Au-Pair agents are experts in rather a sensitive field. An au-pair position is not a normal "job", because the
au-pair works as an employee and is only temporarily integrated within the family. It is a relationship which normally ends after the agreed time.
Agencies look into the contract between the au-pair and the families, they do the red tape and help, whenever they are needed. Often they
can find a cheap way for the au-pair's social security and other insurances.
The fact that au-pair agents often know "their" families and cooperate with them makes it possible to solve problems more
easily, if ever they should arise. If necessary, another family, already known, or a new one in the area can be found and also be
interviewed to ensure that it matches well with the au-pair. Often a change of family makes the existing visa invalid, so that only
the agent can apply for a new one. Just staying on would put the au-pair in an illegal position.
This is for example normally the case, when an au-pair from an EU-country
works in a country which does not belong to the European Union.
The necessary visa is valid for the first family only. It is only
the agent, who is able to obtain a visa for a subsequent placement.
Au-pair agencies are always licensed and regularily checked by their authorities. All agents listed in the Au-Pair Box are known to be
professional and reliable so that we can recommend them. In general it hardly pays to look for a family or an au-pair yourself.
If you do not know which agency to pick, we recommend to compare different offers and then decide and go ahead. This is easiest by
filling in the appropriate form in the Au-Pair Box. Many of the points just mentioned here are applicable to Nanny agencies as well.
Although there may be more of a proper employer/employee relationship, a visa and a work permit have to be obtained and interviews have
to be arranged in order to match the right partners. Also here experience and sensitivity are needed to ensure a successful and rewarding
partnership. Good luck! Your Au-Pair Box Team
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