As a US citizen, you can work as an Au Pair in Canada, there are just a couple of extra steps you need to take. To work as an Au Pair in Canada you will need to apply for the proper work permit through a sponsored organization. You can apply for this permit and find a host family on your own, or you can use an au pair placement agency for support. This post will provide a simple explanation of how to work as an Au Pair in Canada as an American citizen.
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Requirements to Work as an Au Pair in Canada
Working as an Au Pair in Canada
There is no “au pair specific” visa or work permit in the country of Canada. International workers can legally get a job as an Au Pair while on a work permit issued by the Canadian government.
Au Pair requirements
To work as an Au Pair in Canada, you need to meet the requirements for an open work permit.
To qualify, you must be between the ages of 18-30, understand English or French, have a clean criminal background, have 2,500 CAD ($1,765 USD) in your bank account to cover travel expenses, and have not previously applied for a working holiday in Canada.
You will need to be able obtain health insurance for the duration of your stay. Most host families and au pair agencies also prefer you to have previous child care experience.
Getting a work permit with IEC Canada
Canada’s International Experience Canada Program (IEC) gives internationals, ages of 18-35, the opportunity to work and travel in Canada for up to 24 months. This program allows qualified applicants to apply for an open work permit that enables you to work almost any type of short term job (including an Au Pair). The IEC includes Canada’s working holiday program and you will be considered a working holiday participant when you are granted this work permit.
To apply directly to this program, you need to be from a country that Canada has a youth mobility agreement with. The United States is not on this list. However, US citizens are still eligible to apply, but must go through a recognized sponsor organization.
Applying for a work permit as a US Citizen
As an American citizen, you will need to apply to one of the recognized sponsor organizations on Canada’s pre-approved list. Once accepted, you will officially be eligible to apply for the IEC Program. This program will provide you with an open work permit that will enable you to legally work as an Au Pair in Canada.
If you do not want to go through this process on your own, you can work with an au pair placement agency and they will assist you in the steps you need to take to properly apply for this work permit.
If you want a step by step breakdown of how to apply for the IEC program, and everything else you will need to know about going to Canada on this work permit, check out The Ultimate Guide to a Working Holiday in Canada.
How to Find a Job as an Au Pair in Canada
Finding a job as an Au Pair
To work as an Au Pair in Canada, you can find a host family one your own or use a placement agency. No matter which path you choose, you will still need to qualify and apply for the proper work permit.
Finding a Canadian host family on your own
Most families will prefer you to already have the proper work visa and be in Canada before they hire you. This way they don’t need to worry about how long it will take for you to get the work permit or the possibility of your permit being denied. Thus, it’s better to obtain your work permit first before searching for a family.
You can search for and connect with Canadian host families by creating a profile on one of these 9 websites to find a job as an Au Pair. Once you find a host family that works for you and you have agreed on the job details, you can start your job as an Au Pair!
If you want a step by step guide on how to find a job as an Au Pair, check out: How to Find a Job as an Au Pair Abroad.
Working with a placement agency
If you sign up with a placement agency, they will assist you in applying for the IEC program to obtain a work permit. They will also help you in finding a family and settling in abroad.
Most agencies want applicants with childcare experience and some will ask for a first aid qualification. They also require their Au Pairs to commit to a 6 or 12 month placement, but some will offer summer contracts.
Agencies come with fees, and the cost will vary depending on what they provide their Au Pairs. Most fees do not usually include things such as; flights, visa costs, background checks, international drivers licenses, health insurance, etc… It is important to understand what is included or excluded in those fees before you pay.
How to know if an agency is legitimate
To make sure and au pair agency is legitimate you need to do your research. Read past Au Pair reviews on third party websites, find out if they are certified, see if they have legitimate partner agencies, and check if they are a member of accredited Au Pair associations such as the International Au Pair Association.
Au Pair Placement Agencies in Canada
Placement Agencies
The au pair placement agencies on this list state that they work with US citizens or with anyone who qualifies for a working holiday in Canada. You can also contact other agencies directly to see if they accept American applicants.
Au Pair Work and Travel Programs in Canada
There are work and travel programs that will help you find Au Pair jobs. These differ from placement agencies because they usually come at a higher cost and have travel experiences included. Global Work & Travel offers an Au Pair placement program.
There are many other work and travel companies that advertise working holiday opportunities in Canada that are not Au Pair specific;
- The Working Holiday Club
- Global Work & Travel
- JENZA (partners with BUNAC and SWAP)
- InterExchange
- USIT
- StepWest
Conclusion
To work as an Au Pair in Canada as an American, you need to obtain the proper work permit through Canada’s IEC program. You can do this by reaching out to a recognized organization or an au pair agency. Whatever path you decide to take, hopefully your Au Pair experience is wonderful. Have you worked as an Au Pair in Canada? What was your experience like? Please let me know in the comments below!
