Au pair rules in Arkansas

Federal J-1 rules that apply in Arkansas

Identical in all 50 states and DC. They come from 22 CFR § 62.31 and the Department of State's program pages.

Child care hours

Not more than 10 hours of child care per day and not more than 45 hours in any one week. EduCare participants: not more than 10 hours per day and not more than 30 hours per week.

Source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (Code of Federal Regulations), 22 CFR Ch. I (4-1-24 edition) (checked 17 Sep 2026)

Time off

A minimum of one and a half days off per week, in addition to one complete weekend off each month.

Source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (Code of Federal Regulations), 22 CFR Ch. I (4-1-24 edition) (checked 17 Sep 2026)

Paid vacation

Two weeks of paid vacation for each 12-month exchange term.

Source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (Code of Federal Regulations), 22 CFR Ch. I (4-1-24 edition) (checked 17 Sep 2026)

Weekly stipend

A weekly rate based upon 45 hours of child care per week, paid in conformance with the Fair Labor Standards Act as interpreted and implemented by the U.S. Department of Labor. EduCare participants are paid 75% of that weekly rate.

Source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (Code of Federal Regulations), 22 CFR Ch. I (4-1-24 edition) (checked 17 Sep 2026)

Education requirement

Not less than six semester hours of academic credit or the equivalent at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution; the host family pays that course work up to $500. EduCare: not less than twelve semester hours, paid up to $1,000.

Source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (Code of Federal Regulations), 22 CFR Ch. I (4-1-24 edition) (checked 17 Sep 2026)

Education during an extension

For a six-month extension: three semester hours, paid up to $250 (EduCare: six semester hours, up to $500). For a nine- or twelve-month extension the same obligation as the initial year applies.

Source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (Code of Federal Regulations), 22 CFR Ch. I (4-1-24 edition) (checked 17 Sep 2026)

Age

Between the ages of 18 and 26, a secondary school graduate or equivalent, and proficient in spoken English.

Source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (Code of Federal Regulations), 22 CFR Ch. I (4-1-24 edition) (checked 17 Sep 2026)

Program length

Participation is limited to one year. The Department of State may approve an extension of six, nine or twelve months; the application must reach the Department not less than 30 calendar days before the end date on the DS-2019.

Source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (Code of Federal Regulations), 22 CFR Ch. I (4-1-24 edition) (checked 17 Sep 2026)

Infants and children under 2

No placement with a family having a child less than three months old unless a parent or other responsible adult is present in the home, and no placement with a family having children under the age of two unless the au pair has at least 200 hours of documented infant child care experience.

Source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (Code of Federal Regulations), 22 CFR Ch. I (4-1-24 edition) (checked 17 Sep 2026)

Training before placement

At least eight hours of child safety instruction, of which no less than four are infant-related, plus at least 24 hours of child development instruction, of which no less than four cover children under the age of two.

Source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (Code of Federal Regulations), 22 CFR Ch. I (4-1-24 edition) (checked 17 Sep 2026)

Sponsor and paperwork

Placement runs through a sponsor designated by the Department of State. The au pair travels on a J-1 visa; the sponsor is named on the Form DS-2019 and is the first contact for problems during the stay.

Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (checked 17 Sep 2026)

Grace period after the program

After the program — the period defined on the Form DS-2019 — ends, USCIS allows a 30-day travel period, the grace period. The participant is no longer in J-1 status and may not work; travelling beyond the borders of the United States is not recommended, because re-entry may be refused.

Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (checked 18 Sep 2026)

Admission period (rule postponed)

A DHS final rule (91 FR 44976, 17 July 2026) would replace admission for duration of status with a fixed admission period and was due to take effect on 15 September 2026. On 14 September 2026 the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts postponed its effective date pending further order of the court or resolution of the case on the merits, and barred DHS from taking further action to implement it.

Source: U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, filed 14 September 2026 (checked 18 Sep 2026)