The Caregiver program allows Canadian employers to hire temporary foreign workers to work as nannies to live and work in their homes to provide childcare or home support for seniors or people with disabilities.

Canadian government has changed the Live-in caregiver program called LCP into a new program where there is no mandatory requirement for the caregivers to reside in their employer’s home.

THERE ARE TWO WAYS TO APPLY IN THE NEW CAREGIVER PROGRAM:

1. Caring for Children Pathway and
2. Caring for People with High Medical Needs Pathway.

The number of applications through each of the 2 distinct programs each year will be capped at 2,750 principal applicants. Spouses and dependants will not be counted against the cap.

Eligibility requirements for the caregiver: 1. completed an education equal to that of a Canadian secondary school diploma, 2. at least six months of full-time classroom training in caregiving or one year of work experience as a caregiver or in a related job within the last three years (including at least six months of ongoing work with one employer), 3. the ability to speak, read and understand English or French, so that they can work on their own without being supervised, 4. medical, security and criminal clearances, and 5. be in receipt of a valid job offer from an employer who has received a positive LMIA.

Caregivers are then given opportunity to apply for Canadian Permanent Residence under below mentioned pathways:

Caring for Children Requirements:

1. two years of full-time work experience in Canada as a home child care provider within the past four years;
2. a minimum language requirement of “initial intermediate” by meeting Canadian Language Benchmark 5 in a designated third-party language test; and
3. a Canadian post-secondary education credential of at least one year, or an equivalent foreign credential supported by an Educational Credential Assessment.

CARING FOR PEOPLE WITH HIGH MEDICAL NEEDS PATHWAY

This pathway is for caregivers who provide support to those with high medical needs, and some criteria closely match the former LCP requirements. The requirements include:

1. two years of full-time work experience in Canada providing in-home care or care in a health facility to the elderly or persons with disabilities or chronic disease: for example, a registered nurse, a registered psychiatric nurse, a licensed practical nurse, a nurse aide, a patient service associate or a home support worker;

2. demonstrating that they are licensed to practice in Canada, if applicable;

3. a minimum language requirement of “intermediate” by meeting Canadian Language Benchmark 7 in a designated third-party language test, if applying as a registered nurse or registered psychiatric nurse;

4. a minimum language requirement of “initial intermediate” by meeting Canadian Language Benchmark 5 in a designated third-party language test, if applying in any other qualifying occupation; and

5. a Canadian post-secondary education credential of at least one year, or an equivalent foreign credential supported by an Educational Credential Assessment.

LMIA REQUIREMENTS FOR THE EMPLOYER OF CAREGIVER – NANNY

Employers will be required to apply for and receive a positive LMIA prior to the Caregiver being eligible to apply for a Work Permit under this program.
You will need to demonstrate that:

1. you made an effort to hire a Canadian by applying for an LMIA through ESDC.
2. you have sufficient financial means to support a caregiver.
3. if they are living in, that your home has appropriate space.
4. made a job offer that meets the acceptable guidelines.

If you are an employer or Caregiver interested in applying for your first LMIA, extending an existing permit, or applying for permanent residence, we are here to help. Please call or email us for a consultation.