Guide 5290 - Live-in Caregivers

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, consult the following documents:


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

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

We assess your child’s eligibility as a dependant based on how old they were at a specific point in time, called the "lock-in date". This is usually the date we received your application. To see if your child qualifies as a dependant, we consider the age of your child on the lock-in date, even though your child’s age may change during processing.

Your child or the child of your spouse or common-law partner can be considered a dependent child if that child meets the 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 must continue to meet these requirements until we finish processing your application.

Not sure if your child is a dependant? Check if your child qualifies by answering a few questions.

If your child’s age was locked in on or before October 23, 2017, a previous definition of dependent children may apply.

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.

small exclamation warning signImportant 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.


Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)

Who must fill out this application form?

This form must be completed by:

  • you, the principal applicant

Completing the form

You must answer all questions on this application form unless otherwise indicated.

Download and fill out the application form on a computer. The Generic Application Form for Canada [IMM 0008] must be validated with 2D barcodes.

Make sure that

  • you properly validate your answers when filling out this form
  • the 2D barcodes are properly generated

If the 2D barcodes are missing or can’t be machine read for any reason, the application will be returned to you without being processed.

You also have the option of saving your form and completing it later.

Note: Completing the form electronically is easier and reduces the risk of errors that can slow down the application process.

Read and follow the steps below to help you fill out the form.


Application Details

Question 1

From the list, select the Program under which you are applying:

  • Family
  • Economic
  • Refugee
  • Other
Question 2

From the list, select the Category under which you are applying:

  • If you chose “Family” in question 1, select one of the following:
    • Spouse
    • Common-law partner
    • Conjugal partner
    • Dependent child/adopted child
    • Child to be adopted in Canada
    • Parents/grandparents
    • Orphaned
      sibling/nephew/niece/grandchild
    • Other relative
  • If you chose “Economic” in question 1, select one of the following:
    • Agri-Food Pilot
    • Atlantic Immigration Program
    • Home Child Care Provider Pilot
    • Home Support Worker Pilot
    • Rural and Northern Immigration Program
    • Federal Skilled Worker
    • Federal Skilled Trades
    • Self-Employed
    • Provincial Nominee
    • Canadian Experience Class
    • Quebec Selected Skilled Worker
    • Quebec Selected Entrepreneur
    • Quebec Selected Self Employed
    • Quebec Selected Investor
    • Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP)
    • Start-up Business
    • Caregivers Program (select for the Interim Pathway for Caregivers)
    • High Medical Needs Program
    • Immigrant Investor Venture Capital Pilot Program
    • TR to PR pathway
  • If you chose “Refugee” in question 1, select one of the following:
    • In Canada – Refugee Claim
    • In Canada – Protected Person (for Convention Refugees or other protected persons applying for permanent residence from within Canada)
    • Outside Canada – Refugee (for Convention Refugees or other protected persons applying for permanent residence from outside Canada)
  • If you chose “Other” in question 1, select one of the following:
    • In Canada – Humanitarian & Compassionate Considerations
    • Permit Holder Class
    • Temporary Public Policy for Out-of-Status Construction Workers in the Greater Toronto Area
Question 3

Enter the total number of family members included in your application. This includes yourself and any family members, regardless of whether they intend to accompany you to Canada or not.

For refugee claimants in Canada only: Enter the total number of family members included in your application for refugee protection who are with you in Canada.

Question 4

Language preference

From the list, select your preferred language for:

  1. correspondence
  2. interview: if your native language is not in this list, select “Other
  3. interpreter requested: you must select “Yes” if you do not select English or French for the interview
Question 5

Where do you plan on living in Canada?

From the list select the:

  1. Province/Territory
  2. City/Town
Question 6

If you plan to live in the Province of Quebec and are applying under a Quebec economic immigration program, have you received your Certificat de Sélection du Québec (CSQ)?

