Live-In Caregiver Work Permits

Canadian Work Permits | Temporary Residence In Canada

Do you need a qualified individual to provide live-in care to your children, elderly or disabled relatives? Canada is in need of skilled individuals to fill these live-in caregiver roles and in response to this demand, has created the Live-In Caregiver Program.

How Can I Secure a Live-in Caregiver Work Permit?

To work as a live-in caregiver in Canada, you must make an application to the Live-In Caregiver Program. This includes a Canadian employer first applying for a Labour Market Opinion, followed by your application for a work permit. Once approved, you will be granted a temporary work permit.

The Live-In Caregiver Program Leads to Canadian Permanent Residence

While the Live-in Caregiver Program exists in order to meet the shortage of live-in nannies in Canada, it also benefits the caregivers themselves, by permitting them to apply for and receive Canadian permanent residence after completing two years of work in this profession. The caregiver’s dependents, which include spouses and children, may also become Canadian permanent residents at the same time.

Working in Quebec?

If you want to work as a live-in caregiver in the province of Quebec, you must obtain a certificat d’acceptation du Québec (Certificate of acceptance). Contact us for more details on how to obtain a work permit as a Live-In Caregiver in Quebec.

Do you Qualify as a Live-In Caregiver?

Live-in caregivers are individuals who are qualified to provide care for children, elderly persons or persons with disabilities in private homes without supervision. Live-in caregivers must live in the private home where they work in Canada.

In order to obtain a Live-In Caregiver work permit, you will need:

• a job confirmation letter from a Canadian employer;
• a written contract with your future employer;
• successful completion of the equivalent of Canadian secondary school;
• at least six months’ training, or at least one year of related full-time experience (including six months with one employer) during the past three years; and
• sufficient knowledge of English or French

Recent Changes to the Live-In Caregiver Program

There have been many recent changes to the Live-in Caregiver Program. In January of 2009, HRSDC made advertising for live-in nannies, babysitters and caregivers mandatory for all Provinces. Also, the program has been subject to intense scrutiny making it ever more important to ensure proper, reputable legal representation.