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Frequently Asked Questions

At Canadian Au Pair Solutions, we have spoken with countless Canadian families who have questions about how the Au Pair process works in Canada. From understanding employment requirements and compensation to navigating the placement process and preparing for an Au Pair’s arrival, families often have many questions before making a decision.

To help, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about hiring and hosting an Au Pair in Canada. Our goal is to provide practical information and guidance so families can make informed decisions and feel confident throughout their Au Pair journey.

An Au Pair lives in your home and becomes a part of your family while benefitting from the cultural exchange of being in a new country. Au Pairs use the opportunity to travel and learn a new language whilst living with a host family and caring for their children. Unlike Live-in Caregivers, Au Pairs are generally only in Canada for a 6-24 month period as part of the International Experience Canada program and using a Working Holiday Visa.  Au Pairs do not require sponsorship or registration though the Canadian government. Au Pairs often work 25-35 hours per week while most Live-in Caregivers will not work for less than 40 hours per week (they are generally working towards permanent residency in Canada and must meet certain requirements involving hours worked in a given time frame in order to qualify).  The relationship between a host family and Au Pair is more family-based versus an employer/employee relationship with a Live-in Caregiver.  See our Au Pair vs Live-in Caregiver link for more information on the financial differences as well as other details.

Au Pairs generally have some form of childcare experience that ranges from babysitting younger siblings and other children to formal nanny and daycare experience / education.

One of the advantages of hiring an Au Pair in Canada is that host families can be selective when choosing a candidate. Most Au Pairs come to Canada through the International Experience Canada (IEC) Working Holiday Program, which is available to citizens of countries that have agreements with the Canadian government.

As a host family, you can consider factors such as childcare experience, education, language skills, driving experience, and personality when selecting an Au Pair. While some Au Pairs may have completed post-secondary education, it is important to remember that most are young adults seeking a cultural exchange experience while living and working in Canada. Finding an Au Pair whose personality, values, and childcare approach align with your family’s needs is often just as important as their qualifications.

The timeline for hiring an Au Pair in Canada depends on whether the candidate already holds a valid work permit through the International Experience Canada (IEC) Working Holiday Program or still needs to apply for one.

For Au Pairs who need to obtain a work permit, processing times can vary, but families should generally allow approximately 8–12 weeks for the application process. If an Au Pair already holds a valid Canadian work permit, the placement can often move forward more quickly, with timing primarily dependent on travel arrangements and flight availability.

Families may also wish to consider Canadian Au Pairs or candidates who already have legal authorization to work in Canada, as these applicants may be available to start sooner.

If you are looking for childcare quickly, discussing your preferred timeline with your placement coordinator can help identify the most suitable Au Pair candidates for your family’s needs.

The best time to search for an Au Pair is in the Fall/Winter, when Canada opens the International Experience Canada program for the next calendar year.  We recommend that families begin their search for an Au Pair at least 3-6 months prior to actually needing the Au Pair’s services.  This gives plenty of time for the selection process, IEC program and Visa approval, as well as required travel arrangements.  Most young women know a year in advance that becoming an Au Pair is something they aspire to do upon high school or university completion.  The end of summer, August, is the best time for the arrival of a new Au Pair as it leaves her time to get to know the family before the school year begins and it is usually when she is ready to travel after finishing school.

An Au Pair’s duties/chores relate directly to childcare. Some examples include light household tasks such as: tidying children’s play area/room, making children’s meals, packing children’s lunch.  An Au Pair should never be expected to do any housekeeping duties that don’t directly relate to your children (i.e. parent’s laundry or cleaning toilets).

In Canada, Au Pairs must be paid at least the applicable provincial minimum wage and are protected by the same employment standards that apply to other workers. Host families are responsible for complying with payroll requirements, including registering for payroll remittances with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and making the appropriate deductions for CPP, EI, and any permitted room and board deductions.

Unlike some European Au Pair programs, where participants may receive a small allowance or “pocket money,”

Au Pairs in Canada are considered employees and MUST receive lawful wages. Families cannot pay less than minimum wage, nor can they pay an Au Pair “under the table.” Understanding and following Canadian employment standards helps ensure a fair, legal, and successful Au Pair placement for both the host family and the Au Pair.

Paying an Au Pair “pocket money” instead of lawful wages is not permitted in Canada.

Yes. Many host families in Canada choose to have their Au Pair travel with them on vacations or family trips. If your Au Pair is expected to work or perform childcare duties while travelling, the host family is generally responsible for covering reasonable travel-related expenses, including transportation and accommodations.

Personal spending money and discretionary purchases remain the responsibility of the Au Pair. If the Au Pair is invited to join the trip purely as a guest and is not expected to provide childcare or other work-related services, travel expenses may be discussed and mutually agreed upon in advance.

Clear communication about expectations, duties, and expenses can help ensure a positive experience for both the host family and the Au Pair.

Yes. Whether an Au Pair can provide overnight childcare will depend on their experience, comfort level, and the host family’s specific needs. Families should carefully consider whether they feel comfortable leaving their children in the Au Pair’s care overnight and ensure that expectations are discussed openly in advance.

Any overnight childcare arrangements, including duties, hours, and compensation, should be clearly agreed upon before the care is provided. Establishing clear expectations helps create a positive and successful experience for both the host family and the Au Pair.

In most cases, host families do not share their Au Pair with other families. However, an Au Pair who holds an open work permit may choose to earn additional income by babysitting for friends, neighbours, or other families during their personal time.

