Au pair in Ireland
Au pair in Ireland
Official Au Pair in Ireland Program Information:
There is no official program to be an au pair in Ireland, however it is possible to become an au pair in Ireland.
Au Pair in Ireland Mandatory Criteria
In order for non-EU nationals to become an au pair in Ireland, they are required to have a Work Permit and work permits are dealt with solely by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation (http://www.dfa.ie or http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=80991). When you have obtained a work permit then you may apply for an employment visa.
Information on the visa application process is available on the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (www.inis.gov.ie - Please note that we have had problems accessing this site as it is sometimes down, but the link is correct). Please also note that the information contained on the website is intended to act as a guide only. It does not limit the discretion of the Visa Officer in dealing with individual applications.
Au Pairs who are 18-30 year old citizens of Argentina, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand and the Republic of Korea are eligible for a Working Holiday Authorisation (WHA). The intention of a WHA is to allow a young adult to work casually to fund an extended holiday in Ireland. There are eligibility requirements, which prospective au pairs must meet, and it is vital that applicants have sufficient funds to cover the initial part of their stay in the event their work arrangements change. We recommend visiting the website of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Ireland, for specific details about your country of citizenship.
Canadian nationals may also apply for the SWAP visa program to become an au pair in Ireland. (http://www.swap.ca)
South African nationals who are recent graduates or full time students can apply for a six-month work visa to be an au pair in Ireland. See http://www.sasts.org.za/
Nationals of other countries may also enter Ireland on a student visa to study English at an approved institution or be enrolled in a full-time degree program. There are several eligibility requirements including course types. See this link for approved courses:http://www.icosirl.ie/eng/student_information/working_in_ireland. For stays in excess of 90 days, there is a charge of 150 Pounds. Additionally, employment can only be on a casual basis with this visa, and can be 20 hours maximum per week. Full time work is allowed during normal college vacation periods.
US citizens have a separate agreement and additional eligibility requirements. Applicants must be either enrolled in post-secondary study or have recently graduated. There is also a J1 programme in place but is more limited: http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=73713).
Official Au Pair in Ireland Program Information:
There is no official program to be an au pair in Ireland, however it is possible to become an au pair in Ireland.
Au Pair in Ireland Mandatory Criteria
- An au pair in Ireland must be between 18-30 years old (18-35 for Canadian citizens)
- An au pair in Ireland must have a good knowledge of English
- Have no criminal record
- Be in good health
- The pocket money for an au pair in Ireland is not specified. As a guide, expect up to 100 Euros per week for approximately 35 hours
- The working hours for an au pair in Ireland are not specified, but approximately 35 hours per week is a guideline or 20 hours on a student visa
- The free time and holidays for an au pair in Ireland are not specified. TheBestAupair recommends 2 days free time per week and 2 weeks paid holidays for a 12-month placement as a guide
- An au pair in Ireland is to be provided with their own room and 3 meals per day and also have free access to the family home
- The au pair is liable for all costs
- The host family may pay return costs but this will need to be negotiated
- Do not pay any money in advance. TheBestAupair recommends that if the host family pays for the return flight, then this is done at the half way point of the contracted duration
- An au pair in Ireland must have a good knowledge of English
- Opportunity to attend a language course
- Au pair pays for language course
- An au pair in Ireland will normally stay a minimum of 6 months and up to 12 months
- We strongly recommends obtaining comprehensive travel insurance, which covers medical, accident and liability costs
- Non-EU citizens who have entered with a student visa must have adequate private medical insurance and provide evidence with their application
- Au pair in Ireland duties include childcare and light housework
- If you are required to drive as an au pair in Ireland, you will need a full, valid driver's licence
- TheBestAupair recommends obtaining an international driving permit from your home country if your licence is not valid on its own in Ireland
- Discuss with your host family what happens if you have a car accident, who pays, and have your agreements put in the contract
In order for non-EU nationals to become an au pair in Ireland, they are required to have a Work Permit and work permits are dealt with solely by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation (http://www.dfa.ie or http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=80991). When you have obtained a work permit then you may apply for an employment visa.
Information on the visa application process is available on the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (www.inis.gov.ie - Please note that we have had problems accessing this site as it is sometimes down, but the link is correct). Please also note that the information contained on the website is intended to act as a guide only. It does not limit the discretion of the Visa Officer in dealing with individual applications.
Au Pairs who are 18-30 year old citizens of Argentina, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand and the Republic of Korea are eligible for a Working Holiday Authorisation (WHA). The intention of a WHA is to allow a young adult to work casually to fund an extended holiday in Ireland. There are eligibility requirements, which prospective au pairs must meet, and it is vital that applicants have sufficient funds to cover the initial part of their stay in the event their work arrangements change. We recommend visiting the website of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Ireland, for specific details about your country of citizenship.
Canadian nationals may also apply for the SWAP visa program to become an au pair in Ireland. (http://www.swap.ca)
South African nationals who are recent graduates or full time students can apply for a six-month work visa to be an au pair in Ireland. See http://www.sasts.org.za/
Nationals of other countries may also enter Ireland on a student visa to study English at an approved institution or be enrolled in a full-time degree program. There are several eligibility requirements including course types. See this link for approved courses:http://www.icosirl.ie/eng/student_information/working_in_ireland. For stays in excess of 90 days, there is a charge of 150 Pounds. Additionally, employment can only be on a casual basis with this visa, and can be 20 hours maximum per week. Full time work is allowed during normal college vacation periods.
US citizens have a separate agreement and additional eligibility requirements. Applicants must be either enrolled in post-secondary study or have recently graduated. There is also a J1 programme in place but is more limited: http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=73713).
