Live-in Caregiver Program Overview
What Is The Live-in Caregiver Program
A live-in caregiver is someone who provides care to children,
the elderly or the disabled in a private household. After
working two years as a live-in caregiver you can apply to
be a permanent resident in Canada. Learn how you can apply
for the Live-In Caregiver Program.
This program aims at helping Canadian families with special
needs to find a foreign live-in caregiver. The live-in caregiver
program exists because there is a market need within Canada
for live-in caregivers and there is a shortage of Canadians
to provide live-in care work.
What is meant by a live-in caregiver
A live-in caregiver is a person who is qualified to provide
full-time and unsupervised care for
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children,
-
the elderly
-
the disabled.
There is a requirement for the caregiver to
live in the employer's home
The program does not allow for a single caregiver to be
shared with more than 1 household.
Terms & Conditions
-
The caregivers must work
in a private home
-
The caregivers are required
to live in the employers' home
-
The employment must be
full-time
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The employer cannot share
the caregiver with another employer
Employer's Role
& Responsibilities
Contract
It is recommended that the employers sign a job
offer contract with the caregivers. The contract summarizes
clearly the terms & conditions of employment. This helps
to reduce the possibilities of disagreement during the employment.
Wages & Holidays
Wage
A live-in caregiver is protected by provincial and territorial
employment standards legislation. Minimum wage should be
paid for each hour the employee worked. Any hour worked
over the maximum hours per week should be regarded as overtime,
and pay for that.
Hospital & Medical
Care Insurance
Contact your provincial health authorities to determine
how medical insurance for your nanny will be provided. Depending
on the province, you may be required to pay premium on your
nanny's behalf
Revenue Deductions
Anyone who employs a full-time live-in caregiver under this
Program is required by federal law to register an employer
with Revenue Canada Taxation and must make the following
deductions from the your nanny's pay:
i. Income Tax
ii. Employment insurance
iii. Canada Pension Plan
When you register as an employer, Revenue
Canada will provide an information kit containing the necessary
forms.
Room & board charges
-
You must provide furnished
private room to your nanny.
-
Your nanny pays rent for
a room in your home and this can be deducted directly
from your nanny's pay. The maximum amount you may deduct
is governed by provincial employment standards legislation.
A total of $85.25 per week can be deduced, including $31.70
for a private locked room & a $53.55 for meals each
week.
Holiday
- Weekly Rests: At least 2 free days off must given to the
caregiver
- Annual Holiday: A holiday with pay of at least 2 weeks
should be given after the caregiver has worked for 1 year
- Statutory Holiday
Living & Working Conditions
Freedom of Access to the house
Please give keys of the house to the caregiver so that he/she
is free to enter & leave the house
Freedom of Religion
Please respect the caregiver's religious/cultural customs
Privacy
Please provide accommodation that ensures the caregiver
has privacy, e.g. a private, locked room, and do not enter
his/her room without permission.
A safe working condition
Please provide a good working condition with reasonable
duties & fair market pay.
Records of Employment
You must keep written records of your nanny's employment.
The records should normally indicate your nanny's gross
and net pay, specific deductions, the total hours worked
(including overtime) in that pay period.
You are required by law to give your nanny
a T4 slip for the previous year by the end of February each
year. The T4 slip will show your nanny's total gross earnings
and total deduction for income tax purposes. You can refer
to the information kit provide by Revenue Canada Taxation
when you registered an employer.
You have to provide your nanny with a record
of employment when your nanny's term with you is over.
Helping your caregiver adjust to life in Canada
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Ensure airport pick up
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Allow 24 hours off to
let your nanny to get over the jet lag prior to beginning
their new job
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Assist them to get over
the new environment and homesick
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Maintain a relationship
of trust with your nanny
-
Discuss with your nanny
about her needs
Termination of employment
· You have to give a notice of termination or pay
the caregiver instead of notice
· Notify the Human Resource Canada Centre (HRCC)
about the termination
Useful Information
for Employers
Advantages of having a live-in
Nanny
-
You can concentrate on
your work while leaving your baby to your nanny
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Good nanny can stimulate
your child's development and motivate them to learn
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Particularized attention
to the health, growth and safety of your child
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New cultural experiences
to your family
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More quality time for
you and your family
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Similar cost as daycare,
but better and wide range of services
-
Your nanny can in charge
of the housework and meals, so reduce your household workload
and make your life easier
Identify your needs before choosing your Nanny
List out your need in priority
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Infant care
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Child care
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Elderly care
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Household cleaning
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Ironing & Laundry
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Cooking skill
List out your family's need in priority
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Child care needs
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Husband's needs
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Your needs
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Parents' needs
Identify and prioritize your requirements
for the Nanny:
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Age
-
Nationality
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Spoken language
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Marital stage
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Education level
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Experience
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Appearance
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Height
Hints to maintain a good relationship
between you and your Nanny
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Pay
your nanny punctually
-
Support
your nanny whenever she is in need (e.g. children are
around)
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Never
criticize your nanny in front of your children
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Listen
to her concerns/feedback about her job or the children
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Respect
your nanny's religious and cultural differences
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Allow
your nanny to have her free time and privacy
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Avoid
involving your nanny in any family argument
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Give
her advance notice and additional wage when you want her
during her day offs.
-
Always
bear in mind there is no free services
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Stick
to the terms and conditions of the contract
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Give
clear and sensible instructions. Avoid contradicting instructions
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Keep
close contact with your nanny while you are away from
home or working
-
Help
your nanny when she wants to improve herself, e.g. signing
up for courses like cooking, babysitting, etc.
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