Would you rather spend your days hiking through stunning national parks or your nights exploring vibrant cities like Toronto, Vancouver, or Montréal? If the answer is both, then au pairing in Canada might be your next big adventure!
Let’s walk you through everything you need to know about becoming (or hosting!) an au pair in Canada. From visa rules and requirements to what life is really like in the land of maple syrup and friendliness.
Au Pair Requirements: No Maple Syrup Without the Basics 🍁
Before you start packing your parka, make sure you meet the main requirements for becoming an au pair in Canada:
✅ Age: Between 18 and 30 years old
✅ Family status: Single and without children
✅ Language: Basic knowledge of English or French
✅ Citizenship: From one of these countries:
Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, or the United Kingdom
✅ Funds: Around 2,500 CAD and a return ticket ✈️
✅ Visa: Apply for a Working Holiday Maker visa (required for most nationalities)
You’re here to explore Canadian life, improve your language skills, and experience a real cultural exchange, not just work full-time as a nanny.
Visa and Paperwork
Eligible countries
If you’re from one of the countries listed above, you can apply for a Working Holiday Maker visa under the International Experience Canada program.
You’ll need:
📝 A valid passport
💰 Proof of sufficient funds (around 2,500 CAD)
🎟️ A return ticket (or proof you can buy one)
💬 Proof of language skills (basic English or French)
🏠 Details of your host family or placement
Once approved, you’ll receive a work permit valid for up to 12 months, which allows you to live with your host family and work as an au pair.
Tip: If you don’t qualify for the Working Holiday Maker visa, you can explore the Live-In Caregiver Visa, or consider another amazing au pair destination!
Requirements for Host Families
Thinking of hosting an au pair in Canada? Here’s what’s required:
✅ At least one child under 18 living at home
✅ A private room for your au pair
✅ English or French spoken in the daily family life
✅ Help needed with childcare and light household tasks
✅ The au pair and family must have different nationalities and not be related
In short: your au pair becomes part of your family: helping out, learning your culture, and bringing a piece of their world into your home.
Why Choose Canada and What to Expect?
Canada is all about adventure, kindness, and community, it’s a place where you’ll truly feel at home. Life as an au pair in Canada means living with your host family, sharing meals, and experiencing authentic Canadian life, from snowy winter days and hockey nights to sunny summer barbecues.
A typical week may include 25–30 hours of childcare and light chores, helping with morning routines, school drop-offs, and playtime. You may organize activities, assist with light cooking, or help keep children’s spaces tidy. You will also have one or more full days off each week to explore and rest.
You will receive pocket money based on minimum wage (minus agreed deductions for housing and meals, which vary by province), along with included accommodation and meals. Insurance is typically provided through your visa arrangements or organized by your host family.
Here’s why au pairing in Canada is such an amazing experience:
🍁 Learn (or improve!) your English or French
🏞️ Explore breathtaking national parks
🏙️ Live in vibrant cities full of culture and fun
🧡 Become part of a real Canadian family
🚴 Experience a safe, inclusive, multicultural country
Whether you’re skiing in Banff or strolling through Old Montréal, every day brings something new to discover.
Ready to Start Your Adventure? 🇨🇦
If you’re dreaming of crisp winters, friendly smiles, and adventures across Canada’s wide-open landscapes, becoming an au pair here is your chance to live the Canadian dream.
At Nina.care, we’ll help you find your perfect host family and make your au pair year smooth, exciting, and unforgettable. Ready to say hello/bonjour to your next adventure? Let’s make it happen! 🌍