AP visas - when are they changing the visa system?

[Millarkie]

I've got a German AP at the moment, and another German coming after Christmas and thought I would stick with the 'easy' EU countries..but have just had an email from a very suitable Canadian, and realised I have no idea about visas for 'commonwealth' countries. Currently they need a working holiday visa?? but is this one of the ones that is being changed soon?
AP wouldn't be coming til next Aug/Sept.

Thanks

Think the new scheme starts 1st December.
Working Holiday Maker won't exist after this month. Replaced by Youth Mobility Scheme.
I still can't locate list of countries eligible under YMS, so no idea if Canada is on it. Best to stick with EEA countries.

If she applies for the visa and gets it I assume they will honor it when she arrives. Surely they wan't cancel existing visas, but will just stop issuing them at some point.

BTW, Canadians are lovely. I've had 3.

They will still honour existing visas, but if she gets one now she will be wasting almost a year up before she even arrives, so I think she will have to try under new scheme. But from what I have seen, I think the only potential problem is that from December onwards she will need to show she has access to £1,600 (??) of emergency funds should she need it. Which would crucify many nationalities but I guess many AP's from Canada/US/Oz etc will be able to get added as a cardholder onto their parents Credit Card or something to get round this rule. But when I last looked a couple of weeks ago the rules were still by no means set in stone.

I think the new visas also involve you (the employer)sponsoring them. And one of the criteria for which countries qualify is that their country runs a similar program for British citizens. This has disqualified South Africa. But, it may open the door up to Amiericans.

I have had a Turkish AuPair apply and I know the rule change will affect them-can you point me in the direction of any info please?

There is very limited info on the immigration website about the youth mobility scheme (or Tier 5)here just saying that the scheme that applies from 1 December will be open on 28 November. You could try phoning them up but you have very little chance that the person you speak to will know.

Millarkie you could be a trailblazer and let the rest of us know. For next year I have opened up to applications from the US on the assumption they will be able to get a visa.

at the idea of being a trailblazer
Well, I've emailed my Canadian and told her about the job and that we aren't in a hurry to make any decisions since it's so far in the future, and will question her about her potential need for a visa if she survives my mega-long email and questionaire (only 1 in 6 applicants get through that far).

Pressed post too soon......:
Meant to say - thanks everyone for the info, and
How are you getting on in your search DIOM

Latest nes is that current au apir is not as bad as previously feared (she looked horrible when she left); she is recuperating at home, wants to return (?) and now hope that she will be back by the end of the month (just have to cope with MiL until then).

"only 1 in 6 applicants get through that far"

Milarke, I am most impressed that you keep track of such statistics.

My Canadian is lovely. There is a cold going round our house. The kids had it. Now nanny appears to have. She bravely reported for work this morning. And I selfishly ran out the door for work leaving her with a box of cold medicine. I know I know... give me the big bad selfish employer award.

AN - I am sad and cannot help but gather data wherever data be

DIOM - sounds good - hope you can put up with MIL that long (had mine to stay for 3 days when dh was abroad last year and it was a long 3 days (even though she is very nice, as MILs go))

Update - Countries List
Document Date:04-Nov-2008 Source (see page 13)
~~ Begin Quote ~~

Australia
Canada
Japan
New Zealand
The countries listed above are the only countries currently participating in the YMS - all have Deemed Sponsor status.

~~ End Quote ~~

Hope that is of help to those of you considering au-pairs from outside of the EEA.

My that's a short list. I hope it's not complete yet. Although I am suddenly tempted by the idea of getting an au pair (when I drop from nanny to Au Pair, most likely Jan. 2010) who could make us yummy sushi and low fat noodle soups.