What to ask the agency in Canada
There are many agencies out there. What to look for before you make a decision? First of all, define your needs. Do your homework. Go on the Internet. An ocean of information is available, as hundreds of agencies operate across Canada. You are not limited to the one around the corner.
Ask many questions about their services. How do they screen their applicants for a job? How informed are they about the labour standards in your province? What help do they offer to get the caregiver to Canada? Immigration matters can be confusing and overwhelming.
How much do they charge for their services? What guarantees do they give you? Do they have enough time to talk to you? Do they allow you to talk to the caregiver before you make a decision? Do they make it sound too easy? Do they tell you what your obligations would be if you become an employer? Do they offer support if something goes wrong?
Ask as many questions as you need to feel comfortable. If they don't have the time to talk to you, move on. A caregiver coming from abroad is as good or as bad as the agency they are using. You need to make an educated decision and then give your trust to the people whom you hired to help you.
When dealing with an agency, you should look for:
- Knowledge and familiarity with the process from A to Z, including the employer-employee relations and your obligations and rights, immigration procedures and rules.
- Caregiver's employment references and qualifications verification.
- Caregiver's police clearances.
- Telephone interview and unlimited access to the caregiver of your choice during the processing of the paperwork.You should be allowed to communicate with your future caregiver before you offer her employment and during the whole time it takes for her to come to Canada. We strongly encourage that you learn to know your future employee as well as you possibly can before she actually arrives. Beware of agencies that will not let you talk to the caregiver or want to be present during the interview.
- A list of necessary documents that you will need to obtain the approval of your employment offer to a foreign caregiver from your local Human Resources and Skills Development office (HRSDC).
- Preparation of employment offer and contract in accordance with the provincial legislation and HRSDC requirements, representation and dealing with the government on your behalf.
- Conflict resolution and ongoing support once your caregiver arrives.
- A replacement of the caregiver if the caregiver leaves or the arrangement does not work out - free-of-charge.
IMPORTANT! By law, you are required to pay your caregiver at least minimum wage. HRSDC in every province has its own rules and will not approve anything below its standards even if it is more than minimum wage in your province.
- Agencies in Canada
- Male caregiver?
- Before you look abroad
- Before you sign a contract
- Well-meant tips
- Canada health plans
- Employment standards
- WCB
- Employment termination
- Questions and answers
- Nanny already in Canada
- Caregiver selection
- Your obligations
- Your responsibilities
