FAQ’s
The host family would be required to pay for additional costs such as those associated with adding the Au Pair to their car insurance policy and provincial workers compensation. If the Au Pair is expected to have a cell phone on her while working, then this would be considered a work-related expense and the family should pay for a part of her cell phone expense.
The family will also be responsible for any costs associated with getting the Au Pair’s bedroom ready. As a nice gesture, a small welcome gift, such as a Starbucks gift card, would help make your Au Pair feel appreciated.
Lastly, 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. See What is a completion bonus?
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.
Both Nannies and Au Pairs live-in with a family to provide childcare and are usually from abroad. Here is a chart of the main differences between a Nanny and an Au Pair:
Nanny | Au Pair |
---|---|
Labour Market Impact Assessment needed before arriving to Canada | Only needs work permit before arriving to Canada |
Provides childcare and housekeeping | Provides childcare and light housekeeping (usually anything that pertains to the children) |
Any age | Usually between 18-30 |
Creates employer/employee relationship with family | Acts as “big sister” to family |
Paid median wage | Paid minimum wage |
Usually does not drive | Usually drives |
Works full time hours | Works between 25-44 hours per week |
Stays for minimum of 2 years | Stays for 10-12 months |
Family pays for flight | Au Pair pays for flight |
Must have equivalent of Canadian high school | Usually high school or post-secondary graduates |
Come to Canada with the intention of immigration | Come to Canada with the intention of work and travel |
Takes a minimum of 9 months for the Nanny to arrive to Canada | Applicants who have a Work Permit can arrive to Canada as soon as possible |
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 attends a BBQ and invites the Au Pair, then she would not be paid; however, if it is expected that the Au Pair would watch the children, then she would be paid.
Often they speak both! Our 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.
Please note you should give 4-5 weeks between being matched with an Au Pair and their arrival. This will allow your Au Pair to get their affairs in order before departing to Canada for a significant period of time. As well, it will give your family time to prepare for your Au Pair’s arrival; explaining to your children about the new member that’ll be arriving to your family, getting their bedroom all set up, arranging insurance policies, etc.
As many Au Pairs want to arrive in Canada during summer months, this is the best time to hire an Au Pair.
From beginning to end, the entire process can take anywhere from 6-12 weeks. The application process depends on how quickly the application form, references and police clearances are completed. Host families should take an evening, without distractions, to complete the application form and “Dear Au Pair” letter. Being thorough in answers and honest will help with matching. The Police Clearance will probably take the longest to complete, anywhere from 1-3 weeks, so we recommend you make this the first item you work on.
Families will be notified of Au Pair Plus program applicants when applications are sent out.
Au Pair in the Au Pair Plus program are paid an additional $50 per week.
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