Too Much Red Tape Has Parents Looking Elsewhere for Live-In Caregivers

By Michael Niren October 20, 2012 2 min. read
being a caregiver in Canada

The Toronto Star published an article about several couples in Canada who have found a way to circumvent all of the red tape involved with the live-in caregiver program. 

The live-in caregiver program offers nannies who come to Canada the chance to apply for permanent residence after being a caregiver for two years. However, many new changes to the program are considered “red tape” and are making it more difficult on both the caregivers and the families that want to hire them. Essentially, the government of Canada has made it much more difficult to hire a live-in caregiver and the process has only become more expensive and frustrating.

Caregivers have many restrictions, and they have to obtain a Labour Market Opinion and wait for their visa to be processed.

What several couples mentioned in the article have done is simply hired foreign vacationers who are already in Canada on a working holiday visa. A working holiday visa is available to citizens of 29 different countries, and allows them to take a vacation in Canada as well as work while they are here to fund their stay.

Hiring au pairs who are on working holiday visas also seems like a much cheaper option for the parents, who do not have to pay for the airfare, health insurance and application fees like they for for live-in caregivers.

Live-in caregiver applications drop

According to the most recent information from Citizenship and Immigration Canada, only 5,603 applications were received last year down from 11,846 in 2007 – a 52 per cent drop. The total time it takes a live-in caregiver applicant to arrive in Canada is about 16 months.

Manuela Gruber Hersch, speaking on behalf of the Association of Caregiver and Nanny Agencies in Canada, told the Toronto Star that, “Looking at the declining stats, the future of the live-in caregiver program is questionable, and one does wonder how much longer it will exist. Au pairs will be the next new wave, since the government has intentionally made hiring a live-in caregiver too costly, complex and frustrating of Canadian employers.”

Many of those who want a caregiver also find they are able to hire someone part-time if necessary, such as one parent mentioned in the article who needed someone to drop her child off at school pick her up from school and spend time with her in the afternoon.

The au pairs are also able to hop from family-to-family and earn money taking care of children for several different families at a time.

Ljiljana Pavkov Avatar

Ljiljana Pavkov

I have nothing but praise! The entire team was extremely professional, knowledgeable, and kind, especially Mansi Sanghiv. She patiently explained everything I needed to know and resolved all of my concerns. I felt safe and well taken care of throughout the entire process. I am extremely satisfied with the service and experience, and I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone looking for quality, dedication, and trust.

Lisanne Cholette Avatar

Lisanne Cholette

Mansi has been helping me navigate through a new chapter in my life. It has been a huge comfort to be able to lean on her knowledge and expertise and I would highly recommend her to anyone!

BERLITA COLLADO Avatar

BERLITA COLLADO

I am so very thankful to the VISAPACE team for making it all come true and possible from my Open Work Permit to my Permanent Residence, you make it all happen .Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart , Thank you for being part of my achievements. Now I am now a Permanent Residence through the effort, power and knowledge of VISAPLACE LEGAL TEAM.
Sending you my best appreciation and thank you.

Berlie Collado

Shahrzad Sh Avatar

Shahrzad Sh

“I truly want to thank Mansi. Her patience and thoughtful advices made a big difference for me. Her recommendations were not only helpful but also gave me clearer insight. Words can’t fully express how grateful I am for her support.”

kevin geoffrey Avatar

kevin geoffrey

Visa place helped me with my daughter’s sponsorship 3 years ago. Last week I contacted them for some clarification on a different matter. It was about an issue which technically was a problem of CIC’s software glitch and had nothing to do with Visa Place.
Yet Reena Sandu was assigned for my case. she helped me with enthusiasm and showed no hesitation despite me being an ex-client from 3 years ago.
I was very happy that even after 3 years of finishing business, Visa Place were respectful of their clients. Special thanks again to Reena for her enthusiasm and support.

Nessie Leigh Ilarde Avatar

Nessie Leigh Ilarde

Thank you very much for helping me get my new visa! I appreciate Ms. Felicita and her colleagues for guiding us through the process making sure that everything is precise. Highly recommend your firm. Thanks again 🙂

parker ellis Avatar

parker ellis

Mansi Sanghvi has been nothing for of remarkable for me. I have been dealing with a visa, immigration issues , and any time I have to call her, she has been there to answer any questions. Has answers to every question and is there to HELP YOU. Truly could not recommend her more.