Caregiver Process – FWCanada CARES

What is the application process for bringing a caregiver to Canada?

Step One: Contract between employer and caregiver

  • The employer and potential employee must enter into a written agreement together. The agreement must meet the program requirements and outline the mandatory employer-paid benefits and employee duties.  
  • The agreement must contain the following:
    • payment of the caregiver’s transportation to Canada from their country of residence,
    • medical insurance coverage (provided from the date of the in-home caregiver’s arrival until he or she is eligible for provincial health insurance),
    • workplace safety insurance coverage during the term of employment,
    • payment of all recruitment fees,
    • the hours of work,
    • the wage amount,
    • holiday and sick leave entitlements,
    • the terms and date of termination and/or resignation of the employment agreement.
  • FWCanada will provide clients with an employment agreement which meets all relevant criteria and could accelerate processing time.
  • Employers cannot require a caregiver to live in their home. If that living situation is deemed to be desirable, the employer must provide private, furnished, free accommodations for the caregiver.

Step Two: Employer submits a Labour Market Impact Assessment application to ESDC

  • The employer must submit the employment contract, a Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency, and proof that the person to be cared for falls within one of the categories of child, senior or disabled person with their application. It is also necessary for the employer to register for a separate Business Number with CRA. An existing Business Number cannot be used.
  •  The employer will be responsible for paying the employee, including holidays and vacation days, making deductions from the employee’s pay, submitting payroll remittances to the CRA, and provide the employee with pay stubs, statements, T4s and a Record of Employment (if needed).
  • There is a $1,000 processing fee for a LMIA application.
  • There is approximately a 60 day processing time for the LMIA

Step Three: Caregiver must obtain work permit

  • The work permit application must include the positive LMIA. 
  • The application must be submitted to a Canadian visa office in the caregiver’s country of residence.
  • Foreign nationals from visa-exempt countries entering Canada by air, including through Canada, will require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Applications for eTA’s are done online on the IRCC website.
  • There is approximately a 9 week processing time for the work permit and eTA.
  • Once the application is approved, the caregiver will have to pay for, and undergo a medical examination. After a review, if all criteria are met, a work permit will be issued allowing the caregiver to enter Canada.

Negotiating the immigration system can be confusing for all parties involved. But, with the right guidance, you can be on your way to caring for others or getting the care you need. For any additional questions, fill out the form to your right or call us at +1 514-316-3555 for a free consultation.