Hiring A Caregiver

Citizenship and Immigration Canada

Under the regulations of Citizenship and Immigration Canada's Live-In Caregiver Program, there are a number of criteria that must be met to successfully qualify a caregiver. These regulations are available for your review and set out in detail what must be considered before hiring a foreign caregiver. When hiring through HomeCareNannies.com, these criteria are automatically met. For more information, visit:

• Caregiver Regulations under The Live-In Caregiver Program
• Employer Regulations under The Live-In Caregiver Program

Wage Rates

The salary rate for live-in caregivers differs from province to province. Some provinces only require minimum wage, others require $9.00 per hour or higher. The employee pays the employer room and board. The employee must receive two weeks of paid vacation each year, paid statutory holidays and, often, health insurance and the use of a car. The employer is responsible for paying all appropriate deductions to the Federal Government (CPP, EI, Federal/Provincial taxes), as well as Workers Compensation Board payments in most provinces.

It should be noted that some provinces require proof that the employer has searched in Canada for a Canadian live-in caregiver. Others, like British Columbia, do not have this requirement.

Responsibilities of the Employer

• Private bedroom/sitting room
• Preferably private bathroom
• Two days off per week
• Work hours in accordance with the allowable hours in the province of employment
• Wages on time, and paid overtime
• Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) fees
• Overtime requests preferably at least one week in advance
• Clear and consistent instruction