For Au Pairs




What is an au pair?

The term, “au pair” comes from the French language, meaning “equal to”. It is a person who usually travels to a foreign country to live with and work for a host family. The person takes care of the children and helps with some light household duties in exchange for full board, housing and pocket money etc.

However, the purpose of the au pairs stay in the host country is not to be a traditional worker, but to acquire international experience, get to know a new culture and learn another language. Usually, the au pair becomes a part of the family and develops a lifelong friendship with the family members.

Christian Au Pair Agency will not only help you finding a trustworthy host family, but also a family that shares the same faith and values, thereby allowing the au pair to get even more out of the stay abroad.


Who can be an au pair?

The requirements for being able to work as an au pair through this particular agency can be divided into two categories; legal requirements and requirements made by Christian Au Pair Agency. Furthermore, the legal requirements vary from person to person, mainly depending on nationality.

THE REQUIREMENTS MADE BY CHRISTIAN AU PAIR AGENCY

Since we are a Christian agency, we do only accept Christian au pairs. Therefore we require a letter of recommendation from a leader in your church. This letter of recommendation shall be sent to us via e-mail or regular mail after applying as au pair.

THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

The visa requirements vary depending on your citizenship. Below you can find more information about the different visas.

Working Holiday visa (subclass 417)
To apply for this visa, you must hold a valid passport from a country involved in the Working Holiday Program with Australia. Eligible countries are Belgium, Canada, Republic of Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (including British National Overseas passport holders), Republic of Ireland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan or United Kingdom.
 
More information can be found here

Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462)
You can apply for this visa if you hold a passport from Argentina, Bangladesh, Chile, People’s Republic of China, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Peru, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, ​Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, United States of America, Uruguay or Vietnam.
 
More information can be found here

Special Category visa (subclass 444)
You can apply for this visa if you are a citizen of New Zealand.
 
More information can be found here

The information on this page is partly taken from The Australian Government Department of Immigration and Border Protection.


To work as an au pair

Working as an au pair is a good way to find a job abroad and acquire valuable international experience. The aim of the visit is to have the opportunity to learn English and become acquainted with Australian culture.

AU PAIRS DUTIES

The au pair lives with the host family and helps with the daily household duties, including looking after children. In addition, the au pair babysits approximately for one night every week. What is included in the daily household duties is defined in the au pair placement contract and varies between different host families. However the following duties are common:

  • Making breakfast/dinner (depending on working time) and snacks for the children
  • Playing and coming up with some activities
  • Vacuuming the children’s room(s)
  • Plucking the dish washer
  • Doing the laundry occasionally
  • Cleaning the own room
  • Taking the children to and collecting them from school/nursery and activities
  • Helping the children with homework

The au pair is under any circumstances neither allowed nor required to work as host family’s maid or do heavy household duties. The au pair may, if needed, follow the host family on holidays and participate on any excursions.

AU PAIRS WORKING HOURS

There are no specific regulations regarding au pairs working hours in Australia. However, CAPA’s recommendation is that the au pair should work no more than 25 hours a week, 5 hours a day (except when babysitting).

AU PAIRS POCKET MONEY

There are no specific regulations regarding au pairs pocket money in Australia. However, However, CAPA’s recommendation is 200-250 AUD for 25 hours/week. More information about taxes can be found here

BOARD AND ACCOMMODATION

The host family will offer the au pair full board and own room during the stay in the host country.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE COURSE

During the stay in the host country, the au pair will attend a English language course, normally paid by the au pair.

FREE TIME AND HOLIDAYS

The au pair is entitled to have two days off in a week, one of which should be a Sunday. As a result of the short working days, the au pair will also have plenty of free time during the weeks. During the free time the au pair is free to do whatever he or she wants, such as sightseeing, doing sport activities, meeting friends or taking part in local church activities. In addition to the free time, the au pair is entitled to a paid holiday of two weeks for every 6 months stay.

TRAVEL EXPENSES

It is expected that the au pair pais for the flights to and from Australia. In some cases, the host family is happy with the help you provide may decide to help with part of the cost. However, this is only CAPA’s recommendation, and the family is not obliged to do so.

