You’ve heard of the term Au Pair before. You understand the concept: an Au Pair lives in with your family and provides childcare. You’re excited about the fact that an Au Pair will share their culture with your family. AND you can’t wait to have some extra time for yourself!
BUT how does it work? What is the immigration process? How long do they stay with your family for?
These are some of the many questions you have building up in your head about having an Au Pair. In this blog post, we are going to go over some FAQ’s for the Au Pair Program:
Do Au Pairs require background checks?
All of Adanac’s Au Pairs have had previous background checks including police clearance, character and childcare references, plus a medical screening. The Au Pairs have also had an interview (either in-person or over Skype) where they are met and asked questions regarding their intentions for travelling abroad.
Is this an immigration process?
No, the Au Pairs will already have their work permit before arriving to your family so you do not need to fill out any immigration paperwork. With this work permit, the Au Pair is treated like any working Canadian and they can receive a Social Insurance Number with this work permit at your closest Service Canada.
What are any additional costs?
The family would be required to pay for costs associated with adding the Au Pair to their car insurance. As well, if the Au Pair is expected to have a cell phone on her while working then the family should pay for a part of her cell phone expense. The family will also have to take on any costs of getting the Au Pairs bedroom ready. Lastly, as a nice gesture, a small welcome gift such as a Starbucks gift card would help to make the Au Pair feel appreciated.
Does an Au Pair need a separate living space?
No. It is required that the Au Pair have their own, reasonably sized, bedroom with a lock on the door. They do not require their own bathroom.
What is a completion bonus?
A completion bonus is a common practice in the Au Pair industry. It is an incentive for your Au Pair to stay for her entire placement and it is extra spending money for your Au Pair to use for travelling. A completion bonus of $500.00 is provided and paid for by the host family when your Au Pair completes a 10 month + placement.
How long does an Au Pair live-in for?
Typically, an Au Pair stays with a family for 10-12 months. This is dependent on the type of Work Permit she has and availability.
Can an Au Pair be shared between two families?
No, an Au Pair cannot be shared between two families. The intention of having an Au Pair is to build a relationship between an Au Pair and a family, making the Au Pair a part of the family. The Au Pair is also to have only one employer.
Do Au Pairs drive?
Yes! Most Au Pairs have valid driver’s licenses and come from countries that are compatible with Canada to exchange their driver’s license for a provincial one.
I am a single parent, can I have an Au Pair?
Yes! Adanac Au Pair works with families of all kinds.
Are the Au Pairs arriving to Canada legally?
Yes! Au Pairs arrive to Canada through the International Experience Canada program set up through Citizenship and Immigration Canada. This program is intended for young foreigners to come to Canada for an extended period of time to work and travel in Canada. All Au Pairs have their Work Permits before arriving to Canada.
Do I have to pay for my Au Pair’s medical insurance?
No. In order for your Au Pair to receive her Work Permit she must pay for medical insurance that will cover her throughout her stay in Canada.
Do Au Pairs spend every weekend with the family?
It is up to the Au Pair and the family how much time is spent together. Au Pairs are encouraged to build their own schedule in the community and meet new people so weekends would be a great opportunity for this.
If the family asks the Au Pair to join in on a family outing, it is not necessary to pay the Au Pair unless specified earlier. For example, if the family goes to a BBQ and invites the Au Pair then she would not be paid. But if it is expected that the Au Pair watch the kids then she would be paid.
Do the Au Pairs speak English or French?
Yes! The Au Pairs are either native English speakers or know English or French as a secondary language. Our Au Pairs come from around the world, but mainly from Germany and Australia.
Does the Au Pair have any vacation days?
Yes, the Au Pair receives two weeks of vacation. This time is usually taken when the host family takes their vacation. The Au Pair is also given vacation pay in the form of 4% per pay period.
How quickly will my Au Pair arrive?
Many Au Pairs have a date in mind for when they want to arrive to Canada. You can find this information on the Au Pair’s mini profile here.
As many Au Pairs want to arrive to Canada during summer months, this is the time to hire an Au Pair.
How long does the application process take?
The application process can take anywhere from 1-4 weeks depending on how quickly you, as the host family, work to finish the necessary forms. Take an evening, without distractions, to complete the application form and “Dear Au Pair” letter to make sure you are putting deep thought into your answers. The Police Clearance will probably take the longest to complete so make this the first item you work on.
How do I pay my Au Pair?
As an employer, you are required to sign up with CRA to make any remittance from your Au Pair. Using the online CRA deductible calculator is easy as pie and we can help you during the first few paydays. Au Pairs are paid minimum hourly rate as per provincial standards and are entitled to any provincial overtime. Au Pairs can be paid by cheque, cash or direct deposit into a bank account with their name on it.
If you have any other questions at all about the Au Pair program, contact us today at info@adanacaupair.com