  1. Select the corresponding box
  2. If you selected “Yes”, enter the CSQ number
  3. If you selected “No”, enter the date when you applied for your CSQ (if you have not yet applied, please do so before applying for permanent residence)

Note: If you are not applying under a Quebec immigration program, select “No” for Question 6 a) and leave 6 c) blank.


Principal Applicant’s Personal Details

The principal applicant must answer the following questions.

Question 1

Enter your full family name (surname or last name) as shown on your passport, travel document or identity document.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada who is not yet identified, indicate your family name(s).

Enter all of your given name(s) (first, second or more) as shown on your passport, travel document or identity document. Do not use initials.

If you don’t have a family name on your passport or travel document, enter all given names in the family name field and leave the given name field blank.

If you don’t have a given name on your passport or travel document, leave the given name field blank.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada who is not yet identified, enter “Child” or leave the given name field blank.

Question 2

Nickname/Alias

Select the box to tell us if you have ever used any other names than those indicated in question 1. This could be your birth name, maiden name, married name, nickname, etc. If “Yes” enter your nickname/alias in the family name(s) and given name(s) fields.

Question 3

If you know your unique client identifier (UCI) number or client identification number (client ID), enter it here without any spaces. If you applied for temporary or permanent residence in the past, this is an 8 or 10 digit number you can find on previous documents sent by us. If this is your first application with us, or if you do not know your UCI, leave this space blank.

Question 4

From the list, select your gender (F – Female, M – Male, U – Unknown or X – Another gender).

Note: If you choose the “X” gender identifier and you currently have or have had a Canadian temporary resident document (visa, electronic travel authorization, work permit or study permit) with a gender identifier other than “X”, you need to complete the Request form for a Change of Sex or Gender Identifier [IRM 0002] (PDF, 1.79 MB) form and send it with your application. You also need to complete this form and send it with your application if you’ve never had a Canadian temporary resident document but you intend to apply for one and you identify with a gender that is different than what appears on your foreign travel document or passport. No supporting documents are required.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada who is not yet identified, select “U – Unknown”.

Question 5

Enter your height in either centimetres or feet and inches.

Question 6

From the list, select your eye colour.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada who is not yet identified, select “Other”.

Question 7

Enter your date of birth. If you do not know your complete date of birth, use “01” to fill in the spaces for the unknown year, month or day. Include a letter of explanation saying why you couldn’t include the complete date.

Question 8

Enter your place of birth, including the city or town and country of birth, as shown in your passport or your travel document.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada who is not yet identified, indicate “Unknown” for the city or town and select the country where you intend to adopt a child.

Question 9

Citizenship(s)

  1. From the list, select your country of citizenship.
  2. If you are a citizen of more than one country, select your other country of citizenship.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada who is not yet identified, select the country where you intend to adopt a child.

Question 10

Current country of residence

From the list, select

  • The name of your current country of residence. Your country of residence is the country in which you are residing, provided that you have been lawfully admitted to that country.

For refugee claimants in Canada only: select “Canada” whether you have been lawfully admitted or not.

  • Your immigration status in that country (indicate one of the following):
    • Citizen
    • Permanent resident
    • Visitor
    • Worker
    • Student
    • Other
    • Protected Person
    • Refugee Claimant
    • Foreign National
  • Other: This section must be completed if you selected “Other” as a status.
  • Fill in the dates (From – To) you have been living in your current country of residence.

For out-of-status applicants

  • for “Status,” select “Other
  • for “Other,” type in “Out of status, requires restoration”
  • leave the “From” and “To” boxes blank

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada who is not yet identified, select the country where you intend to adopt a child and “Citizen” as the immigration status in that country.

Question 11

Enter the date of your last entry to Canada, if applicable.

Enter the place you last entered Canada (for example, Toronto airport, Lacolle border crossing, seaport Yarmouth).

Question 12

Previous countries of residence

Select the box to tell us if you have lived in any country other than your country of citizenship or your current country of residence for more than 6 months in the past 5 years.

