Hosting An Exchange Student In My Home Without Going Through An Exchange Program?

[GregM]

OK, so, my best friend lives in Ecuador and wants to come live with me for two months during the summer. I've already set up all of the financial issues and housing issues (he would be staying with me in my aunts' house)... However, he would not be coming here through an official exchange program.

My problem is this.... What legal work is involved with this? His passport is good until 2014 and he is sixteen... so I don't know if he needs insurance or how to go about it. His mom has given him full permission to come and live with me but I know there is paperwork involved here somewhere. What if he were to get sick? Could we be sued?

Thanks in advanced!! I have no idea how to go about the legal work for this.

[LawResearcherMissy]

What legal work is involved with this?

He needs a temporary residence visa.

His passport is good until 2014 and he is sixteen... so I don't know if he needs insurance or how to go about it.

Yes, he needs insurance. You can talk to insurers in your area. It will be quite pricey.

What if he were to get sick? Could we be sued?

If he were not properly covered, yes you could be.

I applaud you wanting to help your friend out. I think it's fantastic that you want to give him the chance to study here and get to know the American culture (such that it is).

But...and there's always a but...

From the perspective of someone who has been abroad on an official exchange program (Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange via AFS), you're in over your head.

The liability issues are HUGE. The paperwork alone is enough to make your hair fall out.

If you're serious about hosting him, do not, do not, DO NOT do this without retaining competent counsel.

It was hard enough going through an official (government sponsored, no less!) program. Trying to do it yourself is the path to madness. Get an attorney to help you with the paperwork.