OTHER INFORMATION

Would any circumstances require the au pair to leave earlier, he or she should stay with the family until a suitable replacement has been found. In case of serious circumstances of misbehaviour the au pair can leave the family with immediate effect. However, the Christian Au Pair Agency will always be there for the au pair and help with all kinds of problems and issues, anytime, anywhere.

The information on this page is partly taken from The Australian Government Department of Immigration and Border Protection.


How can I apply as an au pair?

The steps for applying as an au pair are described below. They may vary from person to person, mainly depending on nationality. Do not forget that Christian Au Pair Agency is always there to support you and help you with any issues you might have with your application or preparation.

REGISTER AS AU PAIR

If you meet the requirements for working as an au pair in Australia, you are welcome to register at our website.

THE MATCHING PROCESS

After the confirmation, Christian Au Pair Agency will start the matching process. As soon as a possible host family candidate is found, Christian Au Pair Agency will contact the au pair.

CHOOSE A HOST FAMILY

When we have found a matching family and both parties have agreed to the proposal, we will ask you to send us the following documents:

  • A letter of recommendation from a leader in your church
  • A medical certificate, not older than three months, declaring your general state of health
  • Extract from the criminal registry showing a clean record

Thereafter we will send the placement contract firstly to the au pair and thereafter to the host family. Once all three parties have signed the contract, each is legally required to uphold the agreements set forth within. Of course you will have the opportunity to communicate directly with the host family, before making any decisions.

GET A CERTIFICATE FROM YOUR PLACE OF STUDY

In order to be able to apply for residence and/or work permit you will need a certificate from your place of language study stating how many hours per week you will study. The family will sign you up for the language course and send you a copy of the certificate.

APPLY FOR A RESIDENCE AND/OR WORK PERMIT IF REQUIRED

If a residence and/or work permit is required you are now able to apply for it. You must apply for a residence permit from your native country or other country outside Australia where you are living.

APPLY FOR VISA IF REQUIRED

Applications for entry visas are processed by Australian Government Department of Immigration and Border Protection. An applicant who is not pleased with his or her decision can appeal the decision with the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Border Protection. For more information, please contact Australian Government Department of Immigration and Border Protection.

MAKE FINAL PREPARATIONS

It is important to communicate with your host family while doing the final preparations. Such final preparations include, among others, the following:

  • Travel arrangements
  • What insurances do you need and who will pay for them?
  • What house rules does the host family have?

The information on this page is partly taken from The Australian Government Department of Immigration and Border Protection.





What is an au pair?

The term, “au pair” comes from the French language, meaning “equal to”. It is a person who usually travels to a foreign country to live with and work for a host family. The person takes care of the children and helps with some light household duties in exchange for full board, housing and pocket money etc.

However, the purpose of the au pairs stay in the host country is not to be a traditional worker, but to acquire international experience, get to know a new culture and learn another language. Usually, the au pair becomes a part of the family and develops a lifelong friendship with the family members.

Christian Au Pair Agency will not only help you finding a trustworthy host family, but also a family that shares the same faith and values, thereby allowing the au pair to get even more out of the stay abroad.


Who can be an au pair?

The requirements for being able to work as an au pair through this particular agency can be divided into two categories; legal requirements and requirements made by Christian Au Pair Agency. Furthermore, the legal requirements vary from person to person, mainly depending on nationality.

THE REQUIREMENTS MADE BY CHRISTIAN AU PAIR AGENCY

Since we are a Christian agency, we do only accept Christian au pairs. Therefore we require a letter of recommendation from a leader in your church. This letter of recommendation shall be sent to us via e-mail or regular mail after applying as au pair.

THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

The visa requirements vary depending on your citizenship. Below you can find more information about the different visas and work permits.

Au pairs from EU or EEA Member States and Switzerland
There are no work permit restrictions for au pairs from these countries.

More information can be found here.

Au pairs from third countries
Au pairs from so called third countries require a residence permit (visa, leave to remain). The residence permit must be applied for in the form of a visa at the relevant German diplomatic mission (this is the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany or authorised local consulate) prior to arriving in Germany.

