FAQ: Workers

You must provide certified true copies of the following:

• Your most recent diploma and corresponding transcripts (secondary, post-secondary or university studies) provided by the educational institution. In the case of previous studies, a photocopy of diplomas or transcripts, certificates of vocational training or vocational apprenticeships and corresponding transcripts are acceptable
• Proof of work experience (employment contracts, work certificates from present and previous employers, pay slips or any other proof of professional experience), if applicable
• A membership card for a professional order or association (particularly for nurses, midwives and teachers from the Philippines), if applicable
• Your birth certificate
• Your passport (passport pages containing photograph and identity and entries related to relevant work experience), if available
• Proof of knowledge of French or English, if available (TEF, TCF, IELTS or TOEFL tests)

If the documents you are providing are written in a language other than English or French, be sure to provide a translation by an officially recognized translator in your country. These documents must include the translator’s seal and signature.

Make two copies of all documents. You will need one set for the Quebec CAQ application, if applicable, and another for the Work Permit.

Yes. Our legal team will assist you with this application. Fees apply.

For childcare, duties may include: feeding, bathing, dressing, playing, reading, supervising social activities, assisting with homework and housekeeping chores like laundry, ironing, tidying up and meal preparation.

For elder care, duties may involve: acting as a companion, basic grooming, bathing, supervising the administering of medication, dressing, grocery shopping, accompaniment to medical appointments, laundry and housekeeping chores.

All other duties and responsibilities would depend on each family’s needs and should be discussed during the interview with the employer.

Note: The above list is not comprehensive and serves only as an example of possible duties and responsibilities.

There is no set number of times you can change employers. However, you must remember that the Canadian government gives you only 48 months from your date of arrival in Canada to complete 24 months of work as a live-in caregiver. It can take up to eight weeks to process a change of employer (12 weeks if in Quebec). Remember only work done with a legal work permit counts towards time earned in the 24 months required to complete the live-in caregiver program.

If problems arise between employer and caregiver, it is best that both parties try to work it out between themselves. If the problem cannot be resolved Face Personnel will be happy to lend its assistance in resolving any minor problems. If the parties are unable to come to a resolution of the problem then Face Personnel will help the caregiver find a new employer.

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.

Face Personnel does not negotiate salary. Employers are informed of the current minimum weekly salary for the corresponding maximum number of hours of work and it’s up to the caregiver and employer to come to an agreement.

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.

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.

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

Employers are permitted to charge for room and board in all provinces EXCEPT for Quebec. This charge can range from $0 to $350.00 per month.

Since employers in Quebec are NOT permitted to charge for room and board, caregivers who work in Quebec earn more take-home pay than caregivers in all other provinces in Canada.