How to Decide on a Live-out or Live-in Nanny
Did you know that if you have two children or more having a nanny is more affordable than daycare? When you choose to hire a nanny you’ll have to decide if you want a live-out or live-in nanny.
We often get asked what type of nanny is more flexible and economical: live-in or live-out? There are benefits and drawbacks in both situations, the right choice will depend on your specific needs. Consider this article a guide to helping you choose whether a live-in or live-out nanny will be best for your situation. For some households, having a live-in maid is a better option because it allows parents to spend more quality time with their children.
Definitions
First, let’s define the two different roles
Live-Out Nanny — The caregiver comes to your home each day to look after the children, then goes back to their own home at the end of the work day.
Live-in Nanny — The caregiver lives in your home 24/7 and is given separate private sleeping quarters. They may choose to stay out of your home on their off days. Some live-in nannies are not Canadian citizens, are working under the Live-in Caregiver Program and require sponsorship for their work permit, whereas others are Canadian citizens.
The Differences between a Live-out and Live-in Nanny
| Considerations | Live-In Nanny | Live-Out Nanny |
| Hours available | Often flexible, must have at least one day off | Set hours |
| Housekeeping | Often does full cleaning | Traditionally light housekeeping |
| Experience | Often trained overseas but can have nurse or teacher training | Educated in Canada. Traditionally has high school diploma with experience with children |
| Transportation for Children | Often does not have a valid licence for Canada | May have licence and their own vehicle |
| Paperwork LMIA | $1000 | Not needed |
| Medical Insurance | $180 | Not needed |
| Overtime | Requirements vary by province but same for live-in or live-out.
Some examples:
AB - not applicable
BC - after 8 hrs/day and/or 40 hrs/wk
MB - after 8 hrs/day and/or 40 hrs/wk
ON - after 44 hrs/wk
SK - after 8 hrs/day and/or 40 hrs/wk | Requirements vary by province but same for live-in or live-out.
Some examples:
AB - not applicable
BC - after 8 hrs/day and/or 40 hrs/wk
MB - after 8 hrs/day and/or 40 hrs/wk
ON - after 44 hrs/wk
SK - after 8 hrs/day and/or 40 hrs/wk |
| Holiday Pay | Requirements vary by province but same for live-in or live-out. Commonly if holiday falls on regular day, they are given day off with pay. If required to work on the holiday, they are generally paid a premium plus OT for time worked. | Requirements vary by province but same for live-in or live-out. Commonly if holiday falls on regular day, they are given day off with pay. If required to work on the holiday, they are generally paid a premium plus OT for time worked. |
| Flight | 1200 EST | Not Needed |
| Wage | Minimum wage - $15/hour GROSS | $12-$18/hour GROSS |
| WSIB/WCB | Requirements vary by province but same for live-in or live-out | Requirements vary by province but same for live-in or live-out |
Room and board can only be deducted from a nanny’s wage if they are hired outside of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). This was removed from the program in December 2014. Also, the maximum amount that can be deducted vary by province ($85.25/wk in ON, $325/month in BC, $250/month in SK, etc)
For more information on the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and how it applies to the working conditions and pay for a foreign nanny please read:
Let Us Be Your Guide!
Choosing a nanny is an important and difficult decision we have many resources to help guide you through the process of finding, interviewing, hiring, keeping and paying great nannies. We even have advice for when and how to dismiss a nanny if necessary. For more information check out the Nanny Hiring and Nanny FAQ sections of our blog as well as our Nanny Hiring Guide.
Contact Us
Although we may be a self-serve nanny service, we are still very much devoted to helping families and caregivers succeed in their search for a match through our site. Our customer support team is always here and happy to offer any advice to our potential and existing customers.
More Helpful Resources
CanadianNanny.ca is Canada’s largest and most trusted online service for finding nannies and babysitters. We have been recognized by Today’s Parent, CanadaAM, the Globe & Mail, Reader’s Digest, Canadian Living Magazine, and many reputable parenting websites and publications across Canada.
Need a Nanny?
Need a Nanny Job?
