Balancing career and parenthood doesn’t have to be a compromise.

Finding daycare that matches your work schedule can be a real challenge. As a busy parent, you may have already found yourself juggling between meetings, deadlines, and the search for a daycare spot. But what if you could benefit from a more flexible and personalized solution? Hiring a live-in foreign nanny could be the key to balancing a fulfilling professional life with peaceful parenting.

🔍 What is a live-in foreign nanny?

A live-in foreign nanny is someone coming from abroad to work in Canada as a home care provider, usually to take care of children, elderly individuals, or people with specific medical needs. This type of employment is regulated under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), administered by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).

✅ Eligibility requirements for employers

To hire a live-in foreign nanny, employers must:

• Obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA): This demonstrates that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill the position.

  
  

• Offer full-time employment: At least 30 hours per week.

  
  

• Provide acceptable accommodation: The employer must ensure adequate housing, though it is not mandatory for the nanny to live on-site. However, if the employer requires the nanny to live in their home, this must be clearly stated in the LMIA.

  
  

• Respect working conditions: Wages must comply with the prevailing rate for the region and occupation.

  
  

• Pay the LMIA processing fee: $1,000 per position is required; however, exemptions exist, notably for families with a gross annual income under $150,000 who are hiring a nanny to care for children under 13 years old.

  
  

🧾 Steps to follow

1. Recruitment and advertising: The employer must demonstrate that they attempted to fill the position with a Canadian or permanent resident before seeking to hire a foreign worker.

   
   

2. Submit an LMIA application: This application must be sent to ESDC, along with the required documents, such as proof of the job offer, results of recruitment efforts, and information about the proposed accommodation.

   
   

3. Obtain a positive LMIA: If the application is approved, the employer receives a positive LMIA letter.

   
   

4. Hiring the nanny: Once the LMIA is obtained, the nanny can apply for a work permit to come to Canada.

   
   

   

   
   

🌟 Advantages of a live-in foreign nanny

• Flexibility: Adaptation to irregular work hours or the specific needs of the family.

  
  

• Continuity of care: A single caregiver looks after the child, fostering a stable and secure relationship.

  
  

• Additional support: Potential help with light household tasks, depending on the terms of the contract.

  
  

• Pathway to permanent residence: After working in Canada for a certain period, the nanny may be eligible for permanent residence, providing long-term stability for the family.

  
  

💡 It is not reserved for high-income families

Contrairement à une idée reçue, embaucher une nounou résidente étrangère n'est pas uniquement accessible aux familles ayant des revenus supérieurs à 100 000 $ par an. Grâce aux exemptions de frais pour les familles avec un revenu brut annuel inférieur à 150 000 $, cette option devient plus accessible pour de nombreuses familles.

💰 Average cost of a nanny in Quebec

The cost of a nanny can vary depending on experience, qualifications, and additional duties required. On average, nannies in Canada earn between $15/hour and $25/hour. In Quebec, the average wage is around $22/hour. Additionally, you may be eligible for an advance reimbursement for childcare expenses.

👨‍👩‍👧 Examples of real-life situations

Family A: Parents working full-time with variable schedules. They hired a live-in foreign nanny to provide flexible and continuous care for their children. Thanks to this solution, they were able to maintain their careers while ensuring stable care for their children.

Family B: Parents with atypical work hours. Hiring a nanny allowed them to balance work and family life without compromising the quality of care for their children.

Mistakes to avoid when hiring a foreign nanny

1. Neglecting the LMIA: Failing to obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) can lead to sanctions and legal complications.

   
   

2. Omitting working conditions: Not clearly defining expectations, schedules, and duties in a written contract can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts.

   
   

3. Ignoring tax obligations: Failing to comply with tax requirements related to employing a nanny can result in penalties and fines.

   
   

4. Not checking background: It is essential to verify the nanny’s professional and personal background to ensure the children’s safety.

   
   

5. Underestimating costs: Failing to account for all associated costs, such as housing, insurance, and administrative fees, can lead to financial difficulties.

   
   

🎯 Conclusion

Balancing career and parenthood doesn’t have to be a compromise. Hiring a live-in foreign nanny can provide the flexibility and support needed to succeed on both fronts. If you are considering this option, it is essential to fully understand the steps and legal requirements to ensure a positive experience for you and your family.

For more information or to start the process, feel free to consult the official ESDC resources or contact a professional specializing in immigration and employment.

NLP Immigration Canada