AU pairs are immigrants who are allowed to work, do not get a salary, and still pay taxes to the state. They do some domestic work but are not domestic workers. They study, but they are not students and are required to return to their country after a certain period. Norway has a long history of AU Pair, while its meaning has changed in terms of its usage over the years due to which the present decision for non-issuance of temporary residence permits under it. On March 29, 2023, Norway made a historic move for the non-issuance of permits under this cultural exchange program. The program means “on par” or “equal” in French and is a term for a childcare provider who lives with a host family as part of an international cultural exchange program. The AU Pair program exists in the US as well as in India. Some Norwegian families exploited the program to source cheap household help. In 2017 a famous lawsuit highlighted the abuse of the program, sentencing a wealthy investor. Hence the present law.
Key Insights
NORWAY AU PAIR: The AU pair has a duration of stay. Those who are at least 18 years old and have yet to reach the age of 30, have a good knowledge of Norwegian or English, are unmarried and have no children and can afford your trip to Norway and back. The political situation in your country will not likely make it difficult for you to return after your au pair’s stay. If you qualify by these standards, you could apply for the program subject to the prevailing law. Over the past two decades, the au pair arriving in Norway have mostly been young women from the Philippines. They provide childcare and light housework services for the host family. In return, the host family provides accommodation, food, and an allowance of NOK 5,900 per month for the duration of the au pair’s stay. Au pairs in Norway work up to 30 hours a week, with entitlements for one day off a week.
US AU Pair: Now, to live in the US, you do not just get qualified by being a techie, nurse or doctor but also through the AU pair program. The AU pair can go to the US on a J1 visa, and while caring for the young one, they must study. They participate in household chores but cannot be burdened with work. J1 Visas are granted to the au pairs in the US, allowing them to live in return for providing childcare for host families. The State Department authorizes private companies to contract with these young people and charge them fees to cover their placement and provide assistance while they are in the US. Those companies also charge host families around $10,000 annually to hire an au pair. Au pairs are supposed to work no more than 45 hours a week and 10 hours a day, and regulations require au pair companies to report any violations to the State Department.
Indian AU Pair: The eligibility criteria for Indian work visas are unclear for an AU pair. The official government guidelines say they will not be granted a “routine, ordinary, or secretarial/clerical jobs” and stipulate a minimum of $25,000 per year salary. Most AU pairs work 45-50 hours per week, and the more prestigious roles pay between $300 and $500 weekly, with meals and housing generally included in au pair contracts.
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