In order to work as a live in caregiver in Canada, you must apply to work under the live in caregiver program.  It is understood that you have had caregiver training before attempting to apply to this program.  Check for training requirements

Live In Caregiver Program

The live in caregiver program in Canada is one of the best program in the world, allowing cargivers and nannies to apply for permanent residency after 2 years of continues work.

While the program gives everyone who are willing to work hard an opportunity for residency, it is not without flaw.    For instance, you are required to live in your employers home while under contract.  This can be abuse by some employers making the caregiver work over the 8 hours per day requirement.

But there are improvements  to this program.  Due to pressures exerted by several community advocates, caregivers can now call the Caregivers Hotline when they have questions regarding the live in caregiver program and if they are being abuse.

This is a toll free so you can call from anywhere in Canada  1-866-372-3247

Live in caregiver application

The first thing that you must do to apply for this program is to find an employer.  See the article on finding jobs.

After contacting a potential employer, either through an agency or through your friends and networks, the employer must request a job confirmation letter from Resources and Social Development Canada-Service Canada – HRSDC – Service Canada center.  The employer must first prove to HRSDC that they can not find anyone to fill the job within Canada which require them to hire from overseas.

The employer will then send the letter of employment confirmation from HRSDC to you,  then you can apply for your work permit.   Work permit kit can be obtain from the embassies abroad. You can visit their site and download an application.

Live in caregiver wages and salary

In Canada, employers are required to pay the national minimum wages to their employees including caregivers.

The current minimum wage is $9.50 per hour and it will rise to $10.25 per hour in March 31, 2010.   Your gross pay before deduction must be minimum wage.  By law, your employer must deduct Income Tax, Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Employment insurance (EI) from your total pay.  These deduction must be reflected on your pay stub.

Caregiver Room and Board

Because you are a live in caregiver, an employer can deduct room and board from your wages.  But they must not deduct it an least you have actually received the meals or occupried the room.

Room: private $31.70  per week

Meals: each meal $2.55 and weekly minimum of $33.55

Room and meals (board) weekly with a private room is $85.25.  The room must be private and you must have a lock for it.

Working Hours

You must be paid on a regular recurring payday and your employer must provide you with a statement showing your wages and deductions for that pay period.

Generally, you are required to work 8 hours minimum.  For you to work more than the required daily working hours, your employer must first obtain your agreement.

Overpay

You must be paid for overtime pay after working 44 hours each week. The overtime rate must be at least 1 1/2 times the regular rate of pay.

It’s important to be aware of your rights, and other information regarding your duties.  And if you feel this is being violated, you must call the hotline if in Canada, or your embassy for help.

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