Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are there any other requirements if a potential employer wants to obtain a live-in nanny/caregiver from overseas?

Yes, they must meet the required LICO or LOW INCOME CUT OFF and able to provide accommodation to the hired nanny or caregiver.

2. How can I keep the nanny with our family for couple of years?

Treating the nanny very well and follow whatever stipulated in the contract.

3. How do I interview a nanny?

You fill out the online enquiry form and I will email to you the profile that fits the qualification you are looking for.

4. What do you require from potential employers who wish to review your files? Complete first the employer enquiry form then we will contact for further information of your family so we will be able to understand your family needs.

5. What is a Live-In Nanny or Caregiver?
Live-In Nanny or Caregiver provides care for elderly or child as well as maintaining an orderly and well-kept household and stay with you in the house provided they have a private room.

6. What is a Live-Out Nanny or Caregiver?
Same as the Live-In Nanny or Caregiver, their main duty is to care. The only difference is they have to leave at the end of each shift or work and the cost is slightly higher than the live-in nanny or caregiver.

7.  What is the minimum wage of the live in caregiver?

The current minimum wage is $8.75 per hour or $1,540.00 gross monthly and on November 2011 it will increase to $9.50 or $1,672.00 and on May 2012 it will be $10.25 or $1,804.00.

8. What about the full time live out nanny or caregiver, how much is the minimum wage? The current minimum wage for live out is $ $15.00 per hour.

9. How many working hours per day or week?

8 hours per day or 40 hours per week.

10. Is there any room and board charges?

Yes and it is $325.00 per month.

11. If I will let the caregiver to work on Saturday or six days per week, how much I am going to pay?

Normally after 8 hours of working in five days the overtime pay applies which is time and half.

12. In the contract I signed two years, am I obligated to employ this caregiver within this period of time?

No

13. If things will not work out within two months or one year, am I obligated to employ this nanny?

No, you can terminate the contract with cause right away or without cause or give at least two weeks’ notice is fine but worst case scenario you are not happy with her then just terminate her.

14. During the night, can I ask or let my caregiver to care my children if needed?

Yes as long as she is compensated.

15. Can I let the caregiver for have a trial even two weeks?

No, it is illegal; it is up to you to decide.

16. Are they legal to work right away? No, if they are under the live in caregiver program. Every time the foreign worker transfers for another employer they must get a new work permit first before she can start to work.

17. How many months will it takes to get new work permit?

It will take about two to three months depending on the volume of the application the CIC receive. The advertisement will takes about 14 days then application for labour market opinion is between 20 to 25 business days then the work permit is 41 days depending on the volume of application.

18. How much is the finder’s fee or placement fee if I will hire a caregiver from you?

I charge a one-time pay for $1,000.00 plus applicable taxes.

19. What if the nanny I hired did not fit my family, is there any replacement available? Yes, within one year if you and the nanny did not work out then I will replace a new nanny which is free of charge.

20. What is the disadvantage of hiring local caregiver versus overseas caregiver?

The good thing of hiring local caregiver you see the caregiver in person whereas the overseas you will not see the person but the good thing is once she arrive she can work with you legally.

Please, be note that all overseas caregivers are pre-screened, pre-check with their criminal record and medical checkup.

21. After one year of working with me is the caregiver can take a vacation? Yes, she is entitled to two weeks or ten working days paid vacation.

Holidays and vacation pay

There are nine statutory holidays in BC. An employee who has been employed for 30 calendar days, and has worked 15 of the 30 days preceding the holiday, is entitled to statutory holiday pay. (See factsheet: Statutory Holidays)

I) Annual vacation

After working for one full year, a domestic worker is entitled to at least two weeks’ vacation. After completing five years of employment, the entitlement increases to three weeks. (See factsheet: Annual Vacation)

After five days of employment, a domestic worker is entitled to 4% vacation pay. This increases to 6% after five years of employment. Any outstanding vacation pay must be paid when employment.

The timing of the vacation is the employer's choice, but it must be at least one week long. A vacation does not include those occasions when the domestic worker goes with the employer on a trip, or stays behind to work in the residence.

22. What if I am away, should I pay the caregiver?
Yes or you can ask her to have an advance vacation with pay just for two weeks but she can decline your request if she wants too.

23. If a domestic worker goes with us on vacation and we pay her travel, hotel and living expenses, do we still have to pay her wages?
Yes, if she is required to work during this vacation.

24. What are the advantages of hiring full time live in nanny or caregiver?

Hiring live –in nanny or caregiver is more economical than putting your children in a daycare or elderly in a care home. You will have peace of mind knowing that your child or elder will have attention and mental stimulation that they require. Plus an added the extra help you will get with your housecleaning and meal preparation. You also have an access of occasional evening and weekend childcare or elderly care available so this means you can have a quality time for your family.

 
Do you have any questions we have not addressed? Please send us an email.