If you checked “Yes”, for each country

  • select the name of the country you lived in
  • select your immigration status for the time you were in that country:
    • Citizen
    • Permanent resident
    • Visitor
    • Worker
    • Student
    • Other
    • Protected Person
    • Refugee Claimant
    • Foreign National
  • Other: This section must be completed if you selected “Other” as a status
  • fill in the dates (From – To) you were living in that country
Question 13
  1. From the list, choose your current marital status:

    Annulled Marriage

    This is a marriage that is legally declared as not valid. An annulment can also be a declaration by the Catholic Church that the marriage union did not have a binding force.

    Common-Law

    This means that you have lived continuously with your partner in a marital-type relationship for a minimum of 1 year.

    Divorced

    This means that you are officially separated and have legally ended your marriage.

    Legally Separated

    This means that you are married but no longer living with your spouse.

    Married

    This means that you and your spouse have had a ceremony that legally binds you to each other. Your marriage must be legally recognized in the country where it was performed and in Canada.

    Single

    This means that you have never been married and are not in a common-law relationship.

    Widowed

    This means that your spouse has died and that you have not re-married or entered into a common-law relationship.

  2. Enter the date (year, month and day) you were married or you entered into your current common-law relationship.

  3. Enter the family name(s) and given name(s) of your current spouse or common-law partner.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada who is not yet identified, select “Single”.

Question 14

Select the box to tell us if you have been married or in a common-law relationship. If you checked “Yes”, give the following details for your previous spouse or common-law partner:

  • Family name(s)
  • Given name(s)
  • Type of relationship:
    • Common-law, or
    • Married.
  • Dates (From – To) for which you were in the relationship with your previous spouse/common-law partner
  • Date of birth.

Contact Information

Question 1

Enter your current mailing address (where information should be mailed) by typing the following information:

  • Post office box (P.O. box) number, if applicable. If you do not enter a post office box, you must provide the street number,
  • Apartment (Apt.) or Unit, if applicable,
  • Street number (no.), if applicable. It is the number on your house or apartment building. You must provide a street number if you did not enter in a P.O. box,
  • Street name, if applicable,
  • City or Town,
  • From the list, select the Country of your current mailing address,
  • Province or State,
  • Postal code or zip code,
  • District, if applicable.

Note: All correspondence will go to this address unless you indicate your email address.

If you wish to have a representative who can conduct business on your behalf, you must provide their address in this section and on the Use of a Representative [IMM 5476] (opens in a new tab) form.

For more information, read the Use of a Representative guide.

Question 2

Select the box to tell us if your residential address (where you live) is the same as your mailing address. If “No”, enter the following information:

  • Apartment (Apt.) or Unit, if applicable,
  • Street number (no.). It is the number on your house or apartment building,
  • Street name,
  • City or Town,
  • Country,
  • Province or State,
  • Postal code or zip code,
  • District, if applicable.
Question 3

Enter your telephone number including the country code, area/regional codes, etc.

If you have an extension number, indicate it after your phone number under “Ext.”

Select the box to tell us if your telephone number is from Canada or the US or Other (any other country).

From the list, select the type of telephone:

  • Residence (home);
  • Cellular (cell/mobile);
  • Business (work).
Question 4

If you have a second telephone number, enter it here, including the country code, area/regional codes, etc.

If you have an extension number, indicate it after your phone number under “Ext.”

Providing an alternate telephone number will help make sure we can contact you with information about your application.

Select the box to tell us if your second telephone number is from Canada or the US or Other (any other country).

From the list, select the type of telephone:

  • Residence (home);
  • Cellular (cell/mobile);
  • Business (work).
Question 5

If you have a fax number, enter it here, including country code, area/regional codes, etc.

Select the box to tell us if the facsimile (fax) number is from Canada or the US or Other (any other country).

Question 6

If you have an email address, enter it here (for example, name@provider.net).

Note: By indicating your email address, you are hereby authorizing IRCC to transmit your file and personal information to this specific email.


Passport

Question 1

Select the box to tell us if you have a valid passport or travel document. If you don’t have one or can’t obtain one, you must select the “No” box.