If an Au Pair is interested in providing babysitting services outside of their responsibilities with the host family, it is a good idea to discuss expectations in advance and address any concerns in the hosting agreement. Clear communication helps ensure that the Au Pair’s primary commitment remains with the host family while allowing them the flexibility to pursue additional opportunities if they choose.

Yes, families with four or more children can successfully host an Au Pair, provided that expectations, responsibilities, and compensation are discussed openly from the beginning. Caring for a larger family requires additional energy, organization, and commitment, so it is important to be realistic about the role and workload involved.

When interviewing potential Au Pairs, be transparent about the number of children, daily routines, childcare responsibilities, and overall household environment. Many Au Pairs are open to caring for larger families, particularly when they feel supported, have adequate time off, and are fairly compensated for their work.

Families should also remember that factors such as location, lifestyle, schedule, and the unique benefits of living with their family can make their placement attractive to prospective Au Pairs. Finding the right personality match and setting clear expectations from the outset are often key factors in creating a successful Au Pair placement.

Yes. Many Au Pairs in Canada participate through the International Experience Canada (IEC) Working Holiday Program, which typically provides an open work permit. This means they may be legally authorized to work for other employers during their stay in Canada, subject to the conditions of their work permit.

That said, host families should discuss this topic with prospective Au Pairs before entering into a placement agreement. An Au Pair who works a second job may have less flexibility in their schedule and reduced availability outside of their agreed childcare hours.

Open communication about schedules, priorities, and expectations can help ensure that the Au Pair’s primary commitment to the host family remains a success while still allowing them to explore additional employment opportunities if they choose.

Host families should provide their Au Pair with a private bedroom that offers a comfortable and personal living space within the home. Whenever possible, access to a private or semi-private bathroom is also recommended, as it helps promote privacy, independence, and a positive hosting experience.

Providing suitable accommodations is an important part of creating a welcoming environment and contributes to a successful Au Pair placement for both the host family and the Au Pair.

Yes. Many Au Pairs choose to take language classes, personal interest courses, or other short-term training while living in Canada. In general, visitors and Working Holiday participants may take courses or programs that can be completed within six months without requiring a separate study permit, provided they meet all applicable immigration requirements.

Because immigration regulations can change and individual circumstances vary, Au Pairs considering longer-term studies or post-secondary education should seek guidance from a qualified immigration professional to determine whether a study permit is required.

Many communities also offer affordable language classes, conversation groups, and community-based learning opportunities that can help Au Pairs improve their English or French while experiencing life in Canada.

Yes. Many Au Pairs choose to volunteer in their local communities while living in Canada. Volunteering can be a great way to meet new people, gain experience, improve language skills, and become more involved in Canadian culture.

As a general rule, volunteer activities are permitted provided they are genuine volunteer positions and do not replace paid employment. Au Pairs who are considering regular or structured volunteer commitments should ensure that these activities do not interfere with their responsibilities to their host family.

Au Pairs are responsible for the costs associated with obtaining their work permit, participating in the International Experience Canada (IEC) Working Holiday Program, and travelling to Canada. This includes application fees, travel insurance (if required), airfare, and other personal travel-related expenses.

Host families are generally responsible for providing accommodations, agreed-upon wages, and other employment-related benefits once the Au Pair arrives and begins the placement.

Au Pairs in Canada typically provide between 25 and 35 hours of childcare and related household support per week. Depending on the family’s needs and the applicable provincial employment standards, an Au Pair may work additional hours, provided all employment requirements are met.

Host families must comply with the employment standards in their province, including rules related to hours of work, breaks, statutory holidays, minimum wage, and overtime pay where applicable. Any overtime hours should be discussed in advance and compensated in accordance with provincial employment legislation.

Clear communication about schedules, responsibilities, and expectations helps ensure a positive and successful Au Pair placement for both the host family and the Au Pair.

Yes. Many Au Pairs drive in Canada, particularly in communities where a vehicle is needed for school drop-offs, activities, and other childcare-related responsibilities.

Driver licensing requirements vary by province, as each province and territory is responsible for administering its own driver’s licence program. In some cases, new residents may be eligible to exchange their foreign driver’s licence or receive credit for previous driving experience through reciprocal licensing agreements. This often requires providing a driving record, driver’s abstract, or letter of driving experience from their home country.

Because licensing rules vary across Canada, Au Pairs should contact the appropriate provincial licensing authority to confirm current requirements. Host families are encouraged to discuss driving expectations, experience, insurance coverage, and vehicle use with prospective Au Pairs before the placement begins.

Yes. Single parents can successfully host an Au Pair and often find that the additional childcare support helps create greater flexibility and balance in their daily lives.

An Au Pair can assist with childcare, school pickups and drop-offs, children’s activities, and other child-related responsibilities, making it easier for single parents to manage work, family, and personal commitments. Many single-parent families find that having a reliable live-in childcare provider offers valuable support and peace of mind.

As with any Au Pair placement, success depends on clear communication, realistic expectations, and finding an Au Pair whose personality and childcare approach are a good fit for the family’s needs.

In some cases, families may be eligible for provincial or territorial child care benefits, subsidies, or tax credits while employing an Au Pair. Eligibility requirements vary by province and program, so families should contact the appropriate government department to determine what assistance may be available.

As an employer, a host family is generally responsible for complying with applicable employment, payroll, and tax requirements. This may include registering for payroll remittances with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), making required deductions, and following provincial employment standards.

Families who plan to apply for child care subsidies or reimbursement programs should review the specific requirements in their province, as documentation, reporting obligations, and eligibility criteria can vary. Where benefits are available, payments are often made directly to the parent or guardian, who remains responsible for compensating their Au Pair in accordance with applicable employment laws.