Green Card Sponsorship for Au Pairs and Nannies
June 25, 2025Green Card Sponsorship for Au Pairs and Nannies
If you’ve developed a strong bond with your au pair and are wondering whether it’s possible to sponsor them for permanent residency (a “green card”), you’re not alone. Families often ask our firm if there’s a way to keep a valued au pair in the U.S. beyond their J-1 visa terms. The answer? It’s possible.
The Background
Au pairs typically come to the U.S. under the J-1 cultural exchange visa, which is temporary and not intended for long-term employment. However, with careful legal strategy, a host family can support their au pair or nanny in transitioning to a permanent status—most commonly through an employment-based green card petition.
The Path Forward
The most appropriate route is often the EB-3 category for “other workers,” which covers unskilled labor in permanent, full-time positions. This requires the host family to sponsor the caregiver as an employee—not just in-name, but by fulfilling the Department of Labor’s requirements for wage, recruitment, and job permanence. This means that the host family acts as the employer.
Following the Right Steps
This process is heavily regulated and not without complications. Our firm works closely with families to assess eligibility, avoid pitfalls, and ensure full legal compliance from day one.
It’s important to understand that even under ideal conditions, sponsorship can take two to three years – or more, depending on the circumstances. Factors like PERM processing times, visa bulletin availability, and documentation issues can all affect timing. For that reason, families should begin planning early, and not rely on this as a short-term solution for childcare needs.
If you’re considering green card sponsorship for a caregiver in your home, The Immigration Group is ready to guide you through each stage with care and clarity. Contact us to schedule a confidential consultation.