Related Post: What does the new caregiver applicants should DO about the changes in the LCP.
Part 2 of How to Apply as Caregiver in Canada from the Philippines (Part 1).
Apply for Temporary Resident Visa to Canada from the Philippines
The Canadian visa office will issue an official document called Temporary Resident Visa and placed it in your passport if you are qualified to enter Canada as a temporary resident (visitor, student, or worker).
The application for the Temporary Resident Visa is included in the Application Kit for work permit (page 1). You have to fill out the form Schedule 1 – Application for Temporary Resident Visa (IMM 5257).
Unlike the work permit, you will receive the multiple-entry visa (as of February 16, 2014) before you leave the Philippines. Way back in year two thousand something, I submitted my application through mail.
Related Post: Caregiver Salary in Canada
Two Ways to Submit the Application for Caregivers (on Paper)
As I’ve mentioned in the first few paragraphs of the post you can either apply online or on paper.
If you choose to submit online then go back to Apply for Work Permit in Canada from the Philippines (page 1). Otherwise, you can submit the completed application through a Canada Visa Application Centres (CVAC).
The VFS Global manages the Canada Visa Application Centres (CVAC) in the Philippines. The centre can assist you (for a fee) in completing the form.
After completing all the forms, you can submit the application in two methods:
- In-person
- Mail-in
Note: Whether you submit your application in person or through a courier, you will have to pay the service charge (CAD 19.72 or PHP 678.75) and submit the VFS Consent Form.
Where to Find VFS Global:
Canada Visa Application Centre — Manila
VFS Services Phils. Pvt. Inc.
Mezzanine Floor Ecoplaza Bldg.
Chino Roces Ave Ext. Makati city 1231, Philippines
Canada Visa Application Centre — Cebu
VFS Services Phils. Pvt. Inc.
9F Keppel Center Unit 905 Samar Loop cor Cardinal Rosales Ave,
Cebu Business Park
Cebu City 6000, Philippines
Are you still reading (and absorbing the information)?
By now, you almost know everything about how to apply as a caregiver in Canada from the Philippines.
Hang on. The end is in sight.
How Much Should You Pay
The fee for work permit includes the fee for temporary resident visa. The fee is CAD $155.00 or 5,335.00 Php as of August 21, 2015. Follow the instruction carefully and choose the right mode of payment depending on the type of application (online or on paper).
That’s just for the application.
I have bad news for you. More expenses is coming your way. I included the details in the timeline. Before that, let’s find out about the processing times.
How Long Should You Wait
All right. No more unpleasant news.
I’ll make it up by saying that the processing time has huge improvement compare in my era (I just sound prehistoric) and it keeps on changing.
Temporary resident visa – 10 days as of March 21, 2017
Temporary work permit – 8 weeks as of March 21, 2017
Note: I am not sure about the accuracy of the processing times for caregivers because an applicant has to go through many process (again refer to my timeline).
Mantra for all the applicants: “time flies.”
Yes, you’ve said that to yourself several times so don’t count the days but do keep track of the process. And please don’t ask me about the processing time of the application.
Heads up: I hope I wouldn’t scare you with the next few tasks. Well, it’s not a complete list. These are just what I can dig out of my nostalgic-yet-forgetful memory sheltered under the hoodie.
(My) Timeline of Application for Live-in Caregiver in Canada from the Philippines
You may be thinking how the entire application looks like.
So I’m sharing my timeline (no specific dates) when I apply as caregiver in Canada from the Philippines.
It all started (sounds like a fairy tale) while I was a student and ended when the work permit was handed to me by the immigration officer. (I was in the cloud 9 with my heart still intact and out of danger.)
I still have all my documents both original and photo copy. (I have the illusion of becoming an archivist in a museum or library.)
But I only keep important stuff and the ones I still like even if there’s a peeping hole. (What’s the use of needle and thread . . . and band-aid adorned with Dora the Explorer anyway?)
I tried to be as accurate as possible with the aid of my aging memory.
So here is my journey (with the cost) many years ago in a glance:
- Completed the six-month caregiver course (daily “baon” also ended).
