If you have compassion, patience, and the skills to care for people or help manage a home, Toronto has work waiting for you.
From live-in nannies to housekeepers, caregivers for seniors, and personal support workers (PSWs) — domestic jobs are in high demand in Toronto’s fast-growing, aging, and immigrant-rich population.
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And yes — many of these jobs come with:
- Legal Employment
- Visa sponsorship (through LMIA)
- Room and board
- Competitive salaries
- Even a pathway to permanent residency
Whether you’re:
- A caregiver looking to move to Canada from the Philippines
- A PSW or home care worker already in Ontario
- Or someone ready to work in a home-based job environment…
This guide will show you how to find and apply for real domestic jobs in Toronto—the right way.
What Is Considered a Domestic Job in Toronto, Canada?
“Domestic job” isn’t just one thing — it’s a category of hands-on, in-home support work that makes everyday life easier for Canadian families.
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And in Toronto, where:
- People are working long hours
- Families are growing
- Seniors are aging fast
Domestic workers are in high demand — especially those with reliable experience, a kind attitude, and legal status.
What Domestic Work Includes in Toronto:
| Job Title | Description | Common Setup |
|---|---|---|
| Nanny / Childcare Worker | Caring for young children, preparing meals, school drop-offs, playtime | Live-in or live-out |
| Caregiver (Elderly / Disabled) | Helping seniors or disabled clients with daily tasks, mobility, medication reminders | Often live-in, full-time |
| Housekeeper / Cleaner | Cleaning, laundry, organizing, grocery restock | Part-time or live-in |
| Personal Support Worker (PSW) | Certified care assistant — provides hygiene, feeding, lifts, medical assistance | Full-time, often via agency |
| Domestic Helper (All-in-One) | Combination of cleaning, cooking, light caregiving, errands | Family-employed, flexible |
You don’t need a university degree — but you do need:
- Some relevant experience (paid or unpaid)
- Basic English skills
- A positive attitude, reliability, and ability to follow instructions
Most In-Demand Roles Right Now in Toronto:
- Live-in caregivers for seniors
- Filipino or South Asian nannies (due to cultural familiarity and work ethic reputation)
- Part-time housekeepers for working families
- PSWs for in-home health care
- Cleaners with flexible hours + multiple clients
Does Volunteer Work Count?
Yes — many families or agencies will consider:
- Childcare for relatives
- Caring for your parents or siblings
- Volunteer hospice or disability care
You can explain what you did, how long you did it, and what skills you used.
How Much Do Domestic Workers Earn in Toronto, Canada?
Let’s talk about money — because your skills deserve fair pay.
Domestic jobs in Toronto pay more than you might think, especially if:
- You live in
- Work full-time
- Have experience or certifications
- Speak English
- Are legally authorized to work (or sponsored through LMIA)
Average Monthly Pay (Full-Time)
| Job Title | Monthly Pay (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Live-In Nanny | $2,000 – $2,600 | Free housing + food = more net savings |
| Live-Out Nanny | $2,500 – $3,500 | Higher pay but covers own rent / transport |
| Caregiver (Elderly) | $2,200 – $3,000 | Includes meal prep, mobility help |
| Housekeeper / Cleaner | $18 – $25 /hour | Often part-time or by appointment |
| PSW (Certified) | $20 – $28 /hour | May earn $3,200 – $4,000 / month full-time |
Tip: Many employers pay in cash for part-time housework — but this is not legal if you’re on a visa or without status.
Always aim for documented work — especially if you plan to stay long-term or apply for PR.
What’s Included With “Live-In” Domestic Jobs?
Many domestic workers in Toronto choose live-in jobs because they:
- Save 100% on rent (worth $800–$1,200/month)
- Often eat with the family (or have a grocery budget)
- Avoid transport costs
- Build stronger relationships = long-term job security
Common benefits for live-in workers:
- Private furnished room
- 3 meals a day
- Paid phone plan or Wi-Fi
- Sometimes, access to a vehicle or bus pass
- Flights covered (for LMIA-sponsored workers)
Bottom line: Your take-home pay may look smaller, but your savings grow faster.
What Affects Your Pay?
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Experience | More years = better pay offers |
| Certification | PSW or CPR/First Aid boosts hourly rates |
| Language Skills | English fluency = higher client trust |
| Visa Status | LMIA-sponsored workers usually earn minimum wage or above |
| Live-In vs Live-Out | Live-out earns more—but has higher expenses too |
Can Foreigners Apply for Domestic Jobs in Toronto, Canada?
Yes — Canada hires thousands of foreign domestic workers yearly, especially in major cities like Toronto.
From live-in caregivers to nannies and housekeeping staff, foreign applicants can legally work in Canada through an LMIA sponsorship system (Labour Market Impact Assessment).
It’s not automatic.
But if you have the right skills and a willing employer, you can absolutely get hired, sponsored, and build a life in Canada.
1. The LMIA Pathway for Foreign Domestic Workers
LMIA = Labour Market Impact Assessment
It’s a document the Canadian employer gets to prove:
- They need to hire a foreign worker, and
- They couldn’t find a Canadian to do the job
Once approved, the employer can issue you a job offer + work permit support.
Most common LMIA jobs in Toronto’s domestic sector:
- Live-in caregiver for children
- Live-in caregiver for seniors
- Full-time nanny
- Home support worker
- Housekeeping (less common, but possible)
2. Work Permit Options for Domestic Workers
| Program | Best For | Visa Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Child Care Provider Pilot | Nannies | Work Permit + PR Path | Requires 24 months of experience |
| Home Support Worker Pilot | Elderly / disabled caregiver | Work Permit + PR Path | Full family care eligible |
| Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) | Housekeepers, live-in nannies | Work Permit (LMIA-based) | Most common route |
| International Mobility Program (IMP) | Caregivers from U.S. / Europe | Open Work Permit | Rare, based on trade treaties |
The best route for long-term stay = Home Care Provider Pilots, which include a direct pathway to permanent residency after 24 months of full-time work.
