Being an au pair in Canada

• Age : Aged between 18 and 30
• Salary (Pocket money) : An au pair can expect to earn between $5 and $7 per hour. Babysitting is normally paid at overtime rates - time and a half.
• Number of hrs to work and days off : The caregiver must be given 2 days off a week
• Visas : An au pair can work in Canada under the Live-In Caregiver Programme and will need to also apply for a work permit to be allowed to work in Canada. For more information on the Live-In Caregiver Programme and applying for a work permit see Visa requirements for Canada
• Duration of stay : The work permit is valid for one year and can be renewed if an au pair provides proof that their host family is offering them another year of employment.
• Language requirements : Au pair must be able to speak, read and understand either English or French at a level that allows them to work independently in a home setting.
• Health Insurance : An au pair is not required to take out insurance to work in Canada but it is advised that they do take out both health and travel insurance
• Travel costs : Travel costs to Canada from the au pairs home country should be covered by the au pair. However, if the host family wants to pay for a part of the costs, it is suggested that they do so after the au pair has stayed with them for at least half of the agreed time.
• Language courses : There are no requirements for an au pair to attend language courses in Canada

Being an au pair in:
Australia / Austria / Belgium / Denmark / France / Germany / Ireland / Italy / Netherlands / New Zealand / Norway / Spain / Sweden / Switzerland / UK / US