The Hiring Process

The entire process seems to be long and complicated. Please bear in mind that we will be with you all the time helping you through the process. Please read carefully all the advantages we offer and, by the end you will see that we have walked you through the process professionally, addressing all your concerns and needs.

Submitting the Application

After the initial visit you will receive a kit containing: "Host Family Application Form" and annexes, "HRDC Application Form", "Host Family agreement form" and informative materials about the program. The kit is available on paper or on CD. In order to receive the kit you have to meet with one of our representative for an initial assessment.

To ensure that your application is processed as quickly and efficiently as possible, please follow the steps below:
1. Complete the Host Family Application
2. Read carefully and sign the Host Family Agreement Form
3. Ask your employer for a verification of your employment. If self-employed please attach a copy of your company's last tax return form.
4. Send the above items to our address:
Canadian Work Opportunities
45 Sheppard Ave East, Ste.900, Toronto, Ontario, M2N 5W9

Once we receive and review your complete application, one of our representatives will contact you to schedule a personal in-home interview.  The interview fee of $350 is waived. In case all the hosting requirements are met we can start the Caregiver matching process. Among the requirements there are the following:

• Provision of full board and accommodation to the Caregiver
• Provision of a single room with a lock on the door
• Access to a private bathroom to the Caregiver, etc.

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Matching the right candidate to your family needs

Your representative will carefully review prospective Caregivers files that meet your family’s requirements. Each file includes copies of our Caregiver's:

• Application form
• A "Dear Family" letter describing the Caregiver’s interests, background and family life
• Detailed report on the interview conducted with the Caregiver
• Letters of childcare and character reference
• Family photos
• Degrees or diplomas earned
• Criminal background check

Our representative will then present the selected files to you so you can get to know the Caregiver better. You can call the Caregivers you are most interested in and decide which one you prefer.

Once you have completed telephone interviews, call your designated representative and discuss your Caregiver selection. Then, and then only, our agency will forward your family information to the Caregiver and we can proceed to the next step.

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Making an Offer of Employment

In order to be able to hire a foreign Caregiver, as an employer you must demonstrate there is nobody else already in Canada available to take the job. The means to do this is mainly through advertising. We will assist you in this search at no extra charge.

Your offer of employment needs to be validated by Human Resources Canada (HRDC). If validated, HRDC sends the offer to the Canadian visa post (ie. consulate or embassy) that handles applications from your Caregiver's country. Your Caregiver will then have to submit an application for an Employment Authorization. We will provide assistance so that you and the Caregiver get through this procedure at no extra charge.

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Getting the Employment Authorization for your Caregiver

The Employment Authorization is valid only for the Caregiver to work for you as the Employer. This means that, before beginning working for another Employer, the Caregiver must obtain another Employment Authorization. It is illegal for a foreign live-in Caregiver to work for an Employer without a valid Employment Authorization that entitles the Caregiver to work for that particular Employer.

Employment Authorizations are valid for one (1) year and can be renewed before expiration. CWO can renew the Employment Authorizations on behalf of your Caregiver. It is your Caregiver's responsibility to notify us so that we can ensure it is renewed before it expires.

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Making a contract with your Live-in Caregiver

The contract contains a detailed job description, wages, days off, hours of work per week and the duties, responsibilities and obligations of each party. Thus it will help your Caregiver to fully understand the terms and conditions of employment, and what you expect. We will provide assistance so that you and your Caregiver can write the Contract accordingly at no extra charge.

The terms and conditions of the contract cannot contravene provincial labour laws. For instance, if your province stipulates a maximum number of hours per week for live-in Caregivers, then your contract cannot require your Caregiver to work more than this maximum (without overtime pay, if applicable). We will advise you on provincial labour laws and employment standards at no charge.

Your contract with your Caregiver will be a legal document; it is meant to protect both the Employer's (yourself) and the Employee's (the Caregiver) rights.

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You can e-mail us at: caregiver@aupair.ca