Follow our tips on how to find the perfect au pair / the perfect host family with connectAuPair.

The au pair must be accepted for full-time study in a registered course offered by an Australian education provider registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS)..

Such an acceptance for a full-time study in a registered course

is evidenced by an electronic confirmation of enrollment certificate or an 'offer of a place in a course' letter issued by the registered provider...

More information can be found in section "Student visa (subclass 500)" on the website of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.

The au pair is responsible for all of her / his health costs.

The au pair has to provide a certificate of private medical insurance unless the au pair's home country has a reciprocal health care agreement with Australia.

For more detailed information, please see "rules & regulation - health, accident and liability insurance".

The au pair is responsible for all of her / his health costs.

The au pair has to provide a certificate of private medical insurance unless the au pair's home country has a reciprocal health care agreement with Australia.

Important:

For an au pair entering Australia with a student visa, it is mandatory to have health insurance. Health insurance can be provided by obtaining Overseas Student Health Coverage  (OSHC).

For more detailed information, please see "rules & regulation - health, accident and liability insurance".

The au pair is responsible for all of her / his health costs.

New Zealand and Australia have announced a new bilateral social security arrangement between the two countries on February 26,2001, also recognising the right of each country to determine access to social security benefits not covered by the arrangement.

For more information about the social security entitlements of New Zealand citizens in Australia please see section "New Zealand citizens claiming payments in Australia" on the website of the Department of Human Services.

For more detailed information hereabout please see also "rules & regulation - health, accident and liability insurance".

The au pair is responsible for all of her / his health costs.

The au pair has to provide a certificate of private medical insurance unless the au pair's home country has a reciprocal health care agreement with Australia.

For more detailed information, please see "rules & regulation - health, accident and liability insurance".

The au pair has to provide the following information / documents:

• The completed application form
• Certified copies of the current passport or travel document included in the application showing personal details
• A certified copy of the au pair's birth certificate showing both parents' name or a certified copy of the identification pages of at least one of the following documents:

1. family book showing both parents' name

2. identification document issued by the government

3. court-issued documents that verify the au pair's identity

• If the name has changed: a certified copy of evidence of the name change
• 2 recent passport sized photographs with the name of the au pair on the reverse
• Evidence of sufficient funds, i.e. a certified copy of a bank statement showing that the au pair has access to funds of at least $5000 AUD
• payment of the visa fees and charges which varies between $440 - $520 AUD.
• Important: Due to the "backpacker tax" being effective from January 1st, 2017, the visa fees and charges are going to be reduced by §50 AUD.

For more information please see the "Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) document checklist" and / or the "Working Holiday visa (subclass 417 - features) " on the website of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.

The au pair has to provide at least the following information / documents:

• The completed application form
• Certified copies of the current passport showing personal details
• A certified copy of the au pair's birth certificate showing both parents' name or a certified copy of the identification pages of at least one of the following documents: 

1. family book showing both parents' name

2. identification document issued by the government

3. court-issued documents that verify the au pair's identity

• If the name has changed: a certified copy of evidence of the name change
• (2 recent passport sized photographs with the name of the au pair on the reverse) or a digital photo if the application is electronically logged.
• Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) from an Australian education provider listed on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS)
• Evidence of OSHC for the duration of the visa
• Specific health documents like medical and x-ray-examination
• Police certificate of good conduct
• Evidence like a bank statement showing sufficient funds to cover the living and tuition costs
• Declaration of having access to funds to cover travel costs to and from Australia
• Payment of the visa fees and charges which varies between $550 - $960 AUD

Important:

Due to the fact that each visa may have different conditions depending on 

• which sector visa  (subclass 570 - 576) the au pair is applying for
• from which country the au pair is applying for the visa
• the passport the au pair is holding
• and the age of the au pair when logging the application

it is important to the future au pair to visit section "Studying in Australia" provided by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.

