Au pair visa wisdom please

[PreMad0nna]

Help please!

We're looking at getting an au pair and are so confused about the visa situation. I've looked on several websites but am no wiser. Am I correct in thinking that au pairs generally come into the UK on a Youth Mobility visa? This obviously drastically limits the pool of candidates. We have someone in Brazil and someone in the Philippines that we really like but look like won't be able to get them here (legally!!) to work as an au pair. Any pointers would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

There is basically not any such thing as an au pair any more. They are entitled to minimum wage, and they have to either already have the right to live and work in the UK or be from Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Korea and apply under the Youth Mobility Scheme visa. They are essentially a live-in nanny and entitled to be paid as such. No more pocket money arrangements.

The UK government has a perfectly lucid and clear page on the topic. https://www.gov.uk/au-pairs-employment-law/au-pairs

Yes, exactly as the PP said.

Although the rules on au pairs changed in April, it's not been possible to hire someone from Brazil or the Philipines for about 15 years!