- Completed the on-the-job trainings for elderly (Laguna) and child care (Sampaloc).
- Gathered transcript of record and certificate of completion for the caregiver course with DFA and TESDA authentication. (My school helped me with everything. Muchos gracias.)
- Gathered transcript of record and diploma from the university with DFA and CHED authentication.
- Applied for Philippine passport (Php 950.00 or 1,200.00) and NBI Certificate (Php 115.00, Canada Visa).
- Received the LMO and contract from the employer. LMO is now called LMIA. An employer has to pay $1,000.00 for the application. Whether it is approved or not, the fee is non refundable.
- Submitted the application for work permit and visa through courier.
- Received a letter acknowledging receipt of the application.
- Reviewed for the speak test. (Then blogged and watched Koreanovelas. Instant reward.) In 2017, I have been informed by readers that the speak test was replaced with IELTS exam. Can you share your thoughts about it.
- Passed the speak test (with trembling knees and fleeting nervousness) after at least one year of waiting.
- Undergo medical exam in spite of colds (not a good idea since my chest x-ray was repeated).
- Submitted additional documents (passport and renewed NBI clearance) to the Canadian Embassy in Makati (RCBC Plaza).
- Received the Temporary Resident Visa (required in entering Canada).
- Went back and forth in POEA to wait for my name to appear in the “List of Verified Employment Contracts.” Seeing my name under the namehires made me want to shop in Robinson Galleria in Ortigas. But I didn’t in spite of downpour of sale.
- Received the POLO with “Addendum to the Employment Contract.”
- Attended the pre-departure seminars for temporary workers:
- OWWA Seminar (PDOS) for temporary workers
- Canadian Orientation Abroad (Free) for live-in caregiver etc.
- Arrived at the Vancouver Airport and received the work permit from the immigration officer. Cheers!
- Run to the connecting flight. Though getting lost slowed me down, I didn’t miss it.
- Success! Chilling. Relaxing and trembling because of the cold wind in summer.
- More success! I finished the Live-in Caregiver Program.
- Received my open work permit, then a year later I became a permanent resident.
- Looking forward to qualify for citizenship.
- Reviewed and passed the Canadian citizenship exam.
- Attained Dual Citizenship (Filipino Canadian).
The journey has a happy ending after all. All throughout the years the hoodie is my BFF and so is the scarf and ear muff but only in winter.
One year and six months, probably, is how long the application process is. Don’t include the time I spent in school, OJTs, and long . . . long . . . long . . . lines.
Make the Giant Leap to the West
So are you ready to trade your slippers to boots? Daing to pasta? Sun and rain to snow and hailstone?
Of course you don’t have to give it all up (daing . . . never).
It’s all a matter of adjustment (and hot shower and anything made of fleece). You’ll be fine. You can apply as caregiver in Canada from the Philippines or somewhere else (e.g. Hong Kong or Saudi Arabia).
Many Filipino caregivers have succeeded and ventured in another career after completing the Live-in Caregiver Program.
And you will be soon joining the proud Filipino caregivers in Canada. Good luck!
Hi There,
I just want to ask if you have an idea if my sister can submit her papers to embassy manila while she’s still in Saudi? She has a positive LMIA but her schedule of going home to Philippines will be in January 1st week but we wanted to submit her papers ahead before she will go home. I am wondering if she can get her NBI clearance from Saudi too through Philippine consulate. We need your thoughts since I know that LMIA will expire in 6 months. We got her approved LMIA October 6, 2017. Do you know how long will be the process of work permit in Philippines?
Thank you
If it’s possible Mary to submit the application of your sister without requiring her personal appearance then it could be done. Or she can prepare the requirement so as soon as she arrive in Manila in January she can immediately submit the application. As for the processing, it’s hard to tell. It may take a year or less.
Hello, good day!
I find your blog very helpful and informative.
Does it mean that the job you actually did in Canada is the basis for permanent residence?
In the Express Entry, can I apply as a cashier or customer service even if my NOC is Academe/Teaching? Is this an okay pathway? I know this is not related to live – in caregiver, but I’m having a hard time getting an answer.
