LCP Program
Live-in Caregiver Program
The LIVE-IN CAREGIVER PROGRAM (LCP) is a federally legislated work visa program which falls under the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). It provides an opportunity for qualified applicants from abroad to obtain a valid working visa to come to Canada to work as a child, elder or special needs caregiver, in a private home setting and on a live-in basis.
Applicants are screened by immigration staff at the Canadian Embassies & Mission abroad. Most overseas missions processing work permits, issue succesful applicants a letter of approval for a work permit and permission to travel to Canada. This letter is given to the immigration officer at the port of entry into Canada, and the work permit is usually issued by CIC when they arrive in the country.
As of March 2007 work permits can be issued for a maximum of 3 years and 3 months if the employer offers that term of employment. Caregivers are also able to change their employers if they are unhappy , or if employment is terminated for any reason. However, they are requested to apply for, and obtain a new work permit issued under the sponsorship of their new Canadian employer. LCP Work permits can only be issued until 3 years and 3 months from the date of the caregiver’s arrival in Canada. After that time the caregiver will need to have obtained an Open Work Permit or Landed Status, or be in process of obtaining Landed Status, if they wish to remain in Canada.
When a caregiver has completed 24 months of legal employment, within 36 months of arrival in Canada they are able to apply for Landed Immigrant Status.
Currently this process takes about 1 year. If a caregiver is married and / or has children, they can apply for their spouse and / or dependent children to become Landed Immigrants as well.
If so, the whole family will obtain landed status together in a slightly longer period of time.
If you believe you have any complaint regarding illegal practices of any agency or employer, you may e-mail the Coalition at doug@ccihc.ca outlining your complaint / concern. Mr Doug will log complaints and if there are repeated violations with any particular agency or employer, this information will be brought to the attention of the proper authorities.
Overseas candidates:
* for information see Citizenship and Immigration Canada website: http://www.cic.gc.ca
* applications: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/applications/work.html
* applications in French: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/applications/work.html
Local applicants:
For extension or reneval of work permit, or for information:
* Citizenship and Immigration Canada Call Centre 1-888-242-2100
* Information on the Live-in Caregiver Program http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pub/caregiver/index.html
* Application to Change Conditions or Extend Your Stay In Canada as a Worker
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/applications/extend-worker.html
* Check Application Status Online Service
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/e-services/index.html