1. Do you supply part-time or live-out nannies/caregivers?
Because our nannies come to Canada through Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s Live-in Caregiver Program, they are required to be live-in and employed full-time. For part-time or live-out care in the Prince George area, we suggest you call the YMCA sponsored Child Care Resource and Referral.
2. What is your agency fee to the employer?
PG Nannies one-time employer fee for an overseas nanny is $800, $400 at the start of the process and $400 upon delivery of the nanny. This fee is tax deductable.
3. How much does a nanny cost?
Once work commences, your nanny will be employed directly by you. Nanny minimum wage in BC is $9.50 per hour 40 hours per week. You may charge the nanny $325 per month room and board. Total net cost is approximately $1400 per month.
4. Besides childcare or eldercare, what kind of work will the nanny do?
In addition to child and eldercare, our nannies expect to do cooking, cleaning, laundry, and general housekeeping. Before selecting a nanny, we will discuss your preference regarding a nanny focused more on child/elder care or housework.
5. I work odd hours and shift work, can I still have a nanny?
Yes, the nannies schedule can be made to fit yours. BC’s Employment Standards Act calls this an averaging agreement. More information can be found on our Resources page.
6. Where do your nannies come from?
Our nannies are primarily Filipino and come to Canada via Taiwan where they are currently already working as nannies or caregivers.
7. What about the nannies that are married and have children, don’t they miss their family?
Because of poor economic conditions in the Philippines, it is a common occurrence for Filipino mothers to leave their children in order to work overseas and send money home for schooling and upbringing. Where they are currently working overseas, they have little chance of uniting their families or ever getting ahead. They look forward to coming to Canada because, once they have worked for two years, they can apply to become a Permanent Resident and bring their families to live in Canada.
8. What qualifications do your nannies have?
Our nannies have the equivalent to a Canadian high school education, which is usually a minimum of two years at a college or university level in the Philippines, six months of full-time caregiver training or twelve months of nanny/caregiver experience within the past three years, are fluent in English, have no criminal record, and pass a complete medical exam.
9. How are your nannies screened?
Our nannies complete a detailed resume package and we encourage you to telephone interview the nanny yourself once you have narrowed your selection. Once the nanny applies to the Canadian Consulate, an immigration officer verifies her references, work experience, education, and fluency in English, occasionally requiring an in person interview. Each nanny must also pass a medical exam and obtain a police clearance before she is issued a work visa.
10. How long does it take to hire a nanny?
It takes roughly 6-8 months from the time you choose a nanny to when she arrives in Canada and is able to start work, depending on the current workload at the respective Canadian government offices. However, in the case of someone requiring urgent care with documented medical or disability conditions, processing can be expedited. Please note that processing times are beyond our control and subject to change without notice from Service Canada or Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
11. What are the initial steps for hiring a nanny?
PG Nannies guides you through the hiring process and helps you complete the necessary paperwork up until your nanny arrives in Canada and starts work. The initial process for hiring a nanny includes:
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1. Meeting to discuss your family’s needs and to begin the process of selecting a nanny |
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2. Registering a business number and advertising on the national job bank |
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3. Registering as an employer with the BC Domestic Registry |
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4. Submitting a Foreign Live-in Caregiver Application to Service Canada |
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5. Determining a wage rate and drawing up a contract with your nanny |
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6. Sending the appropriate documents to the nanny and waiting for her arrival in Canada |
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12. How can we prepare for our nanny’s arrival?
While your nanny is waiting for her work visa, we recommend you prepare the following:
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1. Complete the Welcome to Our Family document provided by PG Nannies |
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2. Review the Pre-Work Checklist provided by PG Nannies |
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3. Register with WorkSafe BC |
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4. Talk with an accountant about setting up payroll |
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5. Prepare a furnished bedroom with locking door for the nanny to stay. |
13. What is the length of contract involved and is there a probation period?
Typically, contracts are made for two years but may be broken by either party. We encourage you to give the relationship three months to iron out any kinks. Sometimes, customs can be different in regards to communication, housekeeping and discipline. Your nanny will need time to adjust to your way of doing things.
14. What if I am not happy with my nanny, do you offer a placement guarantee?
PG Nannies is committed to providing the best possible service and best possible care for your loved ones. If you are not happy with your nanny, through no fault of your own, we will be happy to replace her for no charge.
15. How much space do I need in my home for a nanny?
All your nanny will need is a furnished bedroom with a locking door. Internet access will help your nanny stay in touch with family and friends. A private bathroom and television are great but not necessary. Your nanny will likely spend evenings and weekends in her room or out of the house, visiting friends, when she is not working.
16. Can our nanny take care of our friends’ children as well?
Our nannies are not legally able to work for anyone other than the employer named on their work permit.
17. Can you place nannies other than in Prince George?
PG Nannies is a BC registered employment agency. We have placed nannies all over BC in places like Prince George, Mackenzie, Dawson Creek, Kamloops, Kelowna, Chilliwack and Sechelt.
18. What are PG Nannies business hours?
We are open for business daytime, evenings and weekends. Give us a call anytime to discuss your family’s needs!
19. What kind of ongoing support is offered by PG Nannies?
PG Nannies is committed to your family’s successful employment of a nanny and provides ongoing follow up and support throughout the employment relationship. PG Nannies:
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· provides each employer with a booklet containing introductory information, payroll and employment standards information, and other documents meant to help prepare you for your nanny’s arrival |
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· personally meets with each employer and their caregiver upon her arrival at the Prince George airport |
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· follows up regularly by telephone and/or email to help troubleshoot communication and/or work performance issues if they arise. |
20. Can you provide references from other families who have hired a nanny?
We would be happy to provide telephone and/or email references of families who have hired a nanny through PG Nannies.
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