I hope you can help. Thanks.
You are correct Jonalyn. The Permanent Residency was part of the Live-In Caregiver Program which is now closed. As regards to the Express Entry, I wasn’t aware how it works so I would be of help. But when it comes to document application, I have written a lot of blog posts that can serve as your guide. You can also email the CIC or read its FAQ section. Good luck.
Hello, good morning. I am currently processing my papers to submit for my visa. I just wanted to ask what documents should I need to get authenticated by DFA (red-ribbon). And how do I get authentication?
Thank you so much in advance.
You can check my timeline in the post Judy. I went to DFA in Pasay for the authentication (red ribbon). But I guess there are lots of satellite offices in Manila that provide authentication.
Hello po mam carolyn…need ko po sana ng advice…registered nurse po ako dto sa pinas with 2yrs and 3 months expirience po as a private nurse sa saudi at kauuwi ko lang po last january 1….may work visa na po ako kaiissue lang po last june…mam do i still need an NC2 certificate before poea will issue me an OEC then later on PDOS certificate?
Csherilyn, if I’m not mistaken NC2 is for those who have studied caregiving in the Philippines for 6 months. And I’m assuming you apply based on experience so you don’t need an NC2 certificate from TESDA. Check the timeline before you reach the end of the post for some guides on what to do next.
Also don’t forget to read the post about caregiver salary. It will help you understand the payslip and Canadian taxes since most of the time caregivers are not aware of the deductions and how to manage their finances. It’s a great start for a soon-to-be newcomers. Have a safe trip.
Hello required ba talaga ang ielts? Kc sabi ng bayaw ko hnd na daw…
As for IELTS, I can’t find any information online saying it’s mandatory. If you found a news on a reliable source, I would appreciate if you can share it here on the blog. Thanks.
Hello, I’m so happy that I found your blog. Its very helpful and informative. I also want to ask, how to meet the school standard of Canada. Should you at least completed 2 years in college? Because in my case, I only finished 1 year and 6 months in college and I am planning to take a caregiving course so I can apply for Canada in the future.
Thanks in advance.
Here’s a heads up: I hope you set a time to read my post about the Live-in Caregiver Program that is closed for now. Nobody knows what would happen next so it is best to stay informed and know what are the other opportunities to work in Canada.
Hi mam! Nagagalak po ako n natagpuan ko ang srili ko n binbsa ko blogs mo..thank you so much! Kaya ko to!
Salamat Lara. Nawa’y matupad mo ang iyong mga pangarap sa buhay.
Hi Carolyn!
I’m currently in Australia and working as an Assistant in Nursing in a Nursing home and registered nurse in my country but my license just expired last year, do i still need to do a caregiver course?, and by the way i have done my certificate in aged care here in Australia. I’m planning to work in Canada after my visa expired here, what my chances are to get a visa? Thanks!
Regards,
Jocelyn
Jocelyn you can apply as a caregiver based on your work experience. Then again, why not explore other possibilities of working in Canada as nursing assistant. As for the visa, this post will give you an idea.
Hi Ms. Carolyn!
Thank you for sharing us this useful blog. I am also interested to apply as a caregiver to Canada but I have read from some recruitment websites that they prefer to hire Filipino caregivers working outside the Philippines because of the longer processing time. Can you suggest any agencies that hire Caregiver based in the Philippines? Thank you!
Lecs for a start, you can check the accredited agencies in the Philippines. And from there, you can inquire if they are processing papers for caregivers who want to work in Canada. I don’t have personal recommendation since I was direct hired. Another source are Facebook groups for OFWs. Hope the information helps somehow. Good luck!
Hello, your blog really helps me a lot preparing my papers, at first i don’t even know where to start and how? Right now i just got an employer and waiting for my LMIA and contract. I just want to ask you if you know when the LMIA will expire? My problem is here in Philippines has a lot of requirements like I believe IELTS and NCII .
