What are the entry requirements for au pairs travelling to the UK? Do you need to have an au pair visa? All the important information for both EU and non-EU citizens is available here for au pairs interested in spending time in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales.
The travel regulations for EU citizens and non-EU citizens are different.
EU: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom
EFTA: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland
EFTA: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland
Non-EU: Citizens of all other countries
EU citizens currently do not need to do so much paperwork in order to become an au pair in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Au-pairs need to make sure that they have a valid passport or identity card. It is not necessary to obtain a visa to travel to Great Britain.
As of 1 July 2013, Croatia is a member of the EU. Croatian citizens therefore do not need a visa to become an au pair in the United Kingdom. However, there are still some special rules for Croatian au pairs. Au pairs who would like to stay in the United Kingdom for more than three months need to fill out a form in which they prove that they are financially independent. In addition they need to have comprehensive health insurance (which will cost between £ 87 and £ 300 per month in Great Britain).
For au pairs from non-EU countries there are two possibilities to become an au pair in Great Britain: the Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme a student visa.
The Youth Mobility Scheme makes it possible for young people (aged 18-30) from certain countries to spend a limited time living and working in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales.
Young people from the following countries are eligible for the Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme:
For au pairs from Kong, the Republic of Korea or Taiwan, your own government will act as your sponsor during your stay in the UK. Bear in mind that the number of places and sponsorship certificates for nationals of these countries is limited. You need to apply for your visa within 3 months upon receipt of your certificate of sponsorship. (Please note: the latter is not a printed document, but a reference number).
Under the Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme, points are given for nationality and age. It is crucial for applicants to have enough funds (maintenance) to support themselves for the length of the stay in Britain, and the applicant should provide evidence of having access to at least 1,890 GBP in savings.
Au pairs should make ake sure that they have a valid passport before planning a trip.
The host family should send the signed au pair contract to the au pair.
The au pair should make the arrangements for the visa, which can applied for online.
When applying, the following documents will have to be submitted to the British embassy or consulate in the au pair's home country:
It is advisable to check with the British embassy or consulate whether any further documents are required.
The visa is usually issued to cover a period of 2 years. Therefore, the respective au pairs do not need to contact the Home Office* after 6 months. The au pair may leave and re-enter the country within this period of time. If an au pair who requires a visa needs to register with the police, this will be noted in his/her passport. In this case, the au pair should register within 7 days of arrival.
* Please note: The 'UK Border Agency' has been replaced. 'UK Visas and Immigration' is now carrying out formalities for applicants wishing to visit, work, study or settle in the England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Good to know: The work permit which the au pair receives under the Youth Mobility Scheme is automatically valid for 24 months.
Students from outside the EU / EFTA who have been offered a place on a course may be allowed to work a certain number of hours per week (usually up to 20), depending on their course level and sponsor.
It should be clarified between the au pair and host family, how many hours of au pair work are expected and how these hours will be scheduled. A full time study course may make it difficult to also accommodate au pair duties for a host family. Keep in mind that the immigration officials at the point of entry always have the right to refuse entry should they believe that the student is in truth intending to work full time.
If there are further questions regarding students visas for the United Kingdom, please contact the British authorities directly.