Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia is a popular destination for those looking to work as an au pair. The country offers endless beaches, extraordinary animals, and a vibrant multicultural society. To become an au pair in Australia, you must meet certain requirements and follow a specific application process. This includes deciding on a location, choosing a host family, and applying for the correct visa.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age | 17-30 years old |
| Relationship status | Single |
| Children | No children |
| Language skills | Basic to intermediate English skills |
| Experience | Some experience in childcare |
| Criminal background check | Clean criminal record |
| Travel expenses | Covered by the au pair, unless otherwise agreed |
| Insurance | Required |
| Contract | Required |
| Working hours | 20-35 hours per week |
| Salary | $180-245 per week |
| Visa | Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) or Working Holiday Visa |
| Passport | Valid |
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What You'll Learn
Language skills and eligibility
As an au pair in Australia, you will need to be able to speak English fluently. This is a requirement for obtaining the necessary visa and for effective communication with your host family and children. Proficiency in English will ensure that you can understand the needs and expectations of the family and successfully carry out your duties as an au pair. It will also enable you to navigate
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Childcare experience
Babysitting
Babysitting experience demonstrates your ability to care for children in a home setting. Whether you've babysat occasionally for neighbours or have regular babysitting gigs, this experience is valuable. Be sure to gather references from the families you've worked with to showcase your reliability and skills.
Working in a Kindergarten or Social Institution
If you've worked in a kindergarten or other social institution, such as an after-school programme or summer camp, this can be a significant advantage. This type of experience indicates your comfort and proficiency in handling groups of children and facilitating their development. It also showcases your ability to work in a structured childcare environment.
Volunteer Work with Children
Volunteering with children, whether it's coaching a youth sports team, mentoring, or assisting in a children's programme, reflects your dedication to working with young people. It demonstrates your willingness to contribute to children's growth and well-being outside of a paid position.
Personal Experience with Younger Siblings or Relatives
While not exactly "professional" experience, having younger siblings or relatives and actively participating in their care can be valuable. It shows your long-term commitment to the well-being of children close to you and can be indicative of your natural nurturing skills.
Childcare Courses or Qualifications
Consider enrolling in childcare courses or working towards relevant qualifications. This can include first aid training, early childhood education courses, or programmes focused on child development. Such qualifications enhance your theoretical understanding of childcare and can be a significant advantage when applying to be an au pair.
When applying to be an au pair in Australia, a combination of these experiences will strengthen your profile. Host families want to ensure their children are in capable and caring hands, so demonstrating your passion for childcare and your ability to handle various childcare situations is essential.
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Travel and accommodation
When planning your travel to Australia, be sure to book your flights in advance to secure the best prices and desired dates. Consider the time of year you are travelling—school holidays and summer in Australia (December to February) are peak travel times and may be more expensive. You may also want to look into the option of becoming an au pair for a family who is travelling to Australia, which could provide an opportunity to share the travel costs.
Australia has several large international airports, with the busiest being in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. You will likely fly into one of these airports, which are all well-connected to their respective city centres by public transport. For example, Sydney Airport is easily accessible by train, bus, or taxi, with the trip taking around 20 minutes to the central business district.
In terms of accommodation, most au pairs live with their host family, which provides an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in Australian culture and family life. It also means that your accommodation costs are usually covered. Typically, you will have your own room and maybe even an en-suite, depending on the family and their home. Some host families may also offer the option of live-out accommodation, where you have separate accommodation paid for by the family. This is less common, but it could be an option if you prefer more independence and privacy.
If you are not living with your host family, or if you wish to explore other accommodation options, there are several alternatives. Rental properties are commonly sought after, and many people share houses with other tenants to reduce costs. Websites like Domain, RealEstate, and Flatmates are great resources for finding rental properties and rooms for rent across Australia. You could also consider short-term accommodation options like Airbnb or hostel stays while you settle in and explore other long-term accommodation options.
It is important to note that the cost of living in Australia, particularly in the larger cities, can be high. Accommodation costs can vary significantly depending on the location and type of dwelling. Be sure to research the average rental prices in your desired area and consider the cost of utilities, food, and transportation when creating your budget.
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Visas and insurance
Before you embark on your journey to Australia, it is crucial to ensure that you have the necessary visa and insurance in place. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate these essential aspects of your au pair experience in Australia:
Visas
To enter Australia as an au pair, you will typically need a visa, with the exception of citizens from New Zealand, who are exempt from this requirement. The type of visa you will need depends on your nationality and the specific requirements of Australia. The two primary types of visas applicable to au pairs are the Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) and the Work and Holiday Visa.
The Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) is applicable to au pairs from the following countries: Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Finland, France, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, South Korea, and Taiwan. This visa can be applied for in person, online, or by post. If choosing the latter two options, ensure that you submit your application to the Australian Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence.
For citizens of countries not listed above, alternative visa options may be available, such as a student visa. It is recommended to refer to the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship website for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding visa requirements and eligibility.
Insurance
Insurance is another critical aspect of your au pair stay in Australia. The insurance policy you choose must fulfil the requirements specified by your visa. It is important to carefully review the conditions of your visa and select an insurance plan that complies with those requirements. Additionally, consider any additional insurance needs you may have during your time in Australia, such as travel insurance or health insurance, to ensure you have comprehensive coverage during your stay.
Additional Considerations
When preparing for your au pair experience in Australia, there are a few more considerations to keep in mind:
- Valid Passport: Ensure that your passport is up-to-date and valid for the duration of your stay in Australia.
- Criminal Background Check: Most positions working with children will require a clean criminal record, so be prepared to undergo a background check as part of the application process.
- Language Proficiency: While English is widely spoken in Australia, improving your language skills before your arrival can enhance your experience and communication with your host family and children.
- Travel Expenses: Unless agreed otherwise, you will typically be responsible for covering your travel expenses to and from Australia. However, some host families may choose to support their au pairs with travel costs.
- Driving Licence: Although not mandatory, having a driving licence and driving experience can be advantageous during your stay in Australia.
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Salary and working hours
As an au pair in Australia, your working hours will vary depending on the host family you are placed with. Generally, you can expect to work around 30-35 hours per week, with some families requiring more or fewer hours depending on their needs. Your working hours should be
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Frequently asked questions
There are three types of visas you can apply for to be an au pair in Australia: the Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417), the Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462), and the Student Visa. The first two visas allow you to spend one year in the country, and you can receive the Working Holiday Visa twice.
To apply for a Working Holiday Visa, you need to have a valid passport, which the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection recommends should be valid for at least another 6 months after the application has been made. You will also need to purchase health insurance covering the whole length of your stay and meet certain health requirements. You will also need to pay a registration fee, which is currently 485 AUD.
The Working Holiday Visa is valid for 12 months and starts the day the au pair enters Australia. Visitors cannot work for the same employer for more than 6 months, but au pairs can stay with the same host family for up to 12 months. You will also need to provide evidence that you have enough money to stay in Australia (normally 5,000 AUD) and funds for your travel to and from the country.
The Work and Holiday Visa is issued to young people who want to travel and work in Australia for up to 12 months. This visa is also valid for 12 months, starting on the day the au pair enters Australia. Visitors cannot work for the same employer longer than 6 months, but the au pair can stay with the same host family for up to 12 months.
To apply for a Student Visa, you will need to provide evidence that you have completed at least 2 or 3 years of undergraduate university study.