Question 2

If you select “Yes”, provide your passport or travel document number exactly as shown on the document. Make sure there is no space between each number or letter.

Question 3

From the list, select the name of the country or territory that issued your passport or travel document.

Question 4

Enter the date your passport or travel document was issued.

Question 5

Enter the date your passport or travel document will expire.

Question 6

For this trip, select “Yes” or “No” to tell us if you are using a passport issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan that shows your personal identification number.

Question 7

For this trip, select “Yes” or “No” to tell us if you are using a National Israeli passport.


National Identity Document

Question 1

Select the box to tell us if you have a valid national identity document.

Question 2

If you selected “Yes”, provide your national identity document number exactly as shown on the identity document. Make sure there is no space between each number or letter.

Question 3

From the list, select the name of the country or territory that issued your national identity document.

Question 4

Enter the date your national identity document was issued.

Question 5

Enter the date your national identity document will expire.


Education/Occupation Detail

Question 1

From the list, select your highest level of education.

  • None: No education
  • Secondary or less: High school diploma obtained after elementary school and before college, university, or other formal training.
  • Trade/Apprenticeship Certificate/Diploma: Diploma completed in a specific trade, such as carpentry or auto mechanics.
  • Non-University Certificate/Diploma: Training in a profession that requires formal education but not at the university level (e.g., dental technician or engineering technician).
  • Post-Secondary – No Degree: Post-secondary studies at a college or university but no degree earned.
  • Bachelor’s Degree: Academic degree awarded by a college or university to those who have completed an undergraduate curriculum; also called a baccalaureate. Examples include a Bachelor of Arts, Science or Education.
  • Post Graduate – No Degree: Post-graduate studies at a college or university but no degree earned (Master or PhD).
  • Master’s Degree: Academic degree awarded by a graduate school of a college or university. You must have completed a Bachelor’s degree before a Master’s degree can be earned.
  • Doctorate – PhD: Highest university degree, usually based on at least 3 years of graduate studies and a thesis. Normally, you must have completed a Master’s degree before a PhD can be earned.
Question 2

Enter the total number of years of formal education that you have completed, including elementary and secondary school.

Question 3

Enter your current occupation.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada who is not yet identified, indicate “Unknown”.

Question 4

Enter your intended occupation in Canada.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada who is not yet identified, indicate “Unknown”.


Language Detail

Question 1

This question is not for selection purposes. One of Canada’s immigration objectives is to support and assist the development of minority language communities in Canada.

  1. From the list, select your first (native) language. This is the language that you learned at home during your childhood and that you still understand. If your native language is not in this list, select “Other”.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada who is not yet identified, select the native language of the country where you intend to adopt a child.

  1. From the list, select whether you are able to communicate in English and/or French:
    • English
    • French
    • Both
    • Neither
  2. If you selected “Both”, choose whether you are most at ease in English or French.
  3. Select “Yes” or “No” to tell us whether you have taken a test from a designated testing agency to assess your proficiency in English or French.

Dependant(s)

You must answer each question on behalf of each of your dependants.

To add a new dependant to the application, click the “Add Dependant” button, located at the bottom of the page.

To remove a dependant from the application, click the “Remove Dependant” button.

You can add up to 5 dependants using this form.

If you have more than 5 dependants:

To include everyone in your application, you must complete the following form for each additional family member:

Important

You must list all family members in your application for permanent residence, whether they are accompanying you to Canada or not. You must also provide details on family members whose location is unknown (including those missing or presumed dead). If these family members are not listed on your application, you will not be able to sponsor them at a later date.


Dependant’s Personal Details

Questions 1–9

Questions 1 to 9 are the same questions you answered for yourself. See the previous instructions to help you answer the questions for your dependant(s).