More information can be found here.

Exceptions
Citizens of certain countries (e.g. Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, and United States of America) may enter Germany without a visa. Please make inquiries at the German Embassy or German Consulate. CAPA will of course help you with the inquiry if needed.

More information can be found here.

The information on this page is partly taken from Bundesagentur für Arbeit (Federal Office for Labour, BA)


To work as an au pair

Working as an au pair is a good way to find a job abroad and acquire valuable international experience. The aim of the visit is to have the opportunity to learn German language and become acquainted with German culture.  The European Agreement on Au Pair Placement contains framework regulations on living and working conditions, language classes, social security as well as the rights and responsibilities of the host family and the au pair. Although this agreement has not been endorsed by the Federal Republic of Germany, it is in general followed. In addition, over many years au pair contracts in Germany have also given rise to certain norms.

AU PAIRS DUTIES

The au pair lives with the host family and helps with the daily household duties, including looking after children. In addition, the au pair babysits approximately for one night every week. What is included in the daily household duties is defined in the au pair placement contract and varies between different host families. However the following duties are common:

  • Making breakfast/dinner (depending on working time) and snacks for the children
  • Playing and coming up with some activities
  • Vacuuming the children’s room(s)
  • Plucking the dish washer
  • Doing the laundry occasionally
  • Cleaning the own room
  • Taking the children to and collecting them from school/nursery and activities
  • Helping the children with homework

The au pair is under any circumstances neither allowed nor required to work as host family’s maid or do heavy household duties. The au pair may, if needed, follow the host family on holidays and participate on any excursions.  The tasks of an au pair do not include caring for the sick or elderly (looking after family members in need of care).

DURATION OF AU PAIR CONTRACT

The au pair contract must be of least 6 months’ duration and can cover at the most 1 year. A renewal of employment as an au pair is not permitted even when the maximum duration of 1 year has not been completed.

AU PAIRS WORKING HOURS

In general, an au-pair is not allowed to carry out household tasks (including babysitting) for longer than 6 hours a day and 30 hours a week. If this length of time is exceeded for a particular reason, then prior agreement is needed. The extra hours must be compensated for with time off.

The family has the right to expect that the au pair will complete the tasks assigned to him/her in a reasonable period of time. Carrying out personal tasks (e.g. cleaning and tidying of the au pair’s own room) does not count as housework time.

The arrangement of housework time is done according to the needs and habits of the family. However, a degree of regularity in the daily routine is to be expected.

AU PAIRS POCKET MONEY

The purpose of working as an au pair is to improve language skills (and if applicable, work experience) as well as expanding general knowledge through a better understanding of the host country. Therefore, an au pair does not receive a wage in the normal sense but only so called ‘pocket money’. This currently amounts to €260 per month, regardless of the length of the housework time. 

An au pair usually receives a low income. Therefore, an au pair does not have to file a tax return in Germany. In case of any doubt, individual cases are to be examined. For further information, please refer to the federal central tax office.

BOARD AND ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation and meals will be provided by the family for free. In general, the au pair is entitled to his/her own room within the family home.

He/she joins family meals and receives the same food as the family members. If the au pair has a specific dietary requirement, then this should be clearly stated in the application.

GERMAN LANGUAGE COURSE

Every au pair is entitled to the opportunity to do a German language course in his/her own time as well as take part in cultural and scholarly activities.

The host family is obliged to contribute € 50 a month to the cost of the language course. However, the au pair must bear the costs for other activities himself or herself.

FREE TIME AND HOLIDAYS

The au pair is entitled to at least 1 full rest day a week. This does not necessarily have to be at the weekend. However, at least one Sunday a month must be kept free for the au pair. In addition, the au pair is entitled to at least 4 free evenings a week.

During the free time the au pair is free to do whatever he or she wants, such as sightseeing, doing sport activities, meeting friends or taking part in local church activities. In addition to the free time, the au pair is entitled to a paid holiday of two weeks for every 6 months stay.

If a family hosts an au pair for a full year, then he/she is entitled to paid holidays of 4 weeks. Otherwise, there is an entitlement to holidays equivalent to 2 working days for every full month.

