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Guide 5290 - Live-in Caregivers

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The Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP) is closed to new applicants. You can only apply for permanent residence under the Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP) if you:

  • are already working in Canada with an LCP work permit, or
  • were approved for your first LCP work permit based on an employer's positive Labour Market Impact Assessment application submitted on or before November 30, 2014

Otherwise, you may still qualify for permanent residence through the Caring for Children or Caring for People with High Medical Needs classes.

Table of Contents

This is not a legal document. The explanations and definitions are not legal definitions. In case of a discrepancy between the language in this document and the relevant legislation or regulations, the legal text in the legislation and regulations prevails. 

For legal information, refer to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations or the Citizenship Act, Citizenship Regulations and Citizenship Regulations No. 2, as applicable.

Overview

Application package

This application package has:

  • an instruction guide, and
  • the forms you need to fill out.

The instruction guide:

  • has information you must know before you submit your application, and
  • explains how to fill out the forms and gather your supporting documents.

Read the instruction guide completely and then fill out each of the applicable forms.

The forms are designed with questions that will help the processing of your application.

Symbols used in this guide

This guide uses these symbols to draw your attention to important information:

Required step
What you must do to have your application processed.

Important information that you need to know to avoid delays or other problems.

Get more information

Where to get more information.

Note: Tips that will help you with this application.

Before you apply

The Live-in Caregiver Program

A live-in caregiver is a person who:

  • was approved to participate in the Live-in Caregiver Program at a visa office outside of Canada; and
  • has a valid work permit to work as a live-in caregiver for children, seniors or the disabled with an employer in Canada.

    Find out more about the Live-in caregiver program and how to become eligible.

If your initial work permit application under the Live-in Caregiver Program was received before August 1, 2014, your dependent children will be assessed using the pre-amendment definition of dependent child.

Who may use this application?

This application package is for persons currently in the Live-in Caregiver Program who are applying for permanent residence.

Family member definitions

Your family members include your spouse or common-law partner, your dependent children and any children that are their dependent children.

Spouse

Refers to either of the two persons (any gender) in a marriage legally recognized in the country in which it took place, as well as in Canada.

Important information

Proxy, telephone, fax, internet and similar forms of marriage where one or both parties were not physically present are not considered as valid spousal relationships under the Regulations nor are polygamous marriages. For more information, consult our policy on the legality of a marriage.

Common-law partner

Refers to a person who is living in a conjugal relationship with another person (any gender), and has done so continuously for a period of at least one year. A conjugal relationship exists when there is a significant degree of commitment between two people.

This can be shown with evidence that the couple share the same home, support each other financially and emotionally, have children together, or present themselves in public as a couple.

Common-law partners who have been in a conjugal relationship for at least one year, but are unable to live together or appear in public together because of legal restrictions in their home country or who have been separated for reasons beyond their control (for example, civil war or armed conflict) may still qualify and should be included on the application.

Dependent children

The age of your children is ‘locked in’ when you make your refugee claim. This means that if you are later able to apply for permanent residence in Canada as a protected person, you may be able to include them in your application if they meet the dependent children requirements below on the lock-in date:

  • They’re under 22 years old, and
  • They don’t have a spouse or common-law partner

Children 22 years old or older qualify as dependants if they meet both of these requirements:

  • They have depended on their parents for financial support since before the age of 22, and
  • They are unable to financially support themselves because of a mental or physical condition

With the exception of age, dependants will have to continue to meet these requirements until processing of the application for permanent residence is complete.

Dependent child of a dependent child

Refers to children of dependent children of the applicant and those of the spouse or common-law partner, if applicable.

Quebec residents

If you choose to live in the province of Quebec, the provincial immigration authority Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Diversité et de l’Inclusion (MIDI) must also approve your application. You are not required to fill out extra forms; we will refer your application to the MIDI for approval.

If the MIDI notifies us that it is refusing your application, we will continue to process your application for permanent residence provided that you chose to live in another Canadian province.

What are the employment requirements?

You must have completed the required length of authorized full-time employment within four years from the date you entered Canada as a live-in caregiver to be eligible to apply for permanent residence under the Live-in Caregiver Program.

