FAQ: Employers

All our caregivers must provide proof of legal status in Canada or abroad with copies of work permits, a picture ID, passports and training certificates or diplomas.

Each potential candidate is interviewed by one of our staff members at which time past work experience and individual character are explored in detail. Our interviews focus on evaluating common sense, integrity and a true desire to work with children or the elderly. References are checked by our staff members who verify employment history and job responsibilities. These interviews and reference checks are an indispensable part of our efforts to ensure the best match possible for you and your family.

Typically the in-Canada approval takes approximately 2-3 weeks in Quebec, and one month for applications outside Quebec. Quebec files have an extra step – applying for a CAQ. The processing time outside of Canada is dependent on the country or consulate/embassy who is processing the caregiver’s application for a work permit. It can be as quick as one month or as long as a year or more.

Canada’s live-in caregiver program is for foreigners hoping to be employed by a Canadian citizen as a caregiver for their child, children, or someone with a disability in their home. This program provides a direct pathway to permanent residency.

The program is now closed to new applicants. However, you can still hire a caregiver through the program if you have found a caregiver who already has a work permit in the live-in caregiver program and who is looking for a new employer, and/or has been approved for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) that shows the caregiver has agreed to live in your home.

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• The employer must pay the recruitment fee when using the services of an agency
• The employer must pay the cost of the flight to Canada
• The employer must provide the worker with a 3 month private medical coverage until the caregiver becomes covered under the provincial health plan
• The employer must register the caregiver in the provincial workman’s compensation program
• Providing decent living conditions by supplying meals and a private room that is properly furnished, heated, well ventilated and equipped with a working lock
• Providing a key to the residence
• Paying the salary at the agreed-upon frequency, as well as making the deductions at source and paying the fees as prescribed in the law
• Facilitating access to French courses outside normal working hours (in Quebec)

This depends on the job description agreed upon in the contract. Normally, the caregiver job description includes housework that relates directly to the people in their care, such as keeping bedrooms clean, doing laundry, preparing meals, cleaning dishes after meals. Any additional responsibilities should be discussed and agreed upon with the caregiver prior to signing a contract.

A contract of employment is required by the government to assure that parties to the agreement are protected under law. It is also a useful way of preventing misunderstandings and conflicts later on. Both parties should agree on certain issues like general responsibilities, wages and benefits.

It is possible that a government official will ask to inspect your home to ensure that you are offering appropriate accommodations to the caregiver. A private bedroom must be available for the caregiver, and this room must have a window and a door with a lock.

Employers are bound by law to pay the legal minimum wage to live-in caregivers. Beyond this minimum, the employer and caregiver are free to arrive at any mutually agreed upon compensation.

Once a caregiver has been hired, the employer is responsible for paying the salary of the caregiver and submitting all deductions at source as stipulated by law.

An employer is required by law to pay the caregiver a net salary at regular intervals and remit the appropriate deductions at source to Revenue Canada and Revenu Québec if applicable. An employer is also required by law to keep all payroll records and provide a pay stub to the caregiver.

For more information about deductions at source call Revenu Québec at 514-864-6299 or 1-800-267-6299 and Revenue Canada at 1-800-959-7383.

In all provinces EXCEPT for Quebec, employers are permitted to charge room and board to caregivers. Please consult your provincial government for the current room and board charges for a live-in domestic helper.

According to provincial labour standards, an employee is entitled to paid statutory holidays after completing three months of full time work.

Vacation is earned at one day per month of employment or 4% of gross earnings. Vacation can be taken after completing one year of service.

Any other arrangements may be discussed with the employee directly.