If the family itself is going on holidays, the au pair often joins them. In such cases however, the au pair also has specific tasks and responsibilities (e.g. looking after children, etc). However, for the au pair a family holiday only counts as his/her own holidays when only nonessential tasks are to be carried out and where the au-pair is not obliged to join the family on holiday. If the au pair does not join the family holiday, then working for another family (e.g. neighbors, friends) is not permitted.

TRAVEL EXPENSES

The cost of travelling to and from the host country is usually borne by the au pair. In some cases, the host family is happy to help the au pair with part of the cost. However, this is only CAPA’s recommendation, and the family is not obliged to do so.

HEALTH AND ACCIDENT INSURANCE, PREGNANCY

In Germany, insurance must be taken out for the au pair in the case of illness, pregnancy and birth as well as in the case of accident. All insurance contributions are paid by the family.

OTHER INFORMATION

Would any circumstances require the au pair to leave earlier, he or she should stay with the family until a suitable replacement has been found. In case of serious circumstances of misbehaviour the au pair can leave the family with immediate effect. However, the Christian Au Pair Agency will always be there for the au pair and help with all kinds of problems and issues, anytime, anywhere.

The information on this page is partly taken from Bundesagentur für Arbeit (Federal Office for Labour, BA)


How can I apply as an au pair?

The steps for applying as an au pair are described below. They may vary from person to person, mainly depending on nationality. Do not forget that Christian Au Pair Agency is always there to support you and help you with any issues you might have with your application or preparation.

REGISTER AS AU PAIR

If you meet the requirements for working as an au pair in Germany, you are welcome to register at our website.

THE MATCHING PROCESS

After the confirmation, Christian Au Pair Agency will start the matching process. As soon as a possible host family candidate is found, Christian Au Pair Agency will contact the au pair.

CHOOSE A HOST FAMILY

When we have found a matching family and both parties have agreed to the proposal, we will ask you to send us the following documents:

  • A letter of recommendation from a leader in your church
  • A medical certificate, not older than three months, declaring your general state of health
  • Extract from the criminal registry showing a clean record

Thereafter we will send the placement contract firstly to the au pair and thereafter to the host family. Once all three parties have signed the contract, each is legally required to uphold the agreements set forth within. Of course you will have the opportunity to communicate directly with the host family, before making any decisions.

CHECK THE VALIDITY OF YOUR DOCUMENTS

For your trip to Germany, you need a valid passport or identity card (for EU and EFTA citizens). Check the validity of your documents before leaving your country.

APPLY FOR VISA IF REQUIRED

The German Embassy examines your knowledge of German, since your language level should be the equivalent to Level A1 for getting a visa.

Following documents are required when applying the visa:

  • A letter of recommendation from a leader in your church
  • A medical certificate, not older than three months, declaring your general state of health
  • Extract from the criminal registry showing a clean record

Note: Other documents may be required. Please contact us or the competent authority in advance.

MAKE FINAL PREPARATIONS

It is important to communicate with your host family while doing the final preparations. Such final preparations include, among others, the following:

  • Travel arrangements
  • What insurances do you need and who will pay for them?
  • What house rules does the host family have?

REGISTRATION IN THE HOST COUNTRY

Upon arrival in Germany, the EU/EEA citizens are required to register at the residents’ registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt).

The au pairs from third countries should be registered at the Residents’ Registration Office (Einwohnermeldeamt) and the Immigration Office (Ausländerbehörde) by the host family. The residence permit will first be issued for 3 months and must be extended afterwards. The au pairs from third countries also need to

The information on this page is partly taken from Bundesagentur für Arbeit (Federal Office for Labour, BA)





What is an au pair?

The term, “au pair” comes from the French language, meaning “equal to”. It is a person who usually travels to a foreign country to live with and work for a host family. The person takes care of the children and helps with some light household duties in exchange for full board, housing and pocket money etc.

However, the purpose of the au pairs stay in the host country is not to be a traditional worker, but to acquire international experience, get to know a new culture and learn another language. Usually, the au pair becomes a part of the family and develops a lifelong friendship with the family members.

