UK Au Pair Visa and Application Process

Introduction

UK Au Pair Visa is a temporary residence permit that allows young people from overseas to live and work as Au Pairs in the UK for up to two years. Au Pair is a foreign language-speaking young person aged 18 to 30, who is willing to share their culture and language while living with a host family, in exchange for accommodation, meals, and pocket money. In this article, we will discuss the UK Au Pair Visa and Application Process.

Eligibility Criteria for UK Au Pair Visa

To be eligible to apply for a UK Au Pair Visa, you must:

1. Be between the ages of 18 and 30.

2. Be from a country that has a Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme agreement with the UK.

3. Have a valid passport.

4. Have no dependents.

5. Have sufficient funds to support yourself in the UK.

6. Have a written invitation from a UK host family who is willing to sponsor your stay.

7. Be able to speak English at an intermediate level.

Application Process for UK Au Pair Visa

Step 1: Check eligibility

Before you begin your application, you should visit the UK government’s website to check if you meet the eligibility criteria for a UK Au Pair Visa. If you are eligible, you can proceed to the next steps.

Step 2: Obtain a Sponsorship Invitation from a Host Family

To apply for a UK Au Pair Visa, you need to have a written invitation from a UK Host family who is willing to sponsor your stay. The invitation must include details such as:

1. Your name and date of birth.

2. The host family’s name and address.

3. The date you will start and end your stay.

4. The host family’s agreement to provide you with free accommodation, meals, and pocket money.

Step 3: Complete the Online Application

The next step is to complete the online application form, which can be found on the UK Visa Application Centre website. You will need to fill in personal details, travel history, education and work experience, and provide details of your host family.

Step 4: Pay for the Application

After completing the application, you will need to pay the visa fee. The fee will depend on the length of your stay, and the current fees can be found on the UK Visa Application Centre website.

Step 5: Attend the Appointment

After paying the application fee, you will need to attend an appointment at the UK Visa Application Centre in your home country. During the appointment, you will be required to provide biometric data, including fingerprints and photograph, and submit your application and supporting documents.

Step 6: Application Processing

After your application has been submitted, it will be reviewed by the UK Visas and Immigration office, and you will be notified of the decision.

FAQs

1. How long does the UK Au Pair Visa Application Process take?

The UK Au Pair Visa Application Process can take up to eight weeks, depending on how many applications are being processed. It is advisable to apply well in advance of your intended start date.

2. What documents do I need to submit with my application?

You will need to submit your valid passport, proof of your sponsorship invitation from a host family, and evidence of your finances.

3. How much pocket money can I receive as an Au Pair in the UK?

The amount of pocket money you can receive as an Au Pair in the UK varies, and it is usually agreed upon between the host family and the Au Pair. On average, pocket money can range from £70 to £100 per week.

4. Can I work as an Au Pair part-time?

Yes, you can work as an Au Pair part-time, although the UK Au Pair Visa requires you to engage in cultural exchange activities for a minimum of 30 hours a week.

Conclusion

The UK Au Pair Visa is an opportunity for young people from overseas to experience life in the UK while sharing their culture and language with a host family. The application process for a UK Au Pair Visa can be completed online, and it is advisable to apply well in advance of your intended start date. For more information on the UK Au Pair Visa and Application Process, visit the UK government’s website.