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Frequently asked questions A general guide explaining what Immigration Rules say about au pairs, for more information visit: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk What is an au pair placement ? An au pair placement is an arrangement where a single person aged from 17 - 27 (inclusive) comes to the United Kingdom to study English and lives for up to two years as a member of an English-speaking family. The au pair helps in the home for a maximum of 5 hours per day, with at least two full days off per week, in return for a reasonable allowance and the use of his or her own room. Which countries are included in the au pair scheme? An au pair must be a national of either the E.U. or one of the following countries: Andorra Bosnia-Herzegovina Croatia Faroe Islands Greenland Macedonia Monaco San Marino Turkey Although Nationals of the European Union (E.U.) and European Economic Area (E.E.A.) are not included in the au pair scheme they are of course free to enter and work in the United Kingdom without any restrictions. The countries in the EU and EEA are: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland*, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lichtenstein*, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway*, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, United Kingdom. * are not members of the European Union (E.U.). However, the European Economic Area Agreement granted nationals of these countries the same rights to enter, live and work in the U.K. as E.U. citizens. From 1 June 2002 nationals of Switzerland have also had the same free movement and employment rights as existing E.E.A. nationals. Who can qualify as an au pair? An au pair must show that they are seeking entry to take up an arranged au pair placement and that they are: unmarried and not a civil partner and have no dependants and do not intend to stay in the United Kingdom for more than two years as an au pair and are able to accommodate and maintain themselves without recourse to public means and intend to leave the United Kingdom on completion of their stay as an au pair. Is a visa needed? Nationals of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, and Turkey must first obtain a visa from their nearest UK Overseas Mission, where there is a visa section, before travelling to the United Kingdom. How long can an au pair stay? An au pair from outside the E.E.A. can stay in the United Kingdom up to a maximum of two years from the date they were admitted as an au pair. For more detailed information go to http://www.workingintheuk.gov.uk Can an au pair move to another host family? An au pair may change families provided the new arrangements continue to meet the requirements of the immigration rules. Permission to remain as an au pair will not be granted to anyone who did not enter the United Kingdom as an au pair. Should an au pair register with the Police? If an au pair from a non-E.E.A. country has stayed in the country for longer than six months, they will normally be required to register with the police. (This requirement will be stamped in their passport.) To register they should take their passport and two passport-sized photographs to their local police station. A fee will be charged. How to apply for an extension An au pair may apply by post to the Immigration and Nationality Department (Recorded Delivery is recommended if a passport is being sent) or in person at one of the Home Office Public Enquiry Offices. All applications should be made before the date your permission to stay expires. Applications should be accompanied by your passport, a letter from the host family giving details of the au pair placement, and the length of time for which an extension is sought. All documents should be originals To top of page