Christian Au Pair Agency will not only help you finding a trustworthy host family, but also a family that shares the same faith and values, thereby allowing the au pair to get even more out of the stay abroad.


Who can be an au pair?

The requirements for being able to work as an au pair through this particular agency can be divided into two categories; legal requirements and requirements made by Christian Au Pair Agency. Furthermore, the legal requirements vary from person to person, mainly depending on nationality.

THE REQUIREMENTS MADE BY CHRISTIAN AU PAIR AGENCY

Since we are a Christian agency, we do only accept Christian au pairs. Therefore we require a letter of recommendation from a leader in your church. This letter of recommendation shall be sent to us via e-mail or regular mail after applying as au pair.

THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

The visa requirements vary depending on your citizenship. Below you can find more information about the different visas.

Au pairs from EU or EEA Member States and Switzerland 
To apply for this visa, you must hold a valid passport from any of the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, Iceland*, Liechtenstein *, Norway * and Switzerland **

* These countries are in the EEA, but are not members of the European Union
** Switzerland is not in the EEA but an international treaty means that Swiss nationals have a similar right to live in the UK as EEA nationals.

More information can be found here

Nationals of Croatia
There may be some restrictions. BAPAA is still awaiting clarification as to what is required.
 
More information can be found here

Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme
You can apply for this visa under the Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme if you are a citizen of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, Monaco, Taiwan, Republic of Korea, Hong Kong.

More information can be found here

The information on this page is partly taken from The British Au Pair Agencies Association.


To work as an au pair

Working as an au pair is a good way to find a job abroad and acquire valuable international experience. The aim of the visit is to have the opportunity to learn English and become acquainted with culture in the UK.

AU PAIRS DUTIES

The au pair lives with the host family and helps with the daily household duties, including looking after children. In addition, the au pair babysits approximately for one night every week. What is included in the daily household duties is defined in the au pair placement contract and varies between different host families. However the following duties are common:

  • Making breakfast/dinner (depending on working time) and snacks for the children
  • Playing and coming up with some activities
  • Vacuuming the children’s room(s)
  • Plucking the dish washer
  • Doing the laundry occasionally
  • Cleaning the own room
  • Taking the children to and collecting them from school/nursery and activities
  • Helping the children with homework

The au pair is under any circumstances neither allowed nor required to work as host family’s maid or do heavy household duties. The au pair may, if needed, follow the host family on holidays and participate on any excursions.

AU PAIRS WORKING HOURS

There are no specific regulations regarding au pairs working hours in the UK. However, CAPA’s recommendation is that the au pair should work no more than 30 hours a week (incl. babysitting).

NATIONAL INSURANCE

The au pair may have to pay for the National Insurance, depending on how much pocket money the au pair receives.

AU PAIRS POCKET MONEY

There are no specific regulations regarding au pairs pocket money in Australia. However, However, according to the Home Office, au pairs in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland receive about £70 to £85 a week. More information about taxes can be found here

BOARD AND ACCOMMODATION

The host family will offer the au pair full board and own room during the stay in the host country.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE COURSE

During the stay in the host country, the au pair will attend a English language course, normally paid by the au pair.

FREE TIME AND HOLIDAYS

The au pair is entitled to have one days off in a week, which should be a Sunday at least once every month. As a result of the short working days, the au pair will also have plenty of free time during the weeks. During the free time the au pair is free to do whatever he or she wants, such as sightseeing, doing sport activities, meeting friends or taking part in local church activities. There are no official regulations with regard to holidays for au pairs. CAPA’s recommendation is that the au pair should be entitled to a paid holiday of two weeks for every 6 months stay. However, the family is not obliged to do so.

TRAVEL EXPENSES

It is expected that the au pair pais for the flights to and from the UK. In some cases, the host family is happy with the help you provide may decide to help with part of the cost. However, this is only CAPA’s recommendation, and the family is not obliged to do so.

OTHER INFORMATION

Would any circumstances require the au pair to leave earlier, he or she should stay with the family until a suitable replacement has been found. In case of serious circumstances of misbehavior the au pair can leave the family with immediate effect. However, the Christian Au Pair Agency will always be there for the au pair and help with all kinds of problems and issues, anytime, anywhere.

