How can I come to Canada as a caregiver or nanny? The short answer is: through Canada’s Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot, which allow caregivers to work and eventually apply for permanent residency.
I still remember when my cousin applied under the old Live-in Caregiver Program years ago. It was stressful because of the strict work requirements and limited PR options. But today, Canada has made it easier—families in need of childcare or eldercare can hire caregivers, and workers have clearer pathways to settle permanently.
In this article, I’ll explain everything you need to know: whether family members can be caregivers, the new policy changes, income requirements, caregiver pay, and even the typical work hours. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap if you’re considering caregiving in Canada.
Can a Family Member Get Paid to Be a Caregiver in Canada?
Yes, but with important conditions. In Canada, a family member can sometimes be paid to provide care under government programs—especially when it comes to disability or medical-related caregiving. For example:
Some provinces allow family members (like an adult child caring for a parent) to receive financial support through provincial caregiving benefits.
However, when it comes to immigration, you generally cannot sponsor yourself as a paid caregiver to your own relative. Immigration pathways are meant for hiring foreign workers, not paying family already living in Canada.
This means: if you’re a family member living in Canada, you may qualify for provincial caregiver allowances, but you cannot simply hire your sibling or cousin through the immigration caregiver programs.
Can I Hire My Brother as a Caregiver in Canada?
This is one of the most common questions people ask. The truth is, hiring your brother as a caregiver is usually not allowed under immigration caregiver programs. Immigration authorities want to avoid abuse of the system, where relatives are brought in under the label of “caregiver” but may not perform actual work.
That said:
If your brother is already in Canada on a valid work permit or PR, you may be able to hire him through a private arrangement.
If he is abroad, you cannot typically bring him in as a caregiver unless he qualifies under the official Caregiver Pilots.
So while it sounds convenient, Canada restricts family hires to keep the caregiver program fair and professional.
What Is the New Policy for Caregivers in Canada?
In 2024, Canada introduced changes to the Caregiver Pilot Programs, making it easier for workers to get permanent residency:
Caregivers no longer need two years of Canadian work experience before applying for PR.
Applicants can apply for occupation-specific open work permits that allow them to work for any employer in caregiving, not just one.
A simpler pathway to PR is provided once eligibility is confirmed.
This new policy is a big shift from the old system. It reduces exploitation risks (caregivers tied to one employer) and gives families more flexibility in hiring.
How Much Income Do You Need to Sponsor a Caregiver in Canada?
If you’re a Canadian family hiring a caregiver, you must meet certain financial requirements. The income requirement depends on:
Family size (how many people live in your household).
The Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) published yearly by the government.
For example:
A family of four would need to show an income around $50,000+ annually to qualify.
Income is checked to ensure you can afford to pay the caregiver fairly, without relying on social assistance.
This financial requirement ensures both the worker’s stability and the family’s responsibility as an employer.
What Qualifies as a Family Caregiver Amount in Canada?
The Family Caregiver Amount is a tax credit in Canada that provides financial relief to individuals supporting dependents with a physical or mental impairment.
You may claim this amount if you care for a spouse, child, or relative who is dependent on you because of their health condition.
It’s added to other existing tax credits, like the Disability Tax Credit.
This benefit doesn’t relate to immigration directly but helps Canadians who are unpaid or informal caregivers reduce their tax burden.
How Much Is a Caregiver Paid per Hour in Canada?
Caregiver pay varies by province, city, and type of work. On average, caregivers in Canada earn:
$16 to $22 per hour for child care or elder care.
Higher wages in big cities like Toronto, Vancouver, or Calgary.
Live-in caregivers may earn slightly less per hour, but they often get room and board.
These wages make caregiving one of the steady entry-level jobs for newcomers to Canada, especially those from countries like the Philippines, Nigeria, and India.
How Much Does a Filipino Caregiver Make in Canada?
Filipino caregivers are highly respected in Canada due to their reputation for professionalism, compassion, and strong English skills. Many Filipino workers come through the official caregiver programs.
On average, Filipino caregivers earn the same as others: $18–$22 per hour, depending on the province. However, their demand is so high that families often prefer hiring from the Philippines because of training and cultural compatibility.
For many Filipinos, this job also provides a reliable pathway to permanent residency, making it a rewarding opportunity beyond the paycheck.
How Many Hours Does a Caregiver Work per Day in Canada?
Most caregivers in Canada work 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week—just like other full-time employees. However, schedules may vary:
Live-in caregivers may have longer or more flexible hours, depending on family needs.
Part-time caregivers may only work mornings, evenings, or weekends.
Overtime (beyond 44 hours a week in most provinces) must be paid at 1.5x the hourly wage.
This ensures caregivers have fair working conditions and are protected under Canadian labor laws.
Conclusion
So, how can you come to Canada as a caregiver or nanny? The answer is through the official Caregiver Pilots, which provide a clear path to both work and permanent residency.
Key points to remember:
Family members generally cannot be hired as caregivers through immigration.
The new caregiver policy offers open work permits and a simpler PR process.
Families must meet income requirements to sponsor a caregiver.
Caregivers earn an average of $16–$22 per hour and usually work full-time hours.
If you’re considering this path, start by checking the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot on the Government of Canada’s website. It may be the opportunity that leads you to a stable career and life in Canada.