The Live-in Caregiver Program brings qualified caregivers to Canada in situations where there are no Canadians or permanent residents to fill available positions. Live-in caregivers are individuals who are qualified to work without supervision in a private household providing care for children, the elderly or people with disabilities. The live-in caregiver must live in the employer's home.

Requirements:

In order to qualify under the Live-in Caregiver Program, candidates must meet four main requirements:

• They must have successfully completed a course of study that is equivalent to a Canadian secondary school diploma.

• They must have completed 6 months of full-time training in a classroom setting or 12 months of full-time paid employment (including at least 6 months of continuous employment with one employer) in a field or occupation related to the job they are seeking as a live-in caregiver. This experience must have been obtained within the three years immediately prior to the day on which they submit an application for a work permit.

• They must have the ability to speak, read and understand either English or French at a level sufficient to communicate independently.

• They must have a written employment contract with their future employer.

• A foreign national who wishes to work in Canada as a live-in caregiver must apply for a work permit before seeking entry to Canada.

Work Permit Renewals: A live-in caregiver is authorized to work only for the employer named in the work permit. A work permit is valid for one year and must be renewed before it expires. When applying for renewal of a work permit, the caregiver must include a letter from the employer stating that the job as a live-in caregiver is being offered for another year.

Changing Employers: If a live-in caregiver chooses to change employers, the caregiver must obtain a new work permit naming the new employer. A signed contract with the new employer is also required when consideration is being given to the caregiver's request to work for a different employer. Gaps in periods of employment are permitted as long as the gaps do not interfere with the eligibility rule for applying for permanent residence.

Permanent Residency Eligibility: A live-in caregiver may apply for permanent residence after completing a minimum of two years employment as a live-in caregiver. However, this employment must have occurred within a three-year period immediately following entry to Canada as a live-in caregiver.

For further information and verification of your eligibility please contact us or fill out our Assessment form.