The au pair has to provide the following information / documents on arrival to Australia:

• be a New Zealand citizen
• holder of a valid New Zealand passport
• present a completed incoming passenger card
• meet specific health and character requirements (see "further documents")

The au pair has to provide the following information/ documents:

• A completed application form
• A certified copies of the current passport or travel document included in the application
• A certified copy of the au pair's birth certificate showing both parents' name or a certified copy of the identification pages of at least one of the following documents:

1. family book showing both parents' name
2. identification document issued by the government
3. court-issued documents that verifiy the au pair's identity

• if the name has changed: a certified copy of evidence of the name change
• 2 recent passport sized photographs with the name of the au pair on the reverse
• Evidence of sufficient funds l certified copy of a bank statement showing that the au pair has access to funds of at least $5.00,00 AUD

For more information please see the "Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462 - features)"  and / or the "Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) document checklist" on the website of the Australian Border Force

Note:

• Documents not in English, must be accompanied by accredited English translations.
• No original documents unless specifically asked for
• The au pair has to meet the "health requirements" Australia requires. More information can be found in section "Health examination - Temporary visa applicants", provided by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection. The health examinations depend on the personal circumstances of the au pair, including duration of stay, country of citizenship, time spent in another country during the last five years and intended activities in Australia and are generally valid for 12 months.
• The au pair has to meet the "character and police certificate requirements" Australia requires which are outlined in the identically named section "Character and police certificate requirements" provided by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection

It is the au pair's responsibility to organize the trip taking into consideration the needs of the host family regarding dates.

Even when everything is clear and all questions are asked, it is good to stay in touch until the journey starts - it is important that also the children of the host family get to know that a new au pair is coming and communicating from time to time through Skype is a good way to get used to get to know each other.

What to take with you as au pair? In our community you can find tips from other au pairs!

Please note: Border authorities may examine whether the prerequisites for entry continue to apply. This examination is international practice. The au pair might be refused entry even though (s)he is in the possession of a valid visa, if the prerequisites for entry no longer apply.

Therefore the au pair should carry with him/her documents giving evidence to the purpose of the stay - in particular proof of sufficient funds (au pair contract) and health insurance.

Although it's not mandatory, normally the host family picks up the au pair from the airport or train station (or organizes a pick-up).

The first days should then be reserved for getting to know each other and introducing the au pair to the family's daily routines.

You are not sure how to welcome your au pair and which rules you should define? Have a look at our tipps and discuss with other families in our community!

You are feeling homesick, the kids don't seem to like you and you just feel like returning home asap? Get comfort and tipps from other au pairs in our community!
And with our nearBy function you can immediately see which other au pairs live nearby and can meet with them.

An au pair entering Australia holding a Student visa has to inform her / his education provider of 

• her / his current residential address within seven days of arrival and
• any change of enrolment to a new provider.

For more information please see section "Student visa (subclass 500)" on the website of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.

Even though the Working Holiday visa, the Work and Holiday visa and the Student visa come with work rights, it is mandatory for the au pair to hold a valid "Working With Children Check"  (WWCC) Notice before commencing her / his job as an au pair.

Depending on the Australian State or Territory the host family is living in, there are different legal requirements the au pair has to comply with:

1. Australian Capital Territory

... The WWVP Act (Working with Vulnerable People Act 2011) requires that those who work ... with vulnerable people to have a background check and be registered....

(WWVP registration)

2. New South Wales

... A Working With Children Check is a requirement for people who work ... in child-related work....

(WWCC)

3. Northern Territory

... It is mandatory for people who have contact or potential contact with children in certain specified areas of employment to hold a Working with Children Clearance Notice. ...

(WWCC Notice)

4. Queensland

An approved Working with Children Check (= blue card check) is resulting in

... a positive notice letter and a blue card. If a person's application is refused they are issued a negative notice which prohibits them from ... providing regulated child-related activities....

(blue card)

5. South Australia

Under the Children's Protection Act (1993 Act, 2010 Regulations) a person in a position where he / she has

regular contact with children or working in close proximity to children on a regular basis ... has to undergo a screening by an authorized screening unit, such as the DCSI Screening Unit...

(Child-related Employment Screening)

6. Tasmania

Under laws which took effect in 2014 (three year guideline) people working / volunteering with children are required to apply for a Working with Children Registration before they start working.