Question 10
  1. From the list, select your dependant’s relationship to you, the principal applicant:
    • Adopted Child
    • Adoptive Parent
    • Child
    • Common-Law Partner
    • Grandchild
    • Parent
    • Spouse
    • Step-Child
    • Step-Grandchild
    • Other
  2. Complete if you select “Other”.
Question 11
  1. Select the box to tell us if your dependant will accompany you to Canada.
  2. If you answered “No”, explain why your dependant is non-accompanying.
Question 12

From the list, select the type of dependant:

Type A
The dependant is under the age of 22 and single (not married and not in a common-law relationship).
Type B (Important: This dependant type applies only if your child’s age was locked in before August 1, 2014)
The dependant has been continuously enrolled in and in attendance as a full-time student at a post-secondary institution accredited by the relevant government authority and has depended substantially on the financial support of a parent since before the age of 22.
Type C
The dependant is 22 years of age or older, has depended substantially on the financial support of a parent since before the age of 22, and is unable to provide for themselves because of a medical condition.

Not sure which type of dependant your child is? Check if your child qualifies as a dependant by answering a few questions.

Question 13

Current country of residence

  • From the list, select the name of your dependant’s current country of residence. The country of residence is the country in which they are residing, provided they have been lawfully admitted to that country.

For refugee claimants in Canada only: select “Canada” whether your dependant has been lawfully admitted or not.

  • Indicate one of the following as your dependant’s immigration status in that country:
    • Citizen
    • Permanent resident
    • Visitor
    • Worker
    • Student
    • Other
    • Protected Person
    • Refugee Claimant
    • Foreign National
  • Other: This section must be completed if you selected “Other” as a status.
  • Fill in the dates (From – To) your dependant has been living in their current country of residence.

For out-of-status applicants

  • for “Status,” select “Other
  • for “Other,” type in “Out of status, requires restoration”
  • leave the “From” and “To” boxes blank
Question 14

Enter the date of your dependant’s last entry to Canada.

Tell us the place they last entered Canada (for example, Toronto airport, Lacolle border crossing, seaport Yarmouth).

Question 15

Previous countries of residence

Select the box to tell us if your dependant has lived in any country other than their country of citizenship or their current country of residence for more than 6 months in the past 5 years.

If you checked “Yes,”

  • select the name of the country your dependant lived in from the list
  • select your dependant’s immigration status for the time they were in that country:
    • Citizen
    • Permanent resident
    • Visitor
    • Worker
    • Student
    • Other
    • Protected Person
    • Refugee Claimant
    • Foreign National
  • Other: This section must be completed if you selected “Other” as a status
  • fill in the dates (From – To) your dependant was living in that country
Question 16
  1. From the list, select your dependant’s current marital status:

    • Annulled Marriage
    • Common-Law
    • Divorced
    • Legally Separated
    • Married
    • Single
    • Widowed
  2. Enter the date (year, month and day) your dependant was married or entered into their current common-law relationship.
  3. Tell us the family name(s) and given name(s) of your dependant’s current spouse or common-law partner.
Question 17

Select the box to tell us if your dependant has previously been married or in a common-law relationship. If you selected “Yes”, give the following details for your dependant’s previous spouse or common-law partner:

  • Family name(s)
  • Given name(s)
  • Type of relationship:
    • Common-law, or
    • Married.
  • Dates (From – To) your dependant was in the relationship with their previous spouse or common-law partner

Passport

Question 1

Select the box to tell us if your dependant has a valid passport or travel document. If they don’t have one or can’t obtain one, you must select the “No” box.

Question 2

If you selected “Yes”, provide their passport or travel document number exactly as shown on the document. Make sure there is no space between each number or letter.

Question 3

From the list, select the name of the country or territory that issued their passport or travel document.

Question 4

Enter the date their passport or travel document was issued.

Question 5

Enter the date their passport or travel document will expire.

Question 6

For this trip, select “Yes” or “No” to tell us if they’re using a passport issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan that shows their personal identification number.

Question 7

For this trip, select “Yes” or “No” to tell us if they’re using a National Israeli passport.


National Identity Document

Question 1

Select the box to tell us if your dependant has a valid national identity document.

