How to Get an Au Pair Visa in the UK

Imagine this: living in a vibrant UK city, experiencing the local culture firsthand, and earning money while you do it. But getting there isn't as easy as booking a plane ticket. Navigating the visa process is key, and knowing how to secure an au pair visa in the UK can make the difference between living your dream or hitting roadblocks.
You’ll soon realize that the idea of becoming an au pair in the UK isn't just a simple job switch. It’s a legal, financial, and cultural puzzle. So, how do you ensure you get everything right to land this opportunity? In this guide, we’ll uncover the steps, possible obstacles, and tips to get your UK au pair visa.

What Exactly Is an Au Pair Visa?

Let's start with the essentials: what visa do you actually need? While there's no specific "au pair visa" in the UK, you can enter the country and work as an au pair under different visa categories. The key option for most applicants is the Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) Visa, although this only applies to individuals from specific countries like Australia, Canada, and Japan, to name a few. But what if you're from a country that isn’t eligible? You may need to explore alternative visa options such as a Standard Visitor Visa (which limits your stay to six months).

Step-by-Step Process for Securing the Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

The Tier 5 visa is one of the most straightforward routes to becoming an au pair in the UK if you're eligible. Here's how it works:

1. Check Your Eligibility:
   The Youth Mobility Scheme only covers citizens of certain countries. You'll need to be aged between 18 and 30 and have at least £2,530 in your savings account to demonstrate financial stability. Yes, that’s right: you need financial proof before even stepping foot in the UK.

2. Prepare Your Documents:
   Make sure you have the following:

   • A valid passport
   • A bank statement proving your funds
   • A certificate of sponsorship from your au pair host family (if applicable)
   • TB test results (depending on your country of origin)

3. Apply Online and Pay the Fee:
   The application is done online via the UK government’s visa website. There’s also a visa application fee and an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) you'll need to pay upfront, which gives you access to the UK’s healthcare system while you're in the country.

4. Book Your Appointment:
   Once your application is submitted, you’ll need to schedule a visa appointment at your nearest visa application center. Be prepared to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and photograph).

5. Wait for Your Decision:
   Visa processing typically takes three weeks, but it could be faster or slower depending on the time of year. The wait can be nerve-wracking, so ensure you’ve double-checked every part of your application to avoid any unnecessary delays.

Other Visa Options: Standard Visitor Visa

Not eligible for the Tier 5 visa? Don’t panic. There are still ways to make your au pair dream a reality. You could apply for a Standard Visitor Visa, although this comes with a major caveat: you’ll only be able to stay in the UK for six months, and it doesn’t permit long-term work. While this might work for a short-term au pair stint, it’s far from ideal if you're looking for a longer experience.

Common Mistakes Applicants Make

Now that you know the steps, it’s time to avoid some common mistakes.

• Not double-checking eligibility:
  Many applicants wrongly assume they can apply under any visa category. Check the visa rules carefully.

• Insufficient financial proof:
  If your bank balance dips below the required amount, your application will be refused.

• Delaying your application:
  Visa processing times can vary. The earlier you apply, the better your chances of securing the visa in time.

Life as an Au Pair in the UK: What to Expect

Once you’ve secured your visa, it’s time to embrace life in the UK. You’ll live with a host family, receive weekly pocket money, and often be tasked with looking after children and helping with household chores. While it might sound idyllic, life as an au pair can come with its own challenges.

Expect long hours, potential culture shocks, and homesickness. However, the benefits far outweigh these challenges. You'll gain valuable experience, improve your English skills, and immerse yourself in British culture.

Salary and Benefits of Being an Au Pair

While you won’t earn a typical salary, you’ll receive “pocket money” which ranges between £70 and £100 per week. This may sound low, but keep in mind that your accommodation and meals are covered by your host family. Additionally, you might have the opportunity to attend language classes and enjoy free time to explore the UK.

Category	Description
Weekly Pay	£70-£100
Accommodation	Provided by host family
Meals	Included in the package
Working Hours	Typically 25-30 hours per week

How Brexit Changed the Au Pair Landscape

Before Brexit, European Union (EU) citizens could easily move to the UK without needing a visa. However, Brexit introduced significant changes. EU citizens now face the same visa requirements as non-EU citizens, making the process more complex. As a result, demand for au pairs in the UK has decreased, but this means that families looking for au pairs are more willing to sponsor candidates from eligible countries.

Wrapping Up: The Road Ahead

Getting an au pair visa in the UK isn’t impossible, but it does require careful planning and preparation. By understanding the visa options, gathering the necessary documents, and avoiding common mistakes, you can put yourself in the best position to succeed. Whether you're applying under the Youth Mobility Scheme or a visitor visa, the key is to be thorough, patient, and prepared for what’s to come.

2222:How to Get an Au Pair Visa in the UK