How a Foreigner Can Work As a Nanny in Canada in 2021

3 minute read

"Many foreign workers immigrate to Canada as a caregiver or nanny. It has become an increasingly popular option. Unlike a caregiver, who is responsible for helping their employer with daily chores, taking medications, etc, a nanny is usually responsible for providing care to the employer’s children."

Written by My Visa Source Team
Published on: Sep 11, 2021

Many foreign workers immigrate to Canada as a caregiver or nanny. It has become an increasingly popular option. Unlike a caregiver, who is responsible for helping their employer with daily chores, taking medications, etc, a nanny is usually responsible for providing care to the employer’s children.

Recently, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced its plan to invite around 6,000 caregivers for permanent residence till December 31, 2021.

Can You Immigrate to Canada As a Nanny?

While there is no specific “Nanny Visa” offered by the IRCC, there are certain existing immigration programs that will allow you to immigrate as a nanny. However, if that is not possible, you can always work in Canada on a temporary work permit.

What Immigration Programs Are Available to a Foreign Nanny?

Home Child-Care Provider/ Home Support Worker Pilot: Permanent Residency for Caregivers has two programs, the Home Child-Care Provider and the Home Support Worker Pilot are currently available for foreign workers employed in the following National Occupational Classification (NOC) code:

NOC 4411: Home Childcare Provider
NOC 4412: Home Support Worker

Foreign workers will be required to meet the following requirements:

Have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer
Have at least 24 years of work experience as a full-time caregiver in Canada in the last 36 months

How to Work Temporarily in Canada As a Nanny?

Another way to work in Canada as a nanny is to apply through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). You can apply for temporary work to gain experience working as a caregiver in Canada.

To work in Canada as a caregiver, your Canadian employer will be required to provide you with a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Eventually, after gaining the required work experience, you will be eligible to apply for permanent residence in Canada. You must meet the following additional requirements:

Provide at least 30 hours of care every week
Reside in the residence of your employer
Have a positive LMIA
Complete at least secondary school and a childcare program (optional)
Have experience of working in Canada as a caregiver
Have First Aid and CPR training

Why Do You Need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)?

Your Canadian employer will be responsible for providing you a positive LMIA. The LMIA is a document that states that there is a labor and skill shortage that justifies the recruitment of foreign workers. The LMIA highlights the prioritization of Canadian workers and ensures that no Canadian worker is available to fill the position being offered to the foreign worker.

What Is the Cost of Hiring a Nanny in Canada?

As a Canadian employer, the cost to sponsor and hire a caregiver or nanny in Canada will include the LMIA processing fee and the salary offered to the foreign worker. You will have to bear the $1,000 non-refundable LMIA processing fee. The average salary of a caregiver in Canada is $30K annually.

There are a few additional expenses, including:

The transportation costs of bringing the foreign worker to Canada

Cover the medical expenses of the worker from the time they arrive in Canada until they can obtain the provincial/territorial health services plan which must also be paid by the employer

Offer the provincial median wage for caregivers as listed on the Job Bank website of the government of Canada

Do Nannies Need to Attend an Immigration Interview?

Yes, nannies will be required to attend an immigration interview. Usually, the following types of questions are asked during this interview?

Why did you choose this occupation?

What qualifications do you have to be a professional caregiver?

What is the most important element of working as a caregiver?

What do you like about taking care of children?

Why are you best suited for this job?