Question 2

If you selected “Yes”, provide their national identity document number exactly as shown on the document. Make sure there is no space between each number or letter.

Question 3

From the list, select the name of the country or territory that issued their national identity document.

Question 4

Enter the date their national identity document was issued.

Question 5

Enter the date their national identity document will expire.


Education/Occupation Detail

Question 1

From the list, select your dependant’s highest level of education.

  • None: No education
  • Secondary or less: High school diploma obtained after elementary school and before college, university, or other formal training.
  • Trade/Apprenticeship Certificate/Diploma: Diploma completed in a specific trade, such as carpentry or auto mechanics.
  • Non-university Certificate/Diploma: Training in a profession that requires formal education but not at the university level (e.g., dental technician or engineering technician).
  • Post-Secondary – No Degree: Post-secondary studies at a college or university but no degree earned.
  • Bachelor’s Degree: Academic degree awarded by a college or university to those who have completed an undergraduate curriculum; also called a baccalaureate. Examples include a Bachelor of Arts, Science or Education.
  • Post Graduate – No Degree: Post-graduate studies at a college or university but no degree earned (Master or PhD).
  • Master’s Degree: Academic degree awarded by a graduate school of a college or university. You must have completed a Bachelor’s degree before a Master’s degree can be earned.
  • Doctorate – PhD: Highest university degree, usually based on at least 3 years of graduate studies and a thesis. Normally, you must have completed a Master’s degree before a PhD can be earned.
Question 2

Tell us the total number of years of formal education that they have completed, including elementary and secondary school.

Question 3

Tell us their current occupation.

Question 4

Tell us their intended occupation in Canada.


Language Detail

Question 1

This question is not for selection purposes. One of Canada’s immigration objectives is to support and assist the development of minority language communities in Canada.

  1. From the list, select your dependant’s first (native) language. This is the language that they learned at home during their childhood and they still understand. If their native language does not appear in this list, select “Other”.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada who is not yet identified, select the native language of the country where you intend to adopt a child.

  1. From the list, select if they are able to communicate in English and/or French:
    • English
    • French
    • Both
    • Neither
  2. If you selected “Both”, choose whether they are most at ease in English or French.
  3. Select “Yes” or “No” to tell us whether they have taken a test from a designated testing agency to assess their proficiency in English or French.

Consent and Declaration of Applicant

  1. Once the application is completed, click on the “Validate” button located at the top or bottom of the form. This will generate a barcode page or pages (see image below).

    Barcode

    Note: This barcode page will not appear if you fill out your application by hand.

  2. Print all pages of your application form.

  3. Read all of the statements in all sections carefully and

    1. write your name in the space provided.
    2. check the appropriate box to indicate if you agree that the information contained in this application related to your intended occupation, education and work experience may be shared with prospective employers in order to assist them in hiring workers
    3. sign, with a handwritten signature, and date in the spaces provided

    By signing, you certify that you fully understand the questions asked, and that the information you have provided is complete, truthful, and correct. If you do not sign and date, the application will be returned to you.

  4. Place the barcode page(s) on the top of your application (forms and supporting documents) when you submit it.


Additional Dependants/Declaration (IMM 0008DEP)

Who must fill out this application form?

This form must be completed by

  • you, the principal applicant, on behalf of each of your dependants not included in the Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008).

The questions are the same as the ones that you answered for yourself and other dependants on the IMM 0008 form.

Follow the previous instructions to help you answer the questions.


Consent and Declaration of Applicant

Read all of the statements in all sections carefully and then

  1. write your dependant’s name in the space provided
  2. select the box to tell us if you agree that the information contained in this application related to your dependant’s intended occupation, education and work experience may be shared with prospective employers to assist them in hiring workers
  3. sign and date in the spaces provided

By signing, you certify that your dependant fully understands the questions asked, and that the information you have provided is complete, truthful, and correct. If you do not sign and date, the application will be returned to you.

Note: If you are less than 18 years of age, your form must be signed by one of your parents or a legal guardian.


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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