There are two options for determining whether you meet the employment requirements of the Program; you will be required to select one of the following two options on the Document Checklist (IMM 5282).

  1. Having completed 24 monthsNote * of authorized full-time employment as a live-in caregiver within four years from the date you entered Canada under the Live-in Caregiver Program, OR
  2. Having completed a total of 3,900 hoursNote * (within a minimum of 22 months which may include a maximum of 390 hours of overtime) of authorized full-time employment as a live-in caregiver within four years from the date you entered Canada under the Live-in Caregiver Program.

Note: Although the Live-in Caregiver Program is managed by the federal government, employment standards legislation pertaining to caregivers falls within provincial or territorial jurisdiction. The definition of “full-time employment” and “hours of overtime” differs from one province/territory to another. Contact your provincial or territorial authority for more information on employment standards

Biometric (fingerprints and photo) requirements

You and your family members may need to appear in person to have fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) taken at a biometric collection service point.

Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada are exempt from giving biometrics.

As of December 3, 2019, you need to give biometrics when you apply from within Canada. You can go to a designated Service Canada location.

Find out if you need to give biometrics.

If you have to give biometrics, you can give them after you:

  • pay for and submit your application and biometric fees; and
  • get a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) which will direct you to a list of biometric collection service points you may choose from.

You must bring the BIL with you to the biometric collection service point to give your biometrics.

We encourage you to give your biometrics as soon as possible after getting the BIL. We’ll start processing your application after we get your biometrics.

Where to give your biometrics

You need to book an appointment to give your biometrics at one of these official biometric collection service points.

Staying informed

Selection criteria, requirements and other information for applicants can sometimes change. Please note that:

  • Applications will be processed according to the rules and regulations in effect at the time of the assessment. These may change at any time.
  • Our website contains the latest news, selection criteria updates and application links. Check periodically for updated information.

Step 1. Gather documents

What documents are required?

Use the Document Checklist (IMM 5282) (opens in a new tab) to assist you in gathering the necessary documentation.

Note: If any of the required documents are missing, or photocopies are not clear, your application may be returned to you.

Note: Additional documents may be required during the processing of your application.

Translation of documents

You must include the following along with any document that is not in English or French:

Translations may be done by:

  • a person who is fluent in both languages (English or French, and the unofficial language); or
  • a Canadian certified translator (a member in good standing of a provincial or territorial organization of translators and interpreters in Canada).

If the translation isn’t done by a Canadian certified translator, the person who completed the translation must provide an affidavit swearing to their language proficiency and the accuracy of the translation.

The affidavit must be sworn in the presence of:

In Canada:

Authority to certify varies by province and territory. Consult your local provincial or territorial authorities.

Outside of Canada:

  • a notary public

Authority to administer oaths varies by country. Consult your local authorities.

Important information: Translations must not be done by the applicants themselves nor by members of the applicant’s family. This includes a parent, guardian, sibling, spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, grandparent, child, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew and first cousin.

Note: An affidavit is a document on which the translator has sworn, in the presence of a person authorized to administer oaths in the country where the translator is living, that the contents of their translation are a true translation and representation of the contents of the original document. Translators who are certified in Canada don’t need to supply an affidavit.

Do not undergo an immigration medical exam unless we advise you to do so. A medical exam will be required and you’ll receive instructions after you submit your application.

All your family members who are not already Canadian citizens or permanent residents must undergo and pass an immigration medical exam, even if your family members will not be processed for permanent residence with your application. Family members who do not undergo and pass a medical exam will not be eligible to be sponsored at a later date. Your family members will be contacted by the visa office in their area with instructions on their medical exams.

Police certificates

If you and your family members are 18 years of age and older and aren’t permanent residents or Canadian citizens, you must provide a valid police certificate for any country other than Canada in which you spent 6 or more months in a row since the age of 18.

Note: You do not need to provide a police certificate from a country if you or your family members were under 18 years of age the entire time you lived in that country.

If the original certificate isn’t in English or French, you must get an accredited translator to translate it. You must include both the police certificate and the translation.

We’ll also do our own background checks to see if there are reasons why you or your family members may not be admissible to Canada.

For specific and up-to-date information, see our guide on where to get a police certificate.