The information on this page is partly taken from The British Au Pair Agencies Association.


How can I apply as an au pair?

The steps for applying as an au pair are described below. They may vary from person to person, mainly depending on nationality. Do not forget that Christian Au Pair Agency is always there to support you and help you with any issues you might have with your application or preparation.

REGISTER AS AU PAIR

If you meet the requirements for working as an au pair in Australia, you are welcome to register at our website.

THE MATCHING PROCESS

After the confirmation, Christian Au Pair Agency will start the matching process. As soon as a possible host family candidate is found, Christian Au Pair Agency will contact the au pair.

CHOOSE A HOST FAMILY

When we have found a matching family and both parties have agreed to the proposal, we will ask you to send us the following documents:

  • A letter of recommendation from a leader in your church
  • A medical certificate, not older than three months, declaring your general state of health
  • Extract from the criminal registry showing a clean record

Thereafter we will send the placement contract firstly to the au pair and thereafter to the host family. Once all three parties have signed the contract, each is legally required to uphold the agreements set forth within. Of course you will have the opportunity to communicate directly with the host family, before making any decisions.

GET A CERTIFICATE FROM YOUR PLACE OF STUDY

In order to be able to apply for residence and/or work permit you will need a certificate from your place of language study stating how many hours per week you will study. The family will sign you up for the language course and send you a copy of the certificate.

APPLY FOR A RESIDENCE AND/OR WORK PERMIT IF REQUIRED

If a residence and/or work permit is required you are now able to apply for it. You must apply for a residence permit from your native country or other country outside the UK where you are living.

APPLY FOR VISA IF REQUIRED

Applications for entry visas are processed by the UK Government. For more information, see here.

MAKE FINAL PREPARATIONS

It is important to communicate with your host family while doing the final preparations. Such final preparations include, among others, the following:

  • Travel arrangements
  • What insurances do you need and who will pay for them?
  • What house rules does the host family have?

The information on this page is partly taken from The British Au Pair Agencies Association.



Important notice!

Please observe that, since we are not a JVisa-designated sponsor organization in the USA, we are cooperating with Expert AuPair. Even though CAPA will never charge the au pairs any feesthe au pair will be charged by Expert AuPair. Their fees can be found here.


What is an au pair?

The term, “au pair” comes from the French language, meaning “equal to”. It is a person who usually travels to a foreign country to live with and work for a host family. The person takes care of the children and helps with some light household duties in exchange for full board, housing and pocket money etc.

However, the purpose of the au pairs stay in the host country is not to be a traditional worker, but to acquire international experience, get to know a new culture and learn another language. Usually, the au pair becomes a part of the family and develops a lifelong friendship with the family members.

Christian Au Pair Agency will not only help you finding a trustworthy host family, but also a family that shares the same faith and values, thereby allowing the au pair to get even more out of the stay abroad.


Who can be an au pair?

The requirements for being able to work as an au pair through this particular agency can be divided into two categories; legal requirements and requirements made by Christian Au Pair Agency. Furthermore, the legal requirements vary from person to person, mainly depending on nationality.

THE REQUIREMENTS MADE BY CHRISTIAN AU PAIR AGENCY

Since we are a Christian agency, we do only accept Christian au pairs. Therefore we require a letter of recommendation from a leader in your church. This letter of recommendation shall be sent to us via e-mail or regular mail after applying as au pair.

THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

J-1 visa
To participate in Au Pair program in the USA you will need a J-1 visa. More information can be found here


To work as an au pair

Working as an au pair is a good way to find a job abroad and acquire valuable international experience. The aim of the visit is to have the opportunity to learn English and become acquainted with American culture.

