AU PAIR IN CANADA

Canada does not have an official au pair program. Au pairs who are interested in working in Canada can work in the country under the "Live-in Caregiver Program".

The Canadian Live-in Caregiver Program is administered by Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) and Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). HRDC assesses and confirms offers of employment to foreign workers. CIC ensures that potential candidates meet the criteria for the program and issues work permit.

There are 4 conditions for the live-in-caregiver:
1. An employment contract between the employer and the caregiver is required to obtain a visa before arrival at the Canadian embassy or consulate.
2. Employee must have the equivalent of Canadian high school degree.
3. She should read, speak and understand English or French.
4. She must have six months of full-time training in a classroom setting or twelve months of full-time paid employment, including at least six months of continuous employment with one employer in a field or occupation related to the job she is seeking as a live-in caregiver.

Detailed information and application help about this program can be found at the CIC web site. Click here for more information.

This is a special program to bring workers to Canada to take care of children or elderly if there are not enough Canadians to fill the available positions. After two years of employment, program participants can apply to become permanent residents of Canada.