In-Canada Application for Permanent Residence (Live-in Caregivers)
The Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP) is closed to new applicants. You can only apply for permanent residence under the Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP) if you:
- are already working in Canada with an LCP work permit, or
- were approved for your first LCP work permit based on an employer's positive Labour Market Impact Assessment application submitted on or before November 30, 2014
Otherwise, you may still qualify for permanent residence through the Caring for Children or Caring for People with High Medical Needs classes.
You need to give your biometrics
In most cases, you now need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) after you apply.
Find out who needs to give biometrics and how the new application process works.
Biometrics and the application process
We refer to your fingerprints and photo as biometrics. We collect biometrics for most applications. Find out what happens from when you submit your application to when you get to Canada and where biometrics fits in the process.
1. Apply for permanent residence
If you want to apply for permanent residence in Canada, make sure you’re eligible to apply. Use our application guides to help fill out your application properly, then submit your application.
Avoid processing delays by sending us a complete application.
2. Get your fingerprints and photo taken
If you’re between 14 and 79 years old, you need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) for every application for permanent residence you submit. Even if you gave your biometrics in the past and they’re still valid.
- You must pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application. Otherwise you may experience delays.
- Get this done as soon as you get the letter from us that tells you to give biometrics.
- You have 30 days to do this from the date on the letter.
Temporary changes to biometrics
Book your biometric appointment as soon as you can to avoid processing delays.
If you can’t book an appointment by the deadline on your biometric instruction letter, there may be measures in place to help you.
Find out who needs to give, how to give, and where to give your biometrics.
3. We process your application
After we get your biometrics, we start processing your application. See how long it takes to process your application.
If we need more information from you, we’ll contact you.
4. We make a decision on your application
When we finish reviewing your application, we let you know if you’re approved to come to Canada. If you are, we issue your documents.
If your application is refused, we send you a letter that tells you why.
5. You travel to Canada (if you’re approved)
Make sure you travel with the documents we gave you. This includes documents like your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), permanent resident visa (if you’re from a country that needs a visa), or eTA (electronically linked to your passport) if you’re from a visa-exempt country or your single entry journey document if you don’t have a travel document.
Airline staff and border service officers at ports of entry will ask to see your travel documents. If you don’t have them, you may not be able to board your flight to Canada.
Make sure children under 18 travel with the right documents.
6. We check your identity when you arrive in Canada
When you arrive, we check your identity to make sure that you are the same person who was approved to travel to Canada. We may use your biometrics to do this.
If we can’t verify your identity, you may be detained by a border services officer. These officers help protect the health and safety of Canadians.
If the officer determines that you’re not admissible to Canada, you won’t be allowed to enter Canada. If you came by air, you’ll have to take a return flight to where you came from.
7. You’re allowed to enter Canada
If you pass the identity check and meet the entry requirements, the border services officer stamps your passport and lets you know how long you can stay in Canada. You’re normally allowed to stay in Canada for up to six months.
Children under 18 must meet the same entry requirements as adults. The border services officer may ask minor children to show other documents depending on whether the child is travelling alone or with someone.
This application package includes:
- Document Checklist [IMM 5282] (opens in a new tab)
- Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)(opens in a new tab)
- Additional Dependants/Declaration (IMM 0008DEP) (opens in a new tab)
- Schedule A – Background/Declaration [IMM 5669] (opens in a new tab)
- Additional Family Information [IMM 5406] (opens in a new tab)
- Live-in Caregiver – Employer Declaration of Hours Worked [IMM 5634] (opens in a new tab)
- Use of a Representative [IMM 5476] (opens in a new tab)
- Instruction Guide [IMM 5290]
Use this application if you want to apply for permanent residence in Canada and you:
- have been working in Canada under the Live-in Caregiver Program for at least 24 months, or
- worked a total of 3,900 hours within four years of arriving in Canada, and
- have a valid work permit to work in a home offering live-in care for children, seniors or the disabled.
How to use this application package
Read the Instruction Guide to complete your application forms.
- Use the Generic Application Form for Canada [IMM 0008]. You can fill it out and save it using a computer. You will need Adobe Reader 10 or higher. You must also turn JavaScript on.
- Filling out the form on a computer is easier than filling it out by hand. It reduces the risk of mistakes that can slow down the application process.
- Having trouble downloading the form? Right-click the link and select “Save Target As…”
Fill out, validate, print, sign and date your application forms.
To make sure you submit all the pages of each form, follow these steps.
IMM 0008 form
- Click the "Validate" button at the top or bottom of the form.
Note: Validating the form before printing makes sure that you have answered all the questions. This will help you to avoid delays in processing your application.
- A last page with barcodes and a signature line will automatically be created.
- Print, sign and date the form.
- For best results:
- print on white, bond-quality, non-glossy paper and
- use a laser printer.
- Place the barcode page on top of your package. If you have more than one package, place a separate barcode page on each one.
Other forms:
Use the Document Checklist to make sure that you include all the other forms and documents you need.
Pay the fees
You must include the fee with your application. Find out how to pay your fees.
Mail your completed application to the Case Processing Centre in Edmonton, Alberta.
