Hiring a foreign au pair in Canada is generally fastest through the International Experience Canada (IEC) Working Holiday programme, which provides an open work permit without an LMIA. Alternatively, please note that the specialized Caregiver Pilot programs are currently closed to new applications until 2030, making the IEC pathway the primary option for foreign au pairs.
Choosing the Right Pathway for Childcare in Canada
Finding reliable childcare is a massive challenge for many Canadian families. Whether you live in bustling Toronto, snowy Calgary, or coastal Halifax, hosting an international au pair offers a unique cultural exchange and flexible childcare. However, “au pair” is not an official immigration category in Canada. To bring someone into your home legally, you must choose the correct work permit pathway.
For most Canadian host families, the International Experience Canada (IEC) Working Holiday visa is the ultimate lifeline. 📜 If your au pair is from a partner country (like Australia, Germany, or the UK) and under a certain age (usually 30 or 35), they can apply for an open work permit. This completely bypasses the dreaded Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) and allows the youth to live with you and work freely.
On the other hand, if you wish to hire a professional, long-term nanny who wants to immigrate permanently, the federal Caregiver Pilots (Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots) were previously an option. However, IRCC has completely suspended all new applications for these caregiver pilots from March 31, 2026, until March 30, 2030, to clear the existing backlog, meaning this pathway is currently closed. ⚖️
Step-by-Step Process in Canada (IEC Pathway)
Step 1: Confirming IEC Eligibility
Before making any firm job offers, ensure the au pair applicant meets the IEC criteria. They must hold a passport from one of Canada’s 30+ youth mobility partner countries, be within the eligible age limit, and have the equivalent of $2,500 CAD in savings to support themselves upon arrival in Canada.
Step 2: The Candidate Enters the IEC Pool
The au pair must create an online IRCC account and submit a profile into the IEC Working Holiday pool. 💻 Unlike the suspended Caregiver Pilots, the Canadian host family does not need to submit any paperwork, register on an Employer Portal, or prove their household income to the government during this stage.
Step 3: Securing an Invitation and Applying
Once IRCC issues an Invitation to Apply (ITA) to the candidate, they have 10 days to accept it and 20 days to submit a full work permit application online. They will need to upload police certificates from any country they have lived in for more than 6 months and pay the federal processing fees.
Step 4: Completing the Mandatory Medical Exam
This is a critical step for au pairs. 🤔 Because they will be working closely with Canadian children in a private home, the applicant must undergo an Immigration Medical Exam (IME) by an IRCC-approved Panel Physician. If they skip this step, their work permit will be issued with a strict condition stating they are “Not authorized to work in childcare.”
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
Using the IEC route is incredibly affordable for the Canadian host family because the financial burden sits primarily with the applicant. As of May 2026, here are the expected costs:
- Employer Costs (IEC): The Canadian host family pays exactly $0 CAD in government fees, as no LMIA or Employer Compliance fee is required.
- Applicant IEC Fees: The au pair must pay an IEC participation fee of $184.75 CAD plus an Open Work Permit holder fee of $100 CAD.
- Applicant Biometrics & Medical: The candidate will pay $85 CAD for biometrics and roughly $150 to $300 CAD for the mandatory medical exam.
- Caregiver Pilot Alternative: If using the formal PR Caregiver Pilot (when open), the family may spend over $3,000 CAD in lawyer fees to draft contracts and navigate the complex PR-linked sponsorship.
| Feature | IEC Working Holiday (Au Pair) | Formal Caregiver Pilot (Nanny) [Suspended until March 2030] |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Type | Open Work Permit | Occupation-Restricted Permit |
| Path to PR | No direct path (Requires Express Entry) | Direct pathway to Permanent Residence (Suspended) |
| Employer Paperwork | None required for IRCC | Extensive (Contracts, tax NOAs) |
How Long Does the Process Take?
The IEC Working Holiday process is notably fast. Once the candidate receives an invitation and submits their full application, IRCC generally processes IEC work permits in 4 to 8 weeks. Conversely, the federal Caregiver Pilots are suspended for new intakes until March 30, 2030, to clear historical backlogs that previously took 12 to 24 months to process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I have to pay minimum wage to an IEC au pair?
Yes. Regardless of their immigration status, foreign workers in Canada are protected by provincial labour laws. You must pay the provincial minimum wage, though you are legally allowed to deduct a strictly regulated amount for room and board.
Can an au pair stay in Canada longer than one year?
It depends on their nationality. Some IEC agreements (like those with the UK or Australia) allow citizens to participate for up to two years or apply for a second participation. Others restrict it to a strict 12-month maximum.
Do I need to issue a T4 tax slip to my au pair?
Yes. If you employ a caregiver in your home, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) generally considers you an employer. You must register for a payroll account, deduct income tax, CPP, and EI, and issue a T4 at year-end.
What happens if the au pair quits?
Because the IEC provides an open work permit, the au pair is not tied to your family. If they quit, they can legally find another job in Canada (even at a coffee shop). You have no obligation to IRCC if they leave, other than paying their final wages.
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