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

When applying for a student visa, the applicant must have an unconditional offer of a place on a course with a licensed Tier 4 sponsor.

This is a so-called "confirmation of acceptance  for studies" (CAS).

Note:

1. The aspect of the "tuition fees" is s.th. very important. So the au pair might want to check the following website to find the "10 most affordable UK Universities for International Students". 
2. The next step is to compare if they are listed in the Tier 4 register of sponsors and to pick the one the au pair feels most comfortable with.

• the au pair is required to have a signed letter of invitation from the host family that includes details of their stay, eg accommodation, living conditions, approximate working hours, free time, pocket money (pls see: Employing someone to work at your home on the website of Gov.UK)

In the UK, the National Health Service (NHS) is responsible for public health care. This includes hospital stays, medical care and ambulance  services. (Pls see "The NHS in England" on the website of nhs.uk)

au pairs from EEA states: Citizens  of these countries are entitled to benefit from NHS services throughout  their stay in the UK. However, to do so, the au pair is required to  provide their European health insurance card (EHIC)* . Otherwise, they may be charged for healthcare services in the UK.

Visits  to the doctor and ambulance services are free of charge, whereas  hospital treatment, prescription costs, dental treatment, eyesight tests  and ophthalmic products are subject to fees, unless the person in  question is exempt from charges.

Note:

1. An a pair entering the UK with a "Tier 4 student visa" will also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of his / her visa application. 
2. Details hereabout can be found  here.

In the UK, the National Health Service (NHS) is responsible for public health care. This includes hospital stays, medical care and ambulance services. (Pls see "The NHS in England" on the website of nhs.uk)

au pairs from EEA states: Citizens of these countries are entitled to benefit from NHS services throughout their stay in the UK. However, to do so, the au pair is required to provide their European health insurance card (EHIC)* . Otherwise, they may be charged for healthcare services in the UK.

Visits to the doctor and ambulance services are free of charge, whereas hospital treatment, prescription costs, dental treatment, eyesight tests and ophthalmic products are subject to fees, unless the person in question is exempt from charges.

Within six months after the au pair has received the "confirmation of acceptance  for studies" (CAS) he / she has to apply for the visa. Therefore the au pair has to follow the  directions on the website of gov.uk "Tier 4 (General) student visa".

One must apply online for a Tier 4 (General) student visa.

• Fingerprints and photograph need to be taken at a visa application centre (to get a biometric residence permit) as part of the application.
• The biometric residence permit must be collected within 10 days of said specified arrival date in the UK (even if you actually arrive at a later date).
• Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and pay for the course 

Important:

Read the guide and appendix for the full list of documents and how much money you’ll need.

• All EEA and Swiss nationals can enter and live in the UK without needing to apply for a visa. 
• An au pair must take either a valid passport or identity to the UK. 
• Please also contact the UK Border Agency Home Office to find out if registering upon arriving in the UK is required.

The au pair must apply online for the visa.

The au pair will need to have his or her fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre (to get a biometric residence permit) as part of your application.

The au pair will need to have to collect the  biometric residence permit within 10 days of expected arrival  in the UK.

The au pair  must still be from one of the eligible countries to get this visa, even if applying from another country.

• a current passport or other valid travel documentation
• one passport-sized colour photograph with your name written on the reverse side
• your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test
• provide a certified translation of any documents that aren’t in English or Welsh.

You need a page in your passport that’s blank on both sides for your visa.

Your documents will usually be sent back within 14 days

Officially, the following documents are required:

• a current passport or other valid travel ID
• a passport size colour photograph
• a bank statement showing you have at least £1,890 in savings
• your tuberculosis (TB) test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test

The au pair needs a page in their passport that is blank on both sides for the visa.

The au pair needs to provide a certified translation of any documents that are not in English or Welsh.

Read the guide for a full list of documents.

The au pair may be required to provide additional documents depending on the circumstances.

The trip will normally be organized by the au pair, of course in accordance with the host family.

Even when everything is clear and all questions are asked, it's good to stay in touch until the journey starts - it's important that also the children 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 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.

Applying for a residence card can:

• help you re-enter the country more quickly and easily if you travel abroad
• show employers you’re allowed to work in the UK
• help prove you qualify for certain benefits and services

You can find more information by clicking on the links below:

1. Apply for a U.K. Residence card
2. Residence certificate info

Apply for a U.K. Residence card

An au pair is not classed as a worker or an employee in the U.K., if most of the following apply (pls see: Employing someone to work at your home on the website of Gov.UK):

• the au pair is a foreign national living with a family in the UK
• the au pair is an EU citizen or has entered the UK on a Youth Mobility visa or student visa. 
• the au pair has a signed letter of invitation from the host family that includes details of their stay, eg accommodation, living conditions, approximate working hours, free time, pocket money
• the au pair learns about British culture from the host family and shares his or her own culture with them
• the au pair has their own private room in the house, provided free of charge
• the au pair eats their main meals with the host family, free of charge
• the au pair helps with light housework and childcare for around 30 hours a week, including a couple of evenings babysitting
• the au pair gets reasonable pocket money
• the au pair attends English language classes at a local college in his or her spare time
• the au pair is allowed time to study and can practise his or her English with the host family
• the au pair sometimes goes on holiday with the host family and helps look after the children
• the au pair travels home to see their family during the year

The au pair must have at least £1,890 in savings

Learn about IAS's (individual savings accounts) here 

Eligibility;

• Proof of identity, such as a passport
• Proof of residence, such as a recent bill
• Bring these items to a branch or send certified copies

.

If the au pair is from an EU or EEA* country, he or she can drive in the UK with his/her home country license. From most other countries, provided his/her full license remains valid, the au pair can drive for up to 12 months. To carry on driving after 12 months, one must have obtained a provisional British license and passed a driving test before the 12 months elapses.

For more information visit www.gov.uk/driving-nongb-licence

Before the au pair drives in the UK for the first time, it is vital to be sure that the host family has arranged insurance cover for the au pair with their motor insurer, so that you are legally covered when you drive their car.  Issues of insurance and liability should be clarified in advance. Should any damages result from an accident, it should be clear who pays for them. The host family should contact their own insurance company.

Au pairs typically earn less than the amount required to pay national insurance contributions:

For more info, please see

• Thresholds of National Insurance
• Benefits of National Insurance and what it represents

Have a look at our tips, how to change family!

In the UK, the National Health Service (NHS) is responsible for public health care. This includes hospital stays, medical care and ambulance services. 

au pairs from EEA states: Citizens of these countries are entitled to benefit from NHS services throughout their stay in the UK. However, to do so, they need to provide their European health insurance card (EHIC)* . Otherwise, they may be charged for healthcare services in the UK.

National Insurance 

Visits to the doctor and ambulance services are free of charge, whereas hospital treatment, prescription costs, dental treatment, eyesight tests and ophthalmic products are subject to fees, unless the person in question is exempt from charges. 

See above info with regard to residence registration.

Pls see also "UK visas and registering with the police" on the website of Gov.UK.

1. Residence certificate info
2. Apply for a U.K. Residence card

see above with regard to "work permit"

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

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