What is the Live-In Caregiver Program?

Categories: Temporary Work Permit 

The Live-In Caregiver Program is a special type of Canadian work permit. Live-In Caregivers are people who provide care for the elderly, disabled, or children, and are employed in a private home in Canada.

Live-in caregivers provide care and assistance, often to families, full time.  The family or individual they work for provides accommodation and board in their private home.

With the surge in population in Alberta, there is an increasing demand for live-in caregiver services in major centres like Calgary and Edmonton.

You can register here to find a job as a live-in caregiver in Canada: Live in Caregiver Nanny / Au-Pair Registration.

Requirements

Job Confirmation Letter
To apply as a Live-In Caregiver, you must have a job confirmation letter from an employer in Canada.  This means that a Canadian family or individual must formally offer you a job as a live-in caregiver.

Your employer must apply to Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC) with the job confirmation letter for review, before they hire you.  HRSDC will review the job offer to make sure that it meets local labour standards.  When you apply for your work permit, you will need a copy of this confirmation letter.

Written Contract
Your job offer must be in the form of a clear, written contract.  Your contract should explain your responsibilities to your employer, including hours of work, salary, benefits and expected duties.

The contract should also clearly lay out that you will be provided room and board by your employer, in their home.

You will need to supply this contract when you apply for your work permit, as CIC will review it to ensure that your job offer is genuine.

Education
To apply as a Live-In Caregiver, you must have at least the equivalent of a Canadian Secondary School education (high school).  This is roughly equivalent to 12 years of education, resulting in a high school diploma.

Training or Experience
You must have one of the following:

  • One year full-time work experience in a field similar to the work you want to do in Canada, with at least 6 months experience with one employer.  Your work experience must have been within the last three years, immediately before you make your application.
  • Six months’ full-time training in a classroom setting relating to the work you intend to do.  This often includes first aid, childhood education or geriatrics.

Language Ability
You must have good knowledge of either English or French.  You must be able to speak, read and easily understand English to a level that allows you to work independently in your employer’s home.

More Information

Nanny and Au Pair Job Search Registration
CIC - Information about the Live-In Caregiver Program
CIC - Caregiver Application Kit

2 Responses on “What is the Live-In Caregiver Program?”

  1. Mercedes Fajardo on August 6th, 2008

    I am an elementary esl teacher very much interested in working in Alberta as a Caregiver. Please contact me. Mercedes Fajardo.
    I am aworking currently at Oxford School. acredited by UK curriculum.

  2. Frederick Owusu on October 24th, 2008

    May I know whether a caregiver can migrate to Canada with the spouse

    Thanks

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