Step 2. Complete the application

Filling out the application

Follow the step-by-step instructions below to complete the application form.

The following are the forms that must be filled out and submitted:

If you choose Option 2

  • Live-in Caregiver – Employer Declaration of Hours Worked (IMM 5634)

Optional:

Note: It is a serious offence to give false or misleading information on these forms. The information you provide on your application may be subject to verification.

Complete all sections. If a section does not apply to you, write “Not Applicable” or “NA”. If your application is incomplete it may be returned to you and this will delay the processing of your application.

If you need more space for any section, print out an additional page containing the appropriate section, complete it and submit it along with your application.

Step 3. Pay the fees

Calculating your fees

Use the table below to calculate the total amount of fees to be paid. The processing fee must be included with your application.

We recommend you pay the right of permanent residence fee ($575) now to avoid delays. You will have to pay it before you become a permanent resident.

Application (per person) $CAN
Your application
Processing fee ($635) and right of permanent residence fee ($575)		 1,210
Your application (without right of permanent residence fee) 635
Include your spouse or partner
Processing fee ($635) and right of permanent residence fee ($575)		 1,210
Include your spouse or partner (without right of permanent residence fee) 635
Include a dependent child 175

Note: The following persons are exempt from paying the Right of Permanent Residence Fee of $575:

  • Your dependent children;
  • You, if you are the principal applicant and the dependent child of a permanent resident or Canadian citizen. You must meet the definition of “dependent child” at the time of the application;
  • You and your family members, if you are a protected person.
Biometrics fees $CAN
Biometrics (per person) $85
Biometrics (per family) (2 or more people)

Maximum fee for a family of 2 or more people applying at the same time and place

 $170

Incorrect fee payment

Important information: Incorrect fee payments may delay processing of your application.

Payment issue – No fee included

We will return your application.

Note: Processing of your application will only start after you return your application with requested fees.

Payment issue –Insufficient fees included

We will inform you of how much to pay and how to pay.

Note: Processing of your application will only continue after you provide the missing fees.

Payment issue –Overpayment

We will:

  • start processing your application, and
  • send you a refund as soon as possible.

Note: You do not have to request a refund, it will be done automatically.

How to pay the fees for your application

To pay your fees for your application you’ll need:

  • a valid e-mail address;
  • access to a printer (you’ll need to print the receipt), and
  • a credit card, Debit MasterCard® or Visa® Debit card.

Visit the link below and follow these instructions to pay:

  • Go to Online Payment.
  • Follow the online instructions.
    • At the end, click on the button to print the IRCC official receipt with barcode. Print two copies.
  • Attach a copy of this receipt to your completed application.
    • Keep the second copy of the receipt for your records.

stop sign hand Do not exit without printing the receipt! The printed receipt is your proof of payment!

Additional fees

You must also pay for the following for yourself and your family members (if applicable):

  • medical examinations
  • police certificates

Step 4. Mail the application

Where to mail the application

Mail your completed application in a stamped envelope to the address shown below:

Send the document checklist

Make sure you use the document checklist and include it with your application.


Note

Sign the form

The application must be signed and dated before it is submitted.

If you are:

  • 18 years of age or older, sign and date in the boxes provided at the bottom of the page,
  • less than 18 years of age, your form must be signed by one of your parents or legal guardian.

Note: If your application is not signed and dated, it will be returned to you.

Submit the application form

When submitting your application, to ensure your encoded data is captured, you must include the last page or pages which contain your unique barcodes. See the image below:

Sample Barcodes

Note: This page is only available when you complete your application electronically (on a computer).

What happens next?

Application process

The decision on your application

If your application has been properly completed and includes all the required documents, you will receive a letter informing you of the decision on your case and what you must do next. If you qualify for permanent residence, your family members outside Canada will be required to undergo a medical examination, and you and your family members will have to pass criminality and security checks.

We may contact you to arrange an interview to verify or expand on information contained in your application.

If your application is approved

Then we will contact you to arrange a final interview. You will likely be granted permanent resident status at that interview.

If your application is refused

Then we will inform you in writing and you may be asked to leave Canada.

Questions?

If you still have questions after reading this guide, consult the Help Centre.

