she cheat a lot before of au pair or nanny from other country…so my question are is that true I have to pay my own visa registration and I have to apply to us immigration in US not the country I resigning now,how long the processing b4 I receive,I’m a bit confused for every thing so I hope I can receive your answer very soon thank you!

  14. Written by laura
    on March 5, 2013 at 2:59 pm
    Permalink

    hi i’m considering becoming a nanny and would like to work in the us for a while as a nanny. I’ve had lots of experience of working with children but not as a nanny. when i want to come to the us i’ll be 27 and have a uk level 3 qualification. which visa would be the best if you haven’t got a job sorted but also want to work for a length of time in the us, or if you do have a job lined up how long does the visa process usually take.

    thanks for your help

  15. Written by Christina Pritchett
    on April 18, 2013 at 10:11 pm
    Permalink

    I am looking for a live in nanny and will sponsor the right applicant. Please email me at 925-752-0047 if interested.

  16. Written by Rose Rubio
    on July 4, 2013 at 12:42 pm
    Permalink

    Hi am a Filipino nanny working here in Canada and I wanted to apply a for a nanny the US.What should I do?

  17. Written by Barb
    on August 21, 2013 at 5:39 pm
    Permalink

    Hi, I’m a US citizen and have visited African twice for 2 months at a time. I want to bring my kids nanny while we were on vacation to the US to work for me. How do I go about it. Please help

  18. Written by Sidika
    on October 26, 2013 at 3:05 pm
    Permalink

    I want to bring nanny from my country Uzbekistan ..but she doesn’t speak English .i need her to speak.my language is that fine..if she dos t spak too much English. I want her to speak my language to my daughter..how she can get visa and come to USA.

  19. Written by Eureka Viado
    on January 3, 2014 at 10:41 pm
    Permalink

    Good Day Mrs. Christina Pritchett:
    I am very much interested with your offer and work in your family. I am from Philippines , 34y/o, married with 3 kids and I am a graduate of BS NURSING and then Computer Programming. I have 6 months nanny experince here in the Philippines. I am a kind, sweet, loving and caring person, honest, humble and respectful, trustworthy and most of all a God-fearing citizen of my country Philippines. I am available anytime you will be needing my service. You can reach me at my mobile +639166493430 or +639053960851 and my email add. Is ekz1222@yahoo.com..I am anytime willing to provide all the details and documents as needed. Thank you so much and May God Bless You All.
    In Christ,
    Eureka

  20. Written by Elizabeth
    on June 2, 2014 at 9:24 am
    Permalink

    Hi, I am interesting in the VISA for nanny if I am a currently au pair (in Massachusetts ) and I find a family who need me like a au pair can I apply from here or should I come back to my country and apply from there?

  21. Written by helen
    on July 5, 2014 at 2:17 pm
    Permalink

    Am helen am25years plz i want the visa usa an a nanny

  22. Written by Sophia
    on July 10, 2014 at 8:15 pm
    Permalink

    Hi, I want to bring a nanny from my home land. We are US family with three kids. We want our nanny to live with us… How can we apply for our nanny perminate visa, so she live with us perminatly? She is 32 years old.

  23. Written by Maricris Llanto
    on August 8, 2014 at 9:06 am
    Permalink

    I found a host family in Maryland, my worries is how to apply my VISA.. Should I apply it here in my country after securing the. Contract or the host family can apply it there at the US.

  24. Written by 0703741233
    on August 23, 2014 at 10:13 pm
    Permalink

    am delphine agwona from kenya am 28years old stil young lady and hardworking.am looking to work in US as a nanny.i love children alot and i know i can them happy please consider my work.you reach me through that number below

  25. Written by Ruth njeri
    on January 13, 2015 at 7:20 pm
    Permalink

    Heloo!my name is ruth 26 ,i need get a job in the us. As a nanny i have worked in Jordan,Dubai,and ksa as a nanny and housekeeper
    Am looking for a family to sponsor me,am hardworking,out going,caring and loving i love kids and and csn also work under under time pleasure ,
    Please consider my request.you can reach me on my email at ruthnjeri87.rn@gmail.com or my phone number+962775730578

  26. Written by Rania Hnerie
    on January 17, 2015 at 1:10 pm
    Permalink

    Hello, I am Suky 21 years old, I am looking for a job in the US as a nanny… i am a sweet nice girl who adores children and want to work abroad…I am looking for a job ASAP …if a nice American family is interested please reach me on my email rania.henrie@gmail.com… I am the best for the job I promise.

  27. Written by Faith
    on January 30, 2015 at 8:21 am
    Permalink

    Hi there i am a professional nanny looking for a job overseas with visa sponsership.

  28. Written by lynette cartagena
    on March 12, 2015 at 2:38 am
    Permalink

    Hi,im looking an employer in the u.s.who can sponsor me to work as nanny or household workes.i have experienced working in singapore for more than 2 years…but i am 47 years old..but i think age is not a hindrance as long as i can still perform the job well and i am healthy and very strong..thank you.lynette catyagena from the philippines

  29. Written by vesna draskovic
    on May 10, 2015 at 8:37 pm
    Permalink

    I have B 1 Visa and I all ready in USA but family I work until June 20 it moves.I need a new family.
    I am currently and have been a full time nanny for the last five plus years. Previous to that I have worked with children for most of my life and it is my true passion. I have extensive experience working with children of all ages, from one day old newborns to adolescents. I’m 37 years old and love taking the children I care for out to play, on walks, to parks, libraries, etc. My other passion is cooking and baking so I enjoy taking care of my families in those aspects as well. Please feel free to contact me with any questions and references are available upon request.

