What Is an Au Pair?
What Is an Au Pair?
An au pair is an international young adult—typically between the ages of 18 and 30—who lives with your family and provides childcare along with light household help. In return, they receive wages (minimum wage with provincially set room and board deductions).
Au pairs are excited to share their culture and traditions, and your family—especially your children—will benefit from exposure to new languages, customs, and perspectives. Their goal is to become fully immersed in Canadian life, while also improving their English or French language skills.
Beyond practical support, an au pair often becomes a beloved and trusted member of the family, forming bonds that can last a lifetime.
An au pair is an international young adult—typically between the ages of 18 and 30—who lives with your family and provides childcare along with light household help. In return, they receive wages (minimum wage with provincially set room and board deductions).
Au pairs are excited to share their culture and traditions, and your family—especially your children—will benefit from exposure to new languages, customs, and perspectives. Their goal is to become fully immersed in Canadian life, while also improving their English or French language skills.
Beyond practical support, an au pair often becomes a beloved and trusted member of the family, forming bonds that can last a lifetime.
Qualified
Au Pairs
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Reliable In-home Childcare
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Au Pair Plus
Program
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Au Pairs are Required to…
- Be between 18–30 years old
- Have graduated from high school
- Hold a valid police clearance
- Possess a valid Work Permit for Canada
- Have medical insurance for the duration of their stay
- Have at least 200 hours of documented childcare experience
- Commit to living with a family for 6 to 12 months
- Complete a pre-screening interview with the agency before being introduced to host families
Some au pairs may also bring extra skills or qualifications, such as:
- A valid driver’s license
- Additional childcare experience (see our Au Pair Plus program)
- Special skills or interests to complement your family’s lifestyle (e.g., sports, music, tutoring)
What’s Included in Our Program?
When you join our program, you’re not just getting help with childcare—you’re gaining a trusted partner to guide you every step of the way. Here’s what’s included:
Plus, we provide a robust online orientation before departure, with topics like “Life in Canada,” “Eating and the Kitchen,” and “Health and Safety.”
What is the difference between an au pair and a nanny?
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 6-12 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 many months for the Nanny to arrive to Canada | Applicants who have a Work Permit can arrive to Canada as soon as possible |
