6 Reasons to Work in Canada as an Au Pair

September 28, 2023

Sinethemba Phongolo

Au pairing is gradually becoming a very popular job in Canada. Assisting with childcare duties while parents manage work or other tasks significantly reduces the domestic burden for many families.

The Canadian government, recognizing the valuable service Au Pairs provide Canadian families, consistently strives to attract more Au Pairs to the nation by making Canada more hospitable and beneficial to Au pairs than other countries needing their services.

Ready to explore why you should work as an Au Pair in Canada? Here are the 6 Reasons to Work in Canada as an Au Pair!

Top 6 Reasons to Work in Canada as an Au Pair

To shed some light on why Canada is the place to be if you are an Au Pair, the following presents the top 6 reasons to work in Canada as an Au Pair.

Au Pairs in Canada Earn Competitive Salaries

One of the primary reasons why many individuals choose to work as au pairs in Canada is the competitive salaries offered. Au pairs in Canada are compensated fairly for their work, allowing them to live comfortably and enjoy their time there.

Your salary can vary depending on factors such as the

Number of working hours,
Duties and responsibilities involved,
Your host family, and
Location within Canada.

For example, according to Canada’s Job Bank, certain rural Canadian regions like Yukon, offer a higher annual average salary for Au Pairs, 46,938.67 CAD, because of its low population and high demand for Au Pairs.

The more populated provinces like Quebec offer a lower annual average salary of 42,226.39 CAD. However, more populous provinces tend to provide far more opportunities due to their larger populations.

Your host family, depending on how many hours and duties were done as an Au Pair, can provide you with salary incentives and benefits that boost the overall gross and net salary earnings.

According to Canada’s Job Bank, the annual average salary for an Au Pair in Canada is 44,838.03 CAD.

Opportunities to Travel Across Canada

Another beneficial aspect of working as an au pair in Canada is the opportunity to explore the country's vast and diverse landscapes. Canada is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, from the Rocky Mountains in Alberta to the picturesque Atlantic coastlines of Nova Scotia.

Au pairs in Canada often have free time to travel and explore various regions, allowing them to immerse themselves in the country's culture, history, and breathtaking scenery. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you can visit and take a sightseeing stroll through Canada’s picturesque National Parks which include:

Banff National Park
Fundy National Parks
Nahanni National Park
Jasper National Park

Culture vultures can partake in the country's art and cultural festivals, such as the Montreal International Jazz Music and Toronto Caribana Festival. If you're a history buff, we recommend making your way to the Federal Capital of Ottawa, which has many historic landmarks and museums, e.g. Canadian War Museum and the Canadian Museum of History, to sate your curiosity about Canada’s past.

Canada Offers Au Pairs Opportunities to Attend an Online English Course

Working as an au pair in Canada provides an opportunity to improve your language proficiency in English. Along with French, English is one of the two official languages in France and Canada.

English is the majority spoken language in all but one province, Quebec. It is the medium of instruction in Canadian education and the primary means of communication in the country’s political and economic life. Many Canadian permanent residency immigration pathways e.g. Provincial Nominee Programs, Express Entry system, Atlantic Immigration Pilot, etc. have English language proficiency as their eligibility criteria. Some of the best online English courses are offered by:

Taking an Online English Course as an Au pair, along with the work experience you have gained, can be beneficial in improving your chances of success when applying for permanent residency in Canada via the Canadian Experience Class.

Opportunity to Earn More Money if You Extend Your Stay in Canada

If you find your stay as an Au Pair in Canada very enjoyable, you have the opportunity to extend your work permit. Extending your work permit allows you to continue working with a host family and earn additional income. The flexibility and potential for increased earnings make working as an au pair in Canada attractive for many individuals.

Learn more about the five ways to extend your Canada work permit.

Receive Placement in a Carefully Screened Canadian Host Family

Canada’s Au Pair placement process ensures that you will be matched with a carefully screened Canadian host family. The matching process considers the preferences and needs of both the au pair and the host family to create a positive and mutually beneficial experience for all parties involved.

Host families for Au pairs in Canada are generally assessed by Au Pair agencies. Prominent Au Pair agencies in Canada you can use for host family screening services include

Canadian Au Pair Employment Benefits

Working as an au pair in Canada comes with several employment benefits that provide added security and support. Major benefits for Au pairs in Canada include:

Two weeks of paid vacation for a 12-month contract
30 days traveling opportunity at the end of your program
1.5 – 2 days off/week
Au Pairs in Canada are required to have health insurance for the duration of their stay

These employment benefits contribute to the overall well-being and satisfaction of Au pairs during their time in Canada.