  30. Written by vesna draskovic
    on May 11, 2015 at 12:33 pm
    Permalink

    I am currently and have been a full time nanny for the last five plus years. Previous to that I have worked with children for most of my life and it is my true passion. I have extensive experience working with children of all ages, from one day old newborns to adolescents. I’m 37 years old and love taking the children I care for out to play, on walks, to parks, libraries, etc. My other passion is cooking and baking so I enjoy taking care of my families in those aspects as well. Please feel free to contact me with any questions and references are available upon request.I have B1 visa and I already in US.

  31. Written by Oriana Beckles
    on August 24, 2015 at 8:59 am
    Permalink

    Hi,my name is Oriana Beckles I’m a Certified Health Care Aide and I’m currently looking for a job as a Nanny in the United States of America.I do have experience working with children I have worked at school doing supervision during lunch hour as well as have had the experience working with a special needs child that has resided in my home.I’m ready to start as soon as possible.You can reach me at my email rianabeckles@gmail.com.Thank you.

  32. Written by hajer
    on November 23, 2015 at 2:29 pm
    Permalink

    hello
    I am student here in Us with F-1 visa and i have 4 kids so i want to bring my naany in saudi arabia but she is india what i have to do and what type of visa she has to apply and i want her to live with me

  33. Written by Anne Bono
    on January 2, 2016 at 1:04 pm
    Permalink

    I am looking to be a nanny in the us. Im 32 years old. Able to speak read and write perfect english. As a professional I make a living as a senior financial analyst. Would like to be in the Austin texas area. Please replay to Thebrain99999@gmail.com. Anne

  34. Written by Jane
    on January 13, 2016 at 11:31 am
    Permalink

    We are looking for a nanny to help with our 2 children. We are located in Florida USA..Thank you

  35. Written by Violetpatricia
    on February 29, 2016 at 6:17 am
    Permalink

    Permalink am violet and am interested contact me at+966570835865 am ready to work

  36. Written by Leban
    on April 1, 2016 at 8:50 pm
    Permalink

    I am looking for hardworking nanny who is willing to clean and cook and care for my child and two cats. please contact me to discuss further

  37. Written by Ju Choun
    on April 21, 2016 at 5:52 am
    Permalink

    We are looking for a caretaker to watch my 65 year old Father in Law with Alzheimer’s. We will provide room, board, and travel. We need someone reliable to be able to supervise him while my husband and I are at work. If coming from overseas, we can pay for your trip home to see family once a year. My husband and I travel a lot so you may be required to travel with us when we move to different states.

  38. Written by maggy
    on May 24, 2016 at 3:06 am
    Permalink

    hi am a kenyan lady am 24yrs..and i do the housekeeping and nanny job..and i am a christian

  39. Written by claudia curzai
    on May 25, 2016 at 12:01 pm
    Permalink

    Hi,im looking an employer in the u.s.who can sponsor me to work as nanny or household workes.i have experienced working in israel for more than 5 years…but i am 43 years old..but i think age is not a hindrance as long as i can still perform the job well and i am healthy and very strong I am christian.thank you.Claudia Curzai from India .

  40. Written by Gift
    on June 2, 2016 at 6:32 pm
    Permalink

    Hi, Am Gift from Nigeria please i need a nanny job in U.S am hard working and I love children so much please with sponsorship. my email gigiasuquo@yahoo.com or my number +2348168181228

  41. Written by Jennifer
    on July 27, 2016 at 12:42 pm
    Permalink

    I would like to hire my previous au pair as a nanny. What visa would she need to apply for?

  42. Written by Rowena
    on August 15, 2016 at 10:18 am
    Permalink

    Hello
    Im Rowena from philippines i just want to apply in USA as a babysitter for two years only.B1 visa is the best for me so how could i apply for this so i can go there to have work
    Thank a lot

  43. Written by Jennifer
    on September 4, 2016 at 9:18 am
    Permalink

    Hello there!

    My name is Jennifer and I am 23 years old. For the past two years I have been living as an Au Pair in Virginia and am now back in my homecountry which is Germany. Ever since I’ve returned, I wanted to go back in order to become a registered nurse . College is not exactly cheap as you all know and I do not own that much money in order to pay for my studies, but would love to work as a nanny so I can afford to go to college. It has always been my dream to live in america and right now I am truly devastated to be back in a country which I cannot call home. I feel like I don’t belong here and would like to have chance to turn my life around. If you’re interested in a loving, experienced and dedicated individual to work for you as a nanny I’d truly appreciate if you contact me! my email is: jenny.theermann@web.de

  44. Written by Suluia Misipati
    on April 23, 2018 at 7:39 pm
    Permalink

    Hi my name is suluia misipati I’m looking for a job to help my family.im Samoa im 31 yaer old I’m married I have no kid I will love to take care the kids cause das my job to do my sister and my brother kids im da one who take care my sister and brother kids I will love to do da job I’m heart working i know everything not only a kids but I can cleaning da house and every where..pls i really need a job to help my family das da only think I need is visa to come and work wit guys..I want to be a nanny for your kids if you need me contact me! Phone 6846992207or my! Email is: suluiamisipati@yahoo.co

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