AU PAIRS DUTIES

The au pair lives with the host family and helps with the daily household duties, including looking after children. In addition, the au pair babysits approximately for one night every week. What is included in the daily household duties is defined in the au pair placement contract and varies between different host families. However the following duties are common:

  • Making breakfast/dinner (depending on working time) and snacks for the children
  • Playing and coming up with some activities
  • Vacuuming the children’s room(s)
  • Plucking the dish washer
  • Doing the laundry occasionally
  • Cleaning the own room
  • Taking the children to and collecting them from school/nursery and activities
  • Helping the children with homework

The au pair is under any circumstances neither allowed nor required to work as host family’s maid or do heavy household duties. The au pair may, if needed, follow the host family on holidays and participate on any excursions.

AU PAIRS WORKING HOURS

In the USA, the au pair’s immigration status restricts the au pair to 10 hours per day, 45 hours per week.

AU PAIRS POCKET MONEY

In the USA, au pairs receive pocket money to the value of $195,75/week. 
Au pair wages are not subject to mandatory income tax. However, au pairs are required to file individual income tax returns.

BOARD AND ACCOMMODATION

The host family will offer the au pair full board and own room during the stay in the host country.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND CHILDCARE COURSES

During the stay in the host country, the au pair might have to attend a English language course. Before you finally join your host family, you will also need to attend special workshops and trainings on child safety and child development, arranged by the Expert AuPair.

FREE TIME AND HOLIDAYS

The au pair is entitled to have 1,5 days off in a week and one free weekend in a month. As a result of the short working days, the au pair will also have plenty of free time during the weeks. During the free time the au pair is free to do whatever he or she wants, such as sightseeing, doing sport activities, meeting friends or taking part in local church activities. In addition to the free time, the au pair is entitled to a paid holiday of two weeks for every 12 months stay.

TRAVEL EXPENSES

The Expert AuPair agency fees cover all airfare. The Au Pair is responsible for travel to the American Embassy or Consulate in your country, and the cost of travel to your departure airport.

OTHER INFORMATION

Would any circumstances require the au pair to leave earlier, he or she should stay with the family until a suitable replacement has been found. In case of serious circumstances of misbehaviour the au pair can leave the family with immediate effect. However, the Christian Au Pair Agency will always be there for the au pair and help with all kinds of problems and issues, anytime, anywhere.

The information on this page is partly taken from The Expert AuPair website.


How can I apply as an au pair?

The steps for applying as an au pair are described below. They may vary from person to person, mainly depending on nationality. Do not forget that Christian Au Pair Agency is always there to support you and help you with any issues you might have with your application or preparation.

REGISTER AS AU PAIR

If you meet the requirements for working as an au pair in the USA, you are welcome to register at our website. Please note that if you register directly via Expert AuPair, CAPA will not be a part of the process and a Christian host family can’t be guaranteed.

THE MATCHING PROCESS

After the confirmation, Christian Au Pair Agency will start the matching process. As soon as a possible host family candidate is found, Christian Au Pair Agency will contact the au pair.

CHOOSE A HOST FAMILY

When we have found a matching family, held Skype interviews, and both parties have agreed to the proposal, we will ask you to send us the following documents:

  • Au Pair Application (form will be sent to you by CAPA)
  • 2 Personal References (form will be sent to you by CAPA)
  • 1 Employer Reference (form will be sent to you by CAPA)
  • Proof of Secondary School Completion
  • Physician’s Report (form will be sent to you by CAPA)
  • Criminal Records Check
  • Copy of Passport
  • Personality Assessment (form will be sent to you by CAPA)
  • Copy of Driver’s License (if you have one)
  • Under 2 Verification, if you have experience working with children under age 2 (form will be sent to you by CAPA)

Thereafter we will send the placement contract firstly to the au pair and thereafter to the host family. Once all three parties have signed the contract, each is legally required to uphold the agreements set forth within. Of course you will have the opportunity to communicate directly with the host family, before making any decisions.

HANDING OVER THE PROCESS TO EXPERT AUPAIR

Thereafter we hand over the documents to the US agency Expert AuPair, that we are cooperating with.

Expert AuPair will help you with all the remaining preparations, including training, first aid & CPR certification, home office support, support network, medical insurance etc.

Expert AuPair will charge you fees that can be found here. However, please notice that many of the expenses, that are usually paid by the au pair, are included in these fees. CAPA will not charge the au pair any additional fees.

More information can be found here.