Who Can Apply?
You may be eligible if:
- You’re from the Philippines, India, Kenya, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, or similar
- You have 1–2 years of paid domestic or caregiving experience
- You can provide:
- ID & passport
- Experience letter or reference
- Language test (IELTS General – CLB 5 min)
- Education certificate (high school or training course)
- You find a Canadian employer willing to sponsor you
Most Toronto families hire via licensed Canadian agencies — we’ll share those in the next section.
Where to Find Domestic Jobs in Toronto That Offer Visa Sponsorship
Let’s get to the point:
There are thousands of job listings out there.
But only a small percentage are:
- Legal
- LMIA-ready
- Willing to hire foreigners
- Pay fair wages
Here’s where to focus your search.
Top Job Boards for Domestic Workers in Toronto
| Platform | Best For | Visa Sponsorship? |
|---|---|---|
| Canada Job Bank | LMIA-approved jobs | Yes – filter by “foreign applicants” |
| Indeed.ca | Nannies, PSWs, live-in caregivers | Mixed – check description |
| Workopolis | Housekeeping + eldercare | Mixed |
| Care.com/ca | Direct family jobs (live-in / live-out) | Rarely sponsor |
| CanadianNanny.ca | Childcare + household jobs | Rare, but some do sponsor |
| Housekeeper.com | Housekeeping / cleaning roles | Most require legal status |
Pro tip: On Job Bank, you can filter by “Intended applicants: Canadians and international candidates, “meaning LMIA has already been approved.
Licensed Caregiver & Nanny Agencies in Toronto
If you’re applying outside Canada, your best bet is to work with a reputable, government-licensed agency.
These agencies help:
- Match you with a sponsoring employer
- Guide you through LMIA paperwork
- Handle job interviews and relocation
| Agency Name | Focus | MOM / IRCC Licensed? |
|---|---|---|
| Diamond Personnel | Live-in caregivers, nannies | Yes |
| Caregiver Connections | Elderly support + in-home PSW | Yes |
| Canadian Caregivers Inc. | LMIA-based sponsorships | Yes |
| ABC Nannies Canada | International nanny placement | Yes |
| Select Homecare | Seniors + disability care | Yes |
These agencies often charge the employer, not you. Avoid any recruiter who asks you for large upfront fees.
How to Spot a Legitimate Sponsoring Job
Job will mention:
- “LMIA available” or “willing to sponsor”
- Full job description + salary
- Language requirement (e.g., basic English or French)
- Legal contact info, not just a Gmail or WhatsApp
Red flags:
- “Guaranteed visa” with no interview
- No contract or offer letter
- Upfront “processing fees” requested
- Employer can’t name their LMIA number or agency license
Frequently Asked Questions About Domestic Jobs in Toronto, Canada
The following are some of the popular questions people asked about domestic jobs in Toronto, Canada.
Can I apply for a domestic job in Toronto if I live outside Canada?
Yes — especially if you’re:
- A caregiver, nanny, or housekeeper with at least 1 year of experience
- From a country eligible under the LMIA caregiver streams (e.g., Philippines, India, Kenya)
- Willing to work full-time, often in a live-in role
You’ll need an employer to sponsor you when applying for an LMIA.
Do domestic jobs lead to permanent residency in Canada?
They can.
If you apply under:
- The Home Child Care Provider Pilot
- Or the Home Support Worker Pilot
- You can become eligible for PR after 24 months of full-time work in Canada.
Many caregivers use this path to bring their family, buy a home, and build a long-term future.
Can I bring my spouse or children?
Yes — but only under specific visa types.
If you’re approved under a Home Caregiver Pilot with open work permit eligibility:
- You may bring your spouse (open work permit)
- And dependent children (study permit)
If you’re working under a basic LMIA Work Permit, dependants may not be included — unless specified.
What if I want to change families or employers?
If you’re on a closed work permit (LMIA-based):
- You cannot switch employers without getting a new LMIA
- If your job ends early, you must find a new sponsor and reapply
You can switch more easily if you have an open work permit (available through pilot programs).
It’s illegal to work for another employer outside your permit.
How long is a typical domestic job contract in Toronto?
Most full-time jobs (especially for foreign workers) offer:
- 2-year renewable contracts
- Paid vacation after 1 year
- Option to extend or reapply under the PR stream
Ensure you get a written offer letter including salary, duties, hours, and accommodation details.
What if the employer mistreats me?
You have rights.
Whether you’re a temporary worker or on a sponsored visa:
- Your employer must follow Canadian labor laws
- You cannot be forced to work overtime without pay
- You must have private living space if you’re live-in
If you feel unsafe or exploited, contact:
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)
Local legal aid or caregiver support groups
Conclusion – Your Skills Can Open the Door to a Life in Canada
You’ve cared for children.
You’ve looked after elders.
You’ve cleaned, cooked, folded, lifted, and supported — every single day.
And now, those same skills could be your ticket to a legal, safe, and meaningful life in one of the world’s most livable cities: Toronto, Canada.
This guide showed you how to:
- Find real, legal domestic jobs
- Understand pay, contracts, and work conditions
- Get sponsored through LMIA or caregiver pilot programs
- Explore your path to permanent residency
- Avoid scams and apply with confidence
Now what?
You start applying.
You message a licensed agency.
You build your caregiver resume.
You take the first step — even if it feels far.
Because Toronto doesn’t just need domestic workers.
It needs good ones — the kind who care, commit, and show up.
And if that sounds like you?
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