Services

Live-in Caregiver

To work as a live-in caregiver in Canada, a Canadian based employer must make an application to the Live-In Caregiver Program on behalf of the Caregiver (nanny). If the application is successful, the Caregiver has to apply for and receive a work permit.

Effective April 1, 2010, live-in caregivers working in Canada under the Live-in Caregiver Program have two years from their date of arrival in Canada to complete the employment requirement to be eligible to apply for permanent residence under the Program.

You must meet certain requirements to be eligible for the Live-in Caregiver Program in Canada.

1. A positive Labour Market Opinion (LMO) from an employer in CanadaHRSDC/SC will assess your employer’s job offer and the employment contract to be sure that it meets the requirements for wages and working conditions and the provincial labour and employment standards, and that there are not enough Canadians or permanent residents available to work as live-in caregivers in Canada. If HRSDC/SCfinds the job offer acceptable, they will issue a positive LMO to your employer.

   You will need a copy of this positive LMO when you apply for a work permit.

2. A written contract with your future employer, signed by you and your employer. The employment contract must demonstrate that the Live-in Caregiver Program requirements are met by including a description of:
   • mandatory employer-paid benefits, including:
     • transportation to Canada from your country of permanent residence or the country of habitual residence to the location of work in Canada
     • medical insurance coverage provided from the date of your arrival until you are eligible for provincial health insurance
     • workplace safety insurance coverage for the duration of the employment
     • all recruitment fees, including any amount payable to a third-party recruiter or agents hired by the employer that would otherwise have been charged to you
   • job duties
   • hours of work
   • wages
   • accommodation arrangements (including room and board)
   • holiday and sick leave entitlements
   • termination and resignation terms
3. Successful completion of the equivalent of a Canadian secondary school education
4. At least six months’ training or at least one year of full-time paid work experience as a caregiver or in a related field or occupation (including six months with one employer) in the past three years
5. Good knowledge of English or French
6. A work permit before you enter Canada