Leaving Canada

If you go on a vacation outside of Canada, you are not automatically deemed ineligible for permanent residence under the Live-in Caregiver Program. However, it is important to note that if you leave Canada while your application is being processed, we cannot guarantee that you will be allowed to re-enter. Each time you re-enter Canada you will need to be re-assessed and meet all eligibility criteria for entering the country.

During the application process, you must advise us of any change of address or telephone number by
 going to Change My Address or contact the Help Centre at the end of this Guide

Checking application status

In Canada and the United States

You may Contact Us or go online to see the current status of your application:

  1. Click on Check application status, and
  2. follow the instructions provided.

To obtain details on how to remove your application status information from the Internet, visit the “Frequently Asked Questions” (FAQ) section.

If you are outside Canada and the United States:

Contact the Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate responsible for your region.

Protecting your information

Your personal information is:

  • available to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) employees who need to see it to provide the services to you, and
  • not disclosed to other organizations except as permitted under the provisions of the Privacy Act or the Citizenship Regulations.

For more information about the protection of your data, visit the Frequently Asked Questions/Help Centre.

Need help?

If you need help, you can find answers to your questions by visiting the Help Centre.

Appendix A: Maintaining your status and eligibility for an open work permit in Canada

Status while in Canada

Completing an application for permanent residence as a live-in caregiver does not mean that your work permit or temporary status will be automatically extended. You must maintain your legal status in Canada while your application for permanent residence is in process. Therefore, you must apply for a renewal of your work permit before it expires. It is illegal to work in Canada without a valid work permit.

If your work permit expires before you submit an application to extend it, you have 90 days from the expiration date to apply to restore your status. If you do not apply to restore your status within 90 days of the expiry of your work permit, you will be without status and have to leave Canada.

Use the guide Applying to change conditions or extend your stay in Canada as a Worker (IMM 5553) to apply for any type of work permit or to restore your status.

What is an open work permit and am I eligible to apply for one?

An open work permit allows you to work for any employer for the length of time specified on the work permit.

You can apply for an open work permit

  • when you submit your permanent residence application, or
  • after you submit your permanent residence application.

As a live-in caregiver, you can apply for an open work permit by completing Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker (IMM 5710) (opens in a new tab). You should submit it along with your permanent resident application, including the fees. Submitting your work permit application simultaneously allows you to continue working for your current employer under the same conditions until you receive the open work permit.

Note: You must pay the work permit fee, but you are exempt from paying the open work permit holder fee.

To be eligible for an open work permit, you must:

  • submit an application for permanent residence under the Live-in Caregiver Class;
  • have held valid work permits under the program for two years or more; and
  • have worked for at least 3,900 hours or 2 years as a live-in caregiver within four years.

Appendix B: Request for Police Certificates or Clearances and Authorization for Release of Information

Appendix C: Photo Specifications

Notes to the applicant

Take this information with you to the photographer

  • Make sure that you provide the correct number of photos specified in the Checklist.
  • You must provide identical and unaltered photos.
  • Photos may be in colour or in black and white.
  • Photos must be original and not altered in any way or taken from an existing photo.
  • Photos must reflect your current appearance (taken within the past twelve (12) months).

Notes to the photographer

The photos must be:

  • taken by a commercial photographer;
  • 50 mm x 70 mm (2 inches wide x 2 3/4 inches long) and sized so the height of the face measures between 31 mm and 36 mm (1 1/4 inches and 1 7/16 inches) from chin to crown of head (natural top of head);
  • clear, sharp and in focus;
  • taken with a neutral facial expression (eyes open and clearly visible, mouth closed, no smiling);
  • taken with uniform lighting and not show shadows, glare or flash reflections;
  • taken straight on, with face and shoulders centred and squared to the camera (i.e. the photos must show the full front view of the person’s head and shoulders, showing the full face centered in the middle of the photo);
  • taken in front of a plain white background with a clear difference between the person’s face and the background. Photos must reflect and represent natural skin tones.
Image described below

The back of one (1) photo must include:

  • the name and date of birth of the person in the photo
  • the name and complete address of the photography studio
  • the date the photo was taken;

The photographer may use a stamp or handwrite this information. Stick-on labels are not accepted.

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2025-09-29