In Canada Professional Nannies or Au Pairs come under the Live-in Caregiver Program which allows professional caregivers to work in Canada on a Temporary Work Permit. Caregivers are individuals who are qualified to work without supervision in a private household providing care for children, elderly persons or people who have disabilities.

To qualify under the Live-in Caregiver Program you must have:

a high school education - Canadian equivalent

six months of full-time training in a classroom setting; or

twelve months of full-time* paid employment, including at least six months of continuous employment with one employer in a field or occupation related to the job you are seeking as a live-in caregiver. You may have gained your training or experience in areas such as early childhood education, geriatric care, pediatric nursing or first aid.

Your experience must have been obtained within the three years prior to the day on which you submit an application for a work permit.

speak, read and understand either English or French at a level that allows you to function independently in a home setting.

*full time is a minimum of 30 hours per week with one employer.

Work for 2 years, apply for Permanent Residence and become a Citizen of Canada. From Visa to Citizen in 5 years!


If you work legally in Canada as a Professional Nanny for a total of 24 months in the 3 year period following the start of your employment you may apply for Permanent Residence. After 3 years as a Permanent Resident you may apply for Canadian Citizenship.