(Working with Children Registration)

7. Victoria

Under the Working with Children Act (2005 Act) people who are doing child-related work

need a WWC Check. (WWC Check)

8. Western Australia & the Christmas and Cocos Islands

A Working with Children Check is compulsory for people working / volunteering with children.

(WWC-Check)

Recommendation:

It is recommended that the host family assists the au pair in the application process for the Working with Children Check.

Note:

A penalty will apply if commencing to work with children without holding a valid WWCC.

Even though the Special Category visa allows the au pair to work in Australia it is mandatory for the au pair to hold a valid "Working With Children Check"  (WWCC) Notice before commencing her / his job as an au pair.

Depending on the Australian State or Territory the host family is living in, there are different legal requirements the au pair has to comply with in prior.

1. Australian Capital Territory

... The WWVP Act (Working with Vulnerable People Act 2011) requires that those who work ... with vulnerable people to have a background check and be registered....

(WWVP registration)

2. New South Wales

... A Working With Children Check is a requirement for people who work ... in child-related work....

(WWCC)

3. Northern Territory

... It is mandatory for people who have contact or potential contact with children in certain specified areas of employment to hold a Working with Children Clearance Notice. ...

(WWCC Notice)

4. Queensland

An approved Working with Children Check (= blue card check) is resulting in

... a positive notice letter and a blue card. If a person's application is refused they are issued a negative notice which prohibits them from ... providing regulated child-related activities....

(blue card)

5. South Australia

Under the Children's Protection Act (1993 Act, 2010 Regulations) a person in a position where he / she has

regular contact with children or working in close proximity to children on a regular basis ... has to undergo a screening by an authorised screening unit, such as the DCSI Screening Unit...

(Child-related Employment Screening)

6. Tasmania

Under laws which took effect in 2014 (three year guideline) people working / volunteering with children are required to apply for a Working with Children Registration before they start working.

(Working with Children Registration)

7. Victoria

Under the Working twith Children Act (2005 Act) people who are doing child-related work

need a WWC Check. (WWC Check)

8. Western Australia & the Christmas and Cocos Islands

A Working with Children Check is compulsory for people working / volunteering with children.

(WWC-Check)

Recommendation:

It is recommended that the host family is assisting the au pair in the application process for the Working With Children Check.

Note:

A penalty will apply if commencing to work with children without holding a valid WWCC.

Even though the Working Holiday visa, the Work and Holiday visa and the Student visa come with work rights, it is mandatory for the au pair to hold a valid "Working With Children Check"  (WWCC) Notice before commencing her / his job as an au pair.

Depending on the Australian State or Territory the host family is living in, there are different legal requirements the au pair has to comply with:

1. Australian Capital Territory

... The WWVP Act (Working with Vulnerable People Act 2011) requires that those who work ... with vulnerable people to have a background check and be registered....

(WWVP registration)

2. New South Wales

... A Working With Children Check is a requirement for people who work ... in child-related work....

(WWCC)

3. Northern Territory

... It is mandatory for people who have contact or potential contact with children in certain specified areas of employment to hold a Working with Children Clearance Notice. ...

(WWCC Notice)

4. Queensland

An approved Working with Children Check (= blue card check) is resulting in

... a positive notice letter and a blue card. If a person's application is refused they are issued a negative notice which prohibits them from ... providing regulated child-related activities....

(blue card)

5. South Australia

Under the Children's Protection Act (1993 Act, 2010 Regulations) a person in a position where he / she has

regular contact with children or working in close proximity to children on a regular basis ... has to undergo a screening by an authorized screening unit, such as the DCSI Screening Unit...

(Child-related Employment Screening)

6. Tasmania

Under laws which took effect in 2014 (three year guideline) people working / volunteering with children are required to apply for a Working with Children Registration before they start working.

(Working with Children Registration)

7. Victoria

Under the Working with Children Act (2005 Act) people who are doing child-related work

need a WWC Check. (WWC Check)

8. Western Australia & the Christmas and Cocos Islands

A Working with Children Check is compulsory for people working / volunteering with children.

