Is it possible to be a nanny?

Hello all, I would like to say first and foremost that this site is awesome and it is refreshing to see a lot of friendly and genuine people all in one place!

Now down to business... *suspenseful music*

I will try and sum this up as easy and short as I can. I am a 23 year old mail American, also living in the US. I have been in the process of trying to make a move to the UK. An opportunity has presented itself for me to do so, my good friend suggested I see about becoming a Nanny/Au Pair. She would be the one hiring me on and she'd pay me to watch her kids/clean/cook etc etc.

Is this possible to do if I am a 23 year old in the US. If so, what all would be needed? I have looked at the VAF1 forms and the FLR 0 forms (I think that is what they are called) However, I am just afraid I am missing something. I am trying to make sure I have all the resources to me that I need.

Also, what all would the friend of mind in the UK need to look into. What would he/she need to fill out, request copies etc. etc?

Well I hope this was not terribly to vague. I just am a little curious and can never get the answer from the government sites (you know how that goes) Well, thank you all who help me in advance, and I will be checking this every couple hours, so if you have any questions that may help better answer my own. Feel free to ask!

Thanks again people.
~D

Unfortunately, American nationals are not eligible to apply for Au Pair visas, so I do not think this would be possible.

If you are a student or a recent graduate, then you may be able to come to the UK on a BUNAC visa.  Take a look at www.ukvisas.gov.uk for detail of the different categories.

Regards

Victoria

I was pretty certain I would not be able to become an Au Pair. However, what about a nanny? Or atleast being legally hired by a resident of the UK as an employer, employeeing me to watch her children?

There really is no visa which allows for this.  Unless you have skills and experience in this area, with qualifications, and your friend has advertised to try to get an EEA national to fill her vacancy, you would not be able to get a work permit.


Victoria

Hmmm, quite the predicament. Sooo, without being a student or a highly skilled migrant. Is there any other way to obtain a Visa so I can work in the UK? Money is not a concern, I am just trying to avoid paying for something I do not need to. So covering my bases.

Thanks again.

Unless you can claim citizenship by descent or are married to a British or EU citizen then yes those are basically all your options.

Talk about a pain in the ars*. lol