Yhuane you may want to find out and gather the requirements for IELTS and NCII. Once you have an LMIA then you can start submitting the requirements. I’m not sure the current validity of LMIA but when I had my LMIA which is called LMO years ago, it has 6 months of validity. I was able to pass the caregiver application before the LMO/LMIA expire. While waiting for the LMIA, you can also start having your school transcript and diploma authenticated by CHED and authenticated (red ribbon) by DFA. The same goes with caregiver certificate. Good luck!
hello Caroline, thank you for your very informative blog.
I would just like to ask. I’m an ex ofw in the hotel housekeeping industry for more than 10 years. But i’m a nursing graduate (with expired license) but no hospital experience at all. Do I still need to take a caregiving course plus training to qualify for the program?
thank you and more power.
Hi Rachel. You need to have a caregiving-related experience or take a caregiver course with practicum to be able to apply as caregiver in Canada. For updated requirements and qualifications refer to the application package.
Thank you for that very informative blog.
Hi, I just wanna ask. I’m a licensed PT and also a Caregiver. Is it necessary that my PT credentials and also my previous employment be authenticated? Thank you in advance.
That’s a good question Frelly. I’ll answer it based on my experience. My school transcript and diploma (for college) were authenticated by CHED and DFA. The caregiver certificate and NC II for caregiving were authenticated by the DFA. So I guess it would be safe to have your school credential be authenticated with the exception of employment credentials. But it’s just my opinion; don’t forget to confirm it also to the customer service of CIC in the Philippines.
Hi guys nakakainspire po ang post na ito;pwede po magtanong kasi yong sister ko walang Caregiver certificate pero Kindergarten public school teacher siya till at present po ngayon siya sana ang i- hire ng amo ko since she can provide pay slips and proof na employed parin siya.do you think approve kaya siya? Thank you so much po
Thanks Resi. If she’s coming from the Philippines and doesn’t have a health-care related experience, then a caregiver certificate is one of the requirements in applying as a caregiver from the Philippines. Your sister might want to consider other route to work in Canada based on her work experience.
Great blog and very useful indeed. I am going to start my journey as a caregiving student on monday.. and im in my mid 30’s… given the timeline you presented, i would probably be in my late 30’s when everything goes as planned. do you think age is a factor in this profession? Do the employers prefer to hire younger caregivers?
Thanks Hana. Age is not a factor in applying as a caregiver; but then again, employers has the upper hand in choosing which is the best candidate through interviews etc. Having addressed that topic, I want to emphasize that every future caregiver should focus on knowing the Canadian policy in hiring caregivers/temporary foreign workers because changes are constantly made that will have huge impact to the applicants. Read news and subscribe to the blog for more information for newcomers in Canada. Good luck to your endeavours.
Nainspire ulit ako to pursue my apply. Great blog! Thanks for this.
Welcome! I hope you let us know how it goes Rodel.
Carolyn, when you first applied as a Live-in caregiver in Canada, are you somehow related to your employer? I’m currently taking up my second-course as a Caregiver, and my Aunt is planning to be my employer. That is possible right? And another thing, do I really have to gain 1 year experience after finishing my short course? Or I can immediately apply as a Caregiver in Canada even w/o experience? Thank you so much in advance Carolyn!
Hi Cauline. The important thing to remember is that the employer passed the qualifications and requirements regardless of relation to the employee. As to the experience, I suggest you to download the latest copy of the requirements and guidelines. You can see the revision date at the bottom of the form. Another tip also is to check the requirements that your aunt has to submit. She should know the procedures, expenses etc so that both of you are prepared prior to the application.
I really like reading your blogs. It’s very informative and a lot of inputs. Great job!
🙂 Thank you Darius. I too appreciate your positive feedback.
Love the inputs shared in this blog. Very informative and straightforward. Thank you
Hi mj. You’re welcome. Such comment always inspire me to be authentic and do a lot of research for a blog post. It’s all worth it for all of you.
You are great. Light blog with a touch of humour and truth that hurts. Love this
Hi Mon. I appreciate your feedback. I focus on writing informative post but try to balance it with reality, the real deal. In spite of the harsh truth let’s not forget to always . . . always look on the bright side, the bigger picture.
Let me know if there’s any topic you want to be discussed on the blog. I always love to hear from all of you. 🙂