(WWC-Check)

Recommendation:

It is recommended that the host family assists the au pair in the application process for the Working with Children Check.

Note:

A penalty will apply if commencing to work with children without holding a valid WWCC.

• The au pair can set up a bank account before or after arrival in Australia.
• To open an account, the au pair has to have a passport and other forms of identification
• It might be that the au pair needs an Australian Tax File Number (TFN) to open an account

More information and advice can be found on the Australian Government's "Moneysmart" website.

Important:

Most host families want to have proof of the payment of the pocket money. So opening up a bank account is one of the first tasks on the 'to-do list" of the au pair.

• The au pair can set up a bank account before or after arrival in Australia.
• To open an account the au pair has to have the Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE), a passport, a Letter of Offer and other forms of identification
• It might be that the au pair needs an Australian Tax File Number (TFN) to open an account
• Financial or student support officers at the education provider will be able to give detailed information on how to set up a bank account

More information and advice can be found on the Australian Government's "Moneysmart" website.

• The au pair can set up a bank account before or after arrival in Australia.
• To open an account, the au pair has to have a passport and other forms of identification
• It might be that the au pair needs an Australian Tax File Number (TFN) to open an account

More information and advice can be found on the Australian Government's "Moneysmart" website.

Important:

Most host families want to have proof of the payment of the pocket money. So opening up a bank account is one of the first tasks on the 'to-do list" of the au pair.

The laws and driving regulations in Australia differ from state to state.

• In some states the au pair has to carry an International Licence with her / his valid national driving licence
• however, in other states and territories the au pair can drive a car with her / his valid national driving licence with a formal translation into English

Please see section "Driving with an overseas licence" provided by the Australian Government to find out about the specific laws for driving with an overseas licence.

The Working Holiday visa lets the au pair stay in Australia for 12 months from when the au pair first enters Australia. Any time outside Australia after the 12-month stay visa has started does not extend the length of the visa.

Option:

The au pair has the option to apply for a Second Working Holiday visa in case the au pair has 

• performed specified work in an eligible regional Australian area for a minimum of three months and
• has evidence of this specified work.

In case a Second Working Holiday visa is granted, the au pair can stay in Australia for up to 24 months from the date the au pair entered Australia on her / his first Working Holiday visa.

For more information about this option please see the "Working Holiday visa (subclass 417 - features) " on the website of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.

An au pair holding a Student visa with Assessment Level 3 undertaking a course or courses of 10 months duration or less generally is subject to a "Further Stay Restricted' condition.

In case the au pair can provide evidence of funds to cover a further 12-month stay, this condition is no longer mandatory.

For more information please see section "Student visa (subclass 500)" on the website of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.

The Special Category visa is valid from time of grant (usually upon arrival to Australia) to time of departure from Australia.

Note:

• The validity of the SCV ceases when the au pair leaves Australia.
• The au pair needs to apply for a new SCV each time she / he arrives in Australia.

For more information please see the "Special Category visa (subclass 444 - features) " on the website of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.

The Work and Holiday visa lets the au pair stay in Australia for 12 months. Any time spent outside Australia after the 12-month stay on the visa has started does not extend the length of the visa.

Option:

In case the au pair's visa is not granted with a 'no further stay' condition the au pair can apply for a different visa. 

For more information about this option please see the "Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462 - features)" on the website of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.

• Either the au pair finds a new host family herself / himself or
• the "old" host family helps the au pair to find a new host family

For more information have a look at our tipps, how to change family!

Recommendation:

The au pair should notify her / his insurance providers of any change of address to be able to have immediate access to the benefits in case of need covered by 

• the private medical insurance / reciprocal health agreement / OSHC and / or
• all-inclusive liability

An au pair changing the host family holding a Student visa has to inform her / his education provider of 

• any change of her / his residential address and
• any change of enrolment to a new provider.

For more information please see section "Student visa (subclass 500)" on the website of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.

Important:

In case the new family is living in another State or Territory, the au pair has to apply for a new WWCC in this State or Territory before commencing to work.

Also consider the following, especially when the au pair leaves earlier than planned:

• Cancel standing order for pocket money
• Cancel au pair insurance