All Things Au-Pair

02/20/2024

How to get a scholarship to go to college for free?

The processes will differ from organization to organization, and the sum will vary too...but even as an international student, obtaining a (or multiple) scholarship is possible.

Check the link for one of the most complete books, with thousands of scholarships available for international students in the U.S or to study in Europe. Best of luck!

Amazon.com: the ultimate scholarship book 2024

01/27/2024

The United States is one of the most expensive countries in which to pursue higher education.
The estimated cost of living in the USA for international students is around $10,000 to $18,000 per year, which averages around $1,000 to $1,500 per month. This includes your accommodation costs, room, and board, food, travel, textbooks, weather-appropriate clothing, and entertainment expenses.
Tuition varies from institution to institution. A Community College will be less expensive than a University, and a Language School less expensive than a Community College.
If you are in the United States, you can still change to F-1 (or M-1) student status. If you want to do this, you FIRST must be accepted to study at a U.S. academic institution, and fulfill all the other requirements of the F-1 visa.
Good Luck!

01/25/2024

As an au pair, how can you legally extend your stay in the US?

1) Extend your current status - You can extend the length of your DS2019 through your sponsor and by extending with a family

2) Transfer status to B2 - After at least 4 months in the US, you can CONSIDER your status change to B2 (Tourist) provided you meet the requirements

3) Transfer status from J1 to F1 (or M1) -You can change a J1 status for an F1, provided that you meet the educational and financial requirements of the University you'd like to attend. Each university and educational center is different regarding the application process, and while the tuition may be less in some, all have to meet similar program requirements before issuing an I-20

4) Through a possible employer, begin processing an EB3 Visa. This process provides a direct path to a Green Card. It can be lengthy, but it is a process that you can work towards, as you are on a valid visa stay

5) A unique Green Card (Self sponsoring) process (SIJ - Special Juvenile Immigrant) - This status is only possible if you are under 21 and meet the requirements

There are additional options. The main goal is for you to seek and understand the multiple viable options towards a legal stay in the US. Reach out to us.

01/23/2024

When traveling to the US, there are four different types of immigration status categories that individuals may fall into: citizens, residents, non-immigrants, and undocumented immigrants.

People can enter or remain in the country temporarily for tourism, medical treatment, business, temporary work, study, or other similar reasons. All of these reasons fall under the non-immigrant category. When requesting a legal stay in the United States under any of these categories, the application often can only be approved if the individual can demonstrate a lack of immigrant intent.

Ensure you follow the proper steps to change your status and provide sufficient proof of your non-immigrant intent. Alongside, make sure you are financially prepared and understand how the system works: Job applications, loan applications, car purchases, taxes, renting, college applications, acceptance exams, etc.

Being informed before deciding the following steps in your "dream" timeline will help you decide.

01/21/2024

Sometimes, one of the things we need when learning to live in a new country is simply the correct information. Occasionally, we don't know what questions to ask...so it helps to talk to a team that has already experienced it.

A few weeks ago, we helped a now former-au pair buy her first car. All she needed was to understand how things work to make an educated decision. We spoke to her about interest rates, types of loans and their requirements, types of insurance, bargaining when purchasing, payment plans....checking on the vehicle before buying it...and basic information. We even helped calculate the payments she could afford, based on her income. We had multiple conversations. She was apologetic for all the questions; we were patient in answering all the questions. Sometimes, this is all we need when making big decisions: To feel safe and ask questions before deciding.

She called us yesterday to tell us that she purchased her first vehicle! She was excited, and we are proud of her! Well done!

01/20/2024

If you are in the US under a NR status, MAKE SURE to file your taxes correctly. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers you a nonresident alien if you are not a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) or do not pass their substantial presence test.

Use these two options if you want to do it yourself.

1) If you are in the US for more than 180 days - https://turbo.tax/88nrn8rd

2) If you are in the US for less than 180 days - Use https://www.sprintax.com

01/20/2024

The United States is one of the most expensive countries in which to pursue higher education.
The estimated cost of living in the USA for international students is around $10,000 to $18,000 per year, which averages around $1,000 to $1,500 per month. This includes your accommodation costs, room, and board, food, travel, textbooks, weather-appropriate clothing, and entertainment expenses.
Tuition varies from institution to institution. A Community College will be less expensive than a University, and a Language School less expensive than a Community College.
If you are in the United States, you can still change to F-1 (or M-1) student status. If you want to do this, you FIRST must be accepted to study at a U.S. academic institution, and fulfill all the other requirements of the F-1 visa.

12/29/2023

We are a team of former & current au pairs ready to provide guidance and advice. We are not affiliated with an agency and we are not an agency. However, we understand their operations and the Au-Pair program regulations.

We advocate for the just treatment of individuals and the proper understanding of the Au Pair Program as a cultural exchange. We speak Spanish and English and seek to NEUTRALLY empower au pairs and host families alike.

We offer pro-bono and affordable counseling for au pairs and families alike.