If you want to be an Au Pair in Canada you can find a host family on your own or use a placement agency. If you are looking for assistance finding a family and consistent support while abroad, then using a placement agency is a great option. There are many agencies to choose from that offer various levels of job support. To help you find a job as an Au Pair in the Great White North, here is a list of 20 placement agencies that offer Au Pair programs and placements in Canada.
Photo Credits: John Lee
What to Know About being an Au Pair in Canada
Do you need to go with an agency?
No. If you are looking to become an Au Pair in Canada then you can find a host family on your own by using one of these 9 websites to find a job as an Au Pair.
Why go with an agency?
Safety, support, and assistance with transitioning abroad are some of the reasons you may want to use a placement agency. Agencies do the bulk of the work for you by placing you with, or helping you find, a family they think will be a good match. They walk you though what you need to know, how to obtain your VISA, provide assistance while abroad, and more. They also make sure you receive proper payment and the agreed upon benefits of the job.
How much does it cost and what is provided?
Agency fees 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 the breakdown of the fees you will need to pay and what is included or excluded in those fees.
How do you 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.
What are the requirements to be an Au Pair in Canada?
To become an Au Pair in Canada you will need to obtain a Working Holiday VISA. Most agencies will not obtain this VISA for you and request that you have the VISA before using them to match with a family. While other requirements vary depending on your home country, general requirements to obtain this VISA are as follows; be between the ages of 18-30, understand English or French, have no criminal background, have 2,500 CAD in your bank account to cover travel expenses, and have never applied for a Working Holiday VISA in Canada before.
Are United States citizens eligible for a Working Holiday VISA in Canada?
The USA is not listed as a qualifying country that can obtain a legal working holiday VISA to work in Canada. However, US citizens can apply if they have the support of a recognized organization or go through the young professionals program. For more information view posts from; Doherty Fultz Immergration or International Exchange of North America. For more information on Working Holiday VISAs, view the 6 Working Holiday VISAs for US citizens.
Au Pair Placement Agencies in Canada
Au Pair Canada offers placements in Canada. There are no program fees for Au Pairs.
Au Pair Canada offers placements in Canada. You must inquire for fees.
Au Pair Life offers placements in Canada You must inquire for fees.
Niagara Care Givers offers placements in Canada.There are no program fees for Au Pairs.
JCR Au Pairs and Nannies offers placements in Canada Placement fees are $900.
A.I.S. offers placements in Canada. There is a registration fee of €122 and placement fee of €340.
Aupair Girona offers placements in Canada. You must inquire for fees.
Yellow Au Pairs offers placements in Canada. Program fees are €400.
Pipelettes Agency offers placements in Canada. There is a Registration fee of €200 and placement fee of €250.
Roma Au Pair offers placements in Canada. You must inquire for fees.
Oz Au Pair Australia offers placements in Canada. You must inquire for fees. Note: They are an Australian based company but help place Au Pairs in Canada as well.
Global Work & Travel offers Au Pair programs in Canada. Program fees are $1,495. Note: This is not an Au Pair agency but a travel company that offers various programs.
The Youth Exchange Center offers placements in Canada. You must inquire for fees.
Au Pair Thailand offers placements in Canada. Program fees are $1,500 USD.
Au Pair Koego offers placements in Canada. All fees total $597 NZD. Note: This program may be for New Zealand Citizens only: must inquire within.
AIFS offers placements in Canada. Program fees start at €2,690, including flights.
Note: This program is built for German or Austrian citizens but other nationals can reach out with placement requests.
Childcare International offers placements in Canada for British citizens only.. You must inquire for fees.
Go 4 Au Pair offers placements in Canada for German citizens only. Program fees are €650 after placement.
Active Abroad offers placements in Canada for German citizens only. Program fees are €549.
Au Pair Japanese Connection offers placements in Canada for Japanese citizens only. Program fees are10,2750 yen.
Conclusion
To become an Au Pair in Canada you can choose to go with an Au Pair placement agency or find a host family on your own. If the program fees are no issues, then you may find it very helpful to have support while searching for a family and working abroad. Whatever path you decide to take, hopefully your Au Pair experience is memorable and you get the chance to explore the breathtaking Land of the Living Skies. If you have been an Au Pair in Canada, please share your experience and process in the comments below.