Live-In Caregiver Program

Live-In Caregiver Program

The Live-In Caregiver Program (LCP) is a significant immigration pathway within Canada’s Economic Class, tailored for caregivers who provide essential in-home support for children, elderly individuals, or persons with disabilities. This program enables caregivers with at least two years of full-time live-in caregiving experience in Canada to apply for permanent residency.

Applicants must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer and meet language proficiency requirements in English or French. They must also possess a Canadian high school diploma or its equivalent. The LCP recognizes the critical role caregivers play in Canadian households and offers a streamlined route to permanent residency as a reward for their dedicated service.

Successful candidates receive permanent residency, allowing them to continue their vital work while enjoying the benefits and stability of living in Canada. The Live-In Caregiver Program addresses essential caregiving needs, supports families, and contributes to the well-being of communities across Canada, ensuring that those in need receive high-quality care from skilled and committed caregivers.

Eligibility Criteria for Live-In Caregiver Program

Work Experience: Have at least 24 months (or 3,900 hours) of full-time work experience as a caregiver, either:

  • Caring for children under the age of 18, or
  • Providing care for elderly persons or persons with disabilities.
This work experience must have been obtained within the last four years preceding the date of application.

Education: Have completed at least Canadian secondary education (high school) or an equivalent foreign credential.

Language Proficiency: Demonstrate language proficiency in English or French. This is usually assessed through an approved language test, although specific language requirements may vary depending on the employer’s needs.

Job Offer: Secure a valid job offer from a Canadian employer for a full-time position as a caregiver. This job offer must include a written contract signed by both the caregiver and the employer, outlining the terms and conditions of employment.

Admissibility: Be admissible to Canada, which includes passing security, criminal, and medical checks.

Live-In Requirement: Be willing to live in the private household where care is being provided. This requirement distinguishes the LCP from other caregiver programs.

Intend to Provide Live-In Care: Have genuine intentions to provide live-in caregiving services as the primary occupation in Canada.

How to Apply?

Find an Employer: Secure a valid job offer from a Canadian employer who is willing to hire you as a caregiver. This job offer must be for a full-time position and must include a written employment contract signed by both you and your employer. The contract should outline the terms and conditions of employment, including wages, working hours, duties, and living arrangements.

Gather Required Documents: Collect all necessary documents for your application, which typically include:

  • Valid passport or travel document
  • Proof of work experience as a caregiver (e.g., reference letters, employment contracts)
  • Educational credentials (e.g., high school diploma or equivalent)
  • Language test results demonstrating your proficiency in English or French
  • Job offer and employment contract from your Canadian employer
  • Police certificate(s) from any country you have lived in for six months or more since the age of 18
  • Medical exam results

Apply for a Work Permit: Once you have the job offer and all required documents, apply for a work permit under the Live-In Caregiver Program through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website or through a visa application center (VAC) in your country of residence. Follow the provided instructions and pay the application fee.

Submit Your Application: Complete the application form accurately and submit it along with all required documents. Ensure that you include proof of your job offer, work experience, education, language proficiency, and other relevant information.

Wait for Processing: IRCC will process your application. This process typically takes several months. During this time, IRCC may request additional documents or information from you, or you may be required to attend an interview or provide biometrics (fingerprints and photograph).

Receive a Decision: Once your application is processed, IRCC will notify you of their decision regarding your work permit application. If approved, you will receive your work permit, which allows you to work as a caregiver in Canada.
Arrive in Canada and Start Working: Once you receive your work permit, make travel arrangements to Canada and begin working for your employer as a live-in caregiver.

Apply for Permanent Residency (if applicable): After completing 24 months of authorized full-time work experience as a caregiver within a three-year period, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency in Canada through the Caring for Children or Caring for People with High Medical Needs pathways.