Hiring and Sponsoring Nannies and au pairs (SOC Code 6116)

Nannies and Au Pairs, classified under SOC Code 6116, are dedicated professionals who play a crucial role in childcare and early childhood development. They provide a nurturing and safe environment for children, ensuring their daily needs are met while fostering their growth. The increasing demand for high-quality childcare has made this profession vital in many households. Here is a guide to help HR professionals understand the role of nannies and au pairs and the process of hiring them under the UK’s immigration system:

• Childcare Responsibilities: Cares for children and babies, participating in daily activities that support their well-being.
• Assistance with Personal Care: Assists children in washing and dressing, ensuring they are clean and comfortable throughout the day.
• Infant Care: Changes babies’ nappies and clothes as necessary, while also preparing bottles for feeding.
• Household Tasks: Mends, washes, and irons children’s clothes, along with tidying their rooms to maintain a conducive living environment.
• Activity Organization: Organises engaging activities and opportunities for the children to socialise with peers, contributing to their social development.
• Transportation: Safely takes children to school and various appointments, ensuring their timely arrival.
• Learning Development: Helps to develop the child's learning, including essential skills such as basic social interactions.

As the demand for experienced nannies and au pairs continues to rise, many families are looking to the international talent pool to find qualified candidates.

What is SOC Code 3411 for Nannies and au pairs?

SOC Code 6116 refers to nannies and au pairs who provide care for children and babies while participating in their daily activities. Their responsibilities can include:

• Direct care: Assisting children with washing and dressing, changing babies’ nappies and clothes as necessary, and making up bottles for feeds.
• Household support: Mending, washing, and ironing children’s clothes, as well as tidying their rooms.
• Activity organization: Planning and organizing activities to foster social interaction with other children.
• Transportation: Taking children to school, appointments, and extracurricular activities.
• Development support: Helping to develop children's learning, including foundational social skills.

Nannies and au pairs play an essential role in the upbringing and development of children, providing support to families while fostering a nurturing environment for growth and learning.

Eligibility to Hire Nannies and au pairs (SOC Code 3411)

1. Job Requirements

Nannies and au pairs must demonstrate a strong commitment to child care and possess specific qualifications or experience. These may include:

• Child Care Experience: Proven experience in caring for children and babies, including references from previous families.
• First Aid Certification: Current certification in pediatric first aid and CPR.
• Child Development Knowledge: Understanding of child psychology and developmental milestones to support learning and growth.
• Educational Background: While not always required, a degree in early childhood education or a related field can be beneficial.
• Personal Attributes: Patience, creativity, and strong communication skills are essential for effectively engaging with children.
• Organizational Skills: Ability to plan and organize activities to promote social interaction and developmental learning.
• Flexibility: Willingness to accompany children to school, appointments, and engage in various activities throughout the day.

Ensure the job description aligns with SOC Code 6116 and that the nanny or au pair's experience and qualifications meet the expectations for the role.

1. Salary Thresholds
2. Use the Minimum Salary Calculator to ensure your salary offer meets immigration requirements.

Sponsoring Nannies and au pairs: A Step-by-Step Guide for HR Professionals

Once you’ve confirmed that the role and candidate meet the eligibility requirements, follow this step-by-step guide to sponsoring Nannies and au pairs under SOC Code 6116.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before hiring non-UK Nannies and au pairs, your company or institution must obtain a sponsor licence. This licence enables you to legally sponsor overseas Nannies and au pairs under the Skilled Worker Visa program.

• Sponsor Licence Application: Submit documentation proving that your business is legitimate and has a genuine vacancy. Visit the sponsor licence application guide for more information. 
• Sponsor Licence Fees: Small businesses typically pay £574, while larger institutions pay £1,579. For more information, visit the sponsor licence fees guide. 
• Processing Time: Applications typically take up to 8 weeks, but using the Sponsor Licence Priority Service can reduce the processing time to 10 working days.

Once your sponsor licence is approved, you will receive a sponsor licence number, which allows you to assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).

Step 2: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once you have your sponsor licence, the next step is to assign a CoS to the Nannies and au pairs. This document provides key details about the job and the individual being sponsored.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for Nannies and au pairs applying from outside the UK, and an Undefined CoS for those already in the UK. Learn more in the Defined & Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship guide. 
• Required Documents: Provide details such as the Nannies and au pairs’s portfolio, passport and job offer. Refer to Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorshipfor a full list of necessary documents.

Step 3: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

Once the CoS is issued, the Nannies and au pairs can apply for the Skilled Worker Visa.

• Visa Fees: Fees vary depending on the role and visa length—use the visa fees calculator to estimate the costs. 
• Immigration Skills Charge: Employers are required to pay this charge as part of sponsoring non-UK workers. This is separate from visa fees.

Conducting a Right to Work Check for Nannies and au pairs

Before the Nannies and au pairs begins working, you must conduct a right to work check to ensure they are legally allowed to work in the UK.

• Manual Right to Work Check: Verify original documents such as the Nannies and au pairs’s passport and visa. 
• Online Right to Work Check: If the Nannies and au pairs holds an eVisa, you can use the UK government’s online system to verify their right-to-work status.

For more details on how to perform these checks, see the right to work check guide.

Post-Hiring Responsibilities and Compliance

1. Record-Keeping and Reporting  
2. • Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of the Nannies and au pairs’s employment details, salary and contact information. 
   • Reporting Changes: Report any significant changes to the Nannies and au pairs’s role—such as promotions or salary increases—via the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
3. Sponsor Licence Duties and Compliance
4. Failure to comply with your sponsor licence duties can result in penalties or sponsor licence revocation, impacting your ability to sponsor future Nannies and au pairss.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Nannies and au pairs

Sponsoring Nannies and au pairs under SOC Code 6116 can be a complex process, but Borderless can simplify it for you. We offer comprehensive support to help you manage the entire sponsorship process.

End-to-End Sponsorship Support

At Borderless, we assist with:

• Sponsor Licence Application: Guiding you through the application process and ensuring all required documents are submitted correctly. 
• Certificate of Sponsorship Assignment: Streamlining the CoS process to make hiring easier. 
• Compliance Management: Helping you stay compliant with immigration laws to avoid penalties.

If you need assistance with hiring or sponsoring Nannies and au pairs, get in touch for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring Nannies and au pairs under SOC Code 6116 can be a rewarding way to enrich the cultural landscape of your organisation. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully navigate the sponsorship process while ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws.

For further guidance, Borderless is ready to assist you with all your sponsorship needs. Contact us for expert advice.