How to Work as an Au Pair

Learn how you can work as an Au Pair in Canada with the video below.

There are two primary work permits you can use to work as an au pair in Canada. They are the:

IEC Working Holiday Visa Program

The IEC Working Holiday Visa Program is another pathway that allows Au Pairs to work in Canada. This program allows young individuals between 18 and 35 from 35 participating countries to travel and work in Canada for up to two years.

Since Au Pairs’ stay in Canada is generally less than two years, this program is perfect for foreign Au Pairs looking to work in Canada.

Learn more about the Working Holiday Visa program.

Postgraduate Work Permit (PGWP)

Au pairs who have completed a post-secondary education program from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Work Permit (PGWP). If successful in applying for a PGWP, you will be issued an open work permit, allowing you to work as an Au Pair anywhere in Canada for any employer for a specified period.

The PGWP is an excellent opportunity for au pairs to gain valuable work experience in Canada and potentially become Canadian permanent residents via the Canadian Experience Class or TR to PR pathway.

Please Note

The PGWP is not a pathway for foreign Au Pairs to come to Canada to work. It enables foreign graduates already in Canada to keep themselves afloat while exploring options to start their careers in Canada.

Find out more about how to stay in Canada using the Postgraduate Work Permit.

How to Qualify to be an Au Pair in Canada?

To work as an au pair in Canada, some certain qualifications and requirements must be met. These qualifications may vary slightly depending on the specific province or territory within Canada and the Au Pair's country of origin. However, in general, to become an Au Pair in Canada, you must:

Be between the ages of 18 and 30 years old
Have graduated with a post-secondary diploma
Have basic fluency in English (or French if you’re going to Quebec)
Have sufficient funds (2500 CAD for most countries) and a valid return ticket
Not be married and have no children
Be a citizen of one the 35 participating countries with a Youth Mobility Agreement with Canada
Be admissible to Canada (demonstrated by passing a criminal and medical background check
Have no previous Canada Working Holiday Visa application

Please Note

You must also prove you have a genuine interest in working with children and being able to provide a safe and nurturing environment for them.

Canadian Provinces or Territories Where Au Pairs Are Most In-demand

Below are the Canadian provinces or territories with the highest demand for Au Pairs in Canada. Average annual salary information is taken from Canada’s Job Bank.

Manitoba

Manitoba offers a welcoming environment for au pairs seeking placement opportunities. The province has a strong support system for caregivers. This includes access to language training, orientation programs, and resources to help au pairs integrate into the local community.

Average annual salary for caregivers: 39,476.24 CAD.

Ontario

Ontario offers many opportunities for Au Pairs seeking a vibrant and dynamic environment. One of the key advantages of choosing Ontario as an Au Pair destination is the abundance of host families needing childcare assistance. Busy professionals and single parents rely on the support of Au Pairs to balance their work and personal lives, ensuring a constant high demand for au pairing services.

Average annual salary for caregivers: 50,002.49 CAD.

Nunavut

Nunavut is a great choice for Au Pairs looking for an experience. The territory’s high demand for Au Pairs results from its sparse, low population and remote communities. These same conditions have led to the relatively high salaries for Au Pairs in Nunavut relative to its more populated areas.

Average annual salary for caregivers: 65,790.08 CAD.

Yukon

Yukon offers Au Pairs an exceptional opportunity to immerse themselves in the stunning wilderness of the region. Like Nunavut, the province's high demand and salary for Au Pairs results from the socio-economic dynamics of remote, sparsely populated communities with deficient labor pools.

Average annual salary for caregivers: 65,395.18 CAD.

Northwest Territories

Au pairs in the Northwest Territories will have the unique chance to work closely with indigenous families, learning about their traditional way of life and gaining a deeper appreciation for their customs and values. The territory also has plenty of scenic views to feast your eyes on and a relatively high salary for Au Pairs as reflected below.

Average annual salary for caregivers: 53,965.25 CAD.

FAQs

What are the Working Hours for Au Pairs in Canada?

The working hours for au pairs in Canada can vary depending on the specific arrangement made with the host family. However, generally, au pairs work an average of 30 to 40 hours per week. It is essential to have open communication with the host family to establish clear expectations regarding working hours and responsibilities.

What is the Difference Between an Au Pair, a Demi Pair, and a Nanny?

Au Pair

Au Pairs are young individuals from abroad who perform childcare in exchange for room and board.

Demi Pair

Demi Pairs are similar to Au Pairs. Still, they work fewer hours and receive less compensation.

Nanny

Nannies are professional caregivers who are paid a salary to provide childcare services.