Modernize the Au Pair Program Act of 2025

This bill would set one national set of rules for the au pair cultural exchange program. It says only the U.S. State Department can make and enforce rules for the program, and states or cities may not pass or enforce their own au pair rules. The findings explain that au pairs are young people from other countries who live with American families, help with child care, and take classes as part of a cultural exchange.

It also directs the State Department to send a new proposed rule within 90 days after it becomes law. That rule must set a uniform national stipend and education stipend that keeps the program affordable and reflects room and board costs; add flexibility for families with non‑traditional schedules (like military families, first responders, single parents, and shift workers); and support au pairs being part of family life to meet the cultural exchange goal. The findings stress the need for clear, uniform, and affordable rules nationwide and note that many host families are in the military and that child care costs are a major burden for families and the economy.

• Who is affected: au pairs and host families nationwide; especially military families, first responders, single parents, and shift workers.
• What changes: only federal rules would apply (no state or local rules); the State Department must set uniform stipends, improve flexibility, and promote family immersion.
• When: the federal-only rule would apply if the bill becomes law; the new proposed rule is due within 90 days of enactment.