Straight answers to the questions families and caregivers ask most.
Costs vary depending on how you arrange care. As a rough guide, caregivers hired directly in BC typically earn between $18-$30/hour, based on Government of Canada wage data for live-in caregivers. Going through a private home care agency generally costs more, often in the $32-$55/hour range, since that also covers the agency's scheduling, backup coverage, and administration. Live-in arrangements are usually priced by the day or month rather than by the hour. It's worth getting a few real quotes for your specific situation, since the type of care needed (personal care vs. companionship), hours per week, and complexity all affect the price.
Hourly care means a caregiver comes for set shifts, whether that's a few hours a day or a few days a week. Live-in care means a caregiver lives in the home and is available for extended periods, usually with a set amount of daily rest time built in, and is typically priced per day rather than per hour. Live-in arrangements tend to make sense for people who need supervision or support around the clock but not continuous hands-on medical care through the night.
Yes, but there are rules to follow. Depending on the caregiver's situation, this generally falls under Canada's Temporary Foreign Worker Program or International Mobility Program, and the process differs depending on whether the caregiver already has a valid work permit, is already in Canada, or is applying from outside the country. See the next question for an important recent change to be aware of.
The Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker Pilots, a federal program that let some caregivers apply for permanent residence, closed to new applicants in mid-2024, and the related Home Care Worker Immigration pilots for applicants outside Canada were paused in December 2025. If you were relying on this pathway, check IRCC's website directly for the current status, since immigration policy in this area has been changing.
This is the part that trips people up most: in most cases, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will not issue a work permit for an in-home caregiver unless that person is already in Canada with a valid work or study permit. In practice, this means you generally can't recruit someone living abroad and bring them to Canada specifically to work as your caregiver; they typically need to already be here. If this applies to your situation, speak with a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer before making any commitments.
This depends on how specific your requirements are (language, live-in vs. hourly, specialized care experience) and how many caregivers are actively looking in your area at that moment. Some families find someone within a couple of weeks; more specific or urgent placements can take longer. Registering early, even before care needs to start, generally gives you more options.
An agency handles scheduling, backup coverage if your regular caregiver is unavailable, payroll, and liability insurance, which costs more but takes a lot off your plate. Hiring directly (sometimes called private hire) usually costs less per hour, but you take on the responsibilities of being an employer: payroll, tax remittances, arranging backup coverage, and liability. Many families start with an agency and move to a direct hire once they've found someone they trust.
This information is general and can change. For anything involving immigration status or work permits, speak with a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer.
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