Because au pairing means caring for children, you will need a child-safety clearance — usually called a Working With Children Check — before you start. It is straightforward to get, but the details depend on which state you live in. Here is what you need to know.
What is a Working With Children Check?
It is a background check that confirms you are cleared to work or volunteer with children. It typically involves a national criminal-history check and an assessment of your suitability. Once approved, you receive a card or number that your host family can verify.
There is no single national check
Australia does not have one national Working With Children Check. Each state and territory runs its own scheme, with different names, fees and validity periods. A few examples:
- New South Wales: Working with Children Check, valid for five years.
- Victoria: Working with Children Check, valid for five years.
- Queensland: the Blue Card, valid for three years.
Other states and territories have their own equivalents, so always check the rules for the place you will actually be living.
Do au pairs really need one?
Yes. A Working With Children Check is required for au pairs providing childcare, whatever visa you travelled on, and it must be current before you start caring for the children. You apply in the state or territory where you will be living with your host family.
How to apply
You can usually apply online or in person once you have arrived in Australia. You will need identity documents and, in some states, to verify your identity at a service centre. Fees vary — Queensland's Blue Card, for example, costs around A$100 for paid work — and processing can take from a few days to a few weeks, so apply early. Your host family or Premier Au Pair can point you to the right authority for your state.
If you move interstate
A check from one state is generally not valid in another. If you change host families across a state border, you will usually need to apply for the new state's check. Some states offer limited recognition for short stays, so confirm with the receiving authority before you start.
A few tips
- Apply as soon as you know which state you will be in — don't leave it to the last minute.
- Keep your card or reference number handy so your host family can verify it.
- If you plan to travel and work in different states, factor in a new check each time.
Sorting your Working With Children Check early is one of the simplest ways to start your au pair year smoothly and show your host family you are ready to care for their children.