How to Move to Canada as a Nanny Moving to Canada as a nanny is getting more common and can be a great decision for many. But, immigrating to Canada is a complex legal process, especially if you’re looking to use a work visa. Canada does provide appealing chances for those who intend to reside and work in the country through a work visa.
Is There a Special Visa for Nannies?
No, there isn’t a specific visa just for nannies. However, Canada has programs that can eventually lead to permanent residency. If you don’t qualify for those, you can still work in Canada temporarily.
The National Occupation Classification (NOC) code for Home Child Caregiver is 3112/31102.
For foreign workers aiming to immigrate as nannies, the government provides an opportunity for permanent residency after two years of working as a caregiver. There are four potential immigration paths for caregivers, including:
- Live-In Caregiver Program (currently not accepting new applicants)
- Some Child Care Provider Pilot
- Home Support Worker Pilot
- Temporary Work Visa
Live-In Caregiver Program (LCP)
If you want to become a nanny in Canada, you need to complete the application for a work permit visa under the Live-In Caregiver Program. This program was set up by the government to assist workers from other countries in becoming caregivers, addressing the shortage of domestic help in Canada.
After working for two years as a caregiver, individuals under this program can apply for permanent residency. However, new applications are not being accepted by the Canadian government. To become a permanent resident, you must have worked in Canada for at least two years with an LCP work permit or if your initial LCP work permit was granted through an LMIA submitted on or before November 30, 2014.
Qualification
If you are already part of the Live-in Caregiver Program, you can keep working as a nanny through this program. You’ll need a new work permit, but the other conditions set by Citizenship and Immigration Canada remain unchanged:
- An education equal to a Canadian high school diploma.
- Either a minimum of six months of full-time classroom caregiving training or a year of work experience as a caregiver or in a related job within the last three years (including at least six months of continuous work with one employer).
- The ability to speak, read, and understand one of Canada’s official languages (English or French).
- Medical, security, and criminal clearances.
- A signed written employment contract from a Canadian employer.
How to Sponsor a Caregiver under the Live-In Caregiver Program
Step 1: Find a Caregiver – As an employer, it’s your responsibility to independently locate a foreign caregiver.
Step 2: Create an Employment Contract – Both you and the caregiver must sign a written employment contract, which is a legal requirement. Include the signed contract with your LMIA application.
Step 3: Obtain a Positive LMIA – Before a live-in caregiver can start working for you, you need a positive LMIA. This assessment confirms the need for a foreign worker and verifies that no Canadians are available for the job.
Step 4: Ensure the Caregiver Gets a Valid Work Permit – Once you have a positive LMIA, the caregiver must apply for a new work permit within 6 months. If eligible, they will receive a work permit listing you as their employer. This process may take several months.
Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot
Both programs are 5-year initiatives that enable caregivers and their families to move to Canada with the goal of becoming permanent residents. To qualify for these programs, you need either a job offer in Canada as a caregiver or previous experience working as a caregiver in the country.
Eligibility
You can apply for the Home Child Care Provider Pilot or Home Support Worker Pilot if you:
- Have a genuine and valid job offer
- Can perform the caregiving job
- Meet the required language proficiency
- Fulfill the education criteria
- Are admissible to Canada
- Plan to live outside the province of Quebec as a permanent resident
How to Apply
Step 1: Find a caregiver – As an employer, you can hire an in-home caregiver/nanny by identifying an eligible candidate, whether from overseas or within Canada, and presenting them with a job offer. The caregiver will then submit their application to one of the pilots. You and the caregiver can decide whether they will live in or out of your home under these programs.
Step 2: Confirm eligibility – To obtain a work permit, the foreign national must demonstrate that they meet the specified eligibility and admissibility criteria.
Step 3: Extend a job offer – Once you’ve chosen a candidate for the in-home caregiver/nanny position, offer them the job using the employment offer form.
Temporary Foreign Workers (TFW)
This choice doesn’t initially let you apply for permanent residency. Instead, you’ll be a caregiver in Canada on a temporary basis. However, you can use this visa to gain caregiving experience, which might be beneficial when applying for another visa later on.
Eligibility:
You need to meet the general requirements for a temporary work visa. Additionally, you should be able to:
- Provide care for at least 30 hours per week.
- Work in the home of the person being cared for.
- The employer must obtain an LMIA (Labor Market Impact Assessment).
While not strictly necessary, having additional qualifications like:
- A secondary schooling degree.
- Completion of a childcare program.
- Experience working with children or individuals in need of care.
- First Aid and CPR training.
If you’re interested in immigrating to Canada as a nanny, contact VisaPlace today. All our cases are handled by experienced immigration professionals affiliated with VisaPlace Legal, an award-winning immigration firm following the highest client service standards.
Immigrating to Canada as a nanny involves complex legal requirements, so having a good understanding of Canadian immigration laws is crucial. To avoid complications and ensure you meet all requirements on time, seek assistance from an experienced lawyer specializing in Canadian immigration law. Increase your chances of living and working in Canada as a nanny by collaborating with a lawyer who can help you secure the caregiver job you seek.