Montreal · The exception that changes everything

In Montreal, a live-in caregiver in your home — unlocked by the medical exception.

Montreal is one of the cities where hiring an international live-in caregiver is normally restricted. But if you're caring for a parent losing their autonomy or a child with special needs, the medical exception lifts that barrier — and the European au pair stays available with no conditions. Our founder — a lawyer, member of the Quebec Bar — handles obtaining the work permit, from start to finish.

Check my eligibility → (514) 344-0099

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The barrier that falls

In Montreal, international live-in care is normally frozen. Only one thing unlocks it: a documented care need.

Normally

Restricted in Montreal

Montreal is one of the cities where hiring a live-in caregiver from abroad is frozen for a family with no special need — a measure tied to the local labour market, not a Regency decision.

With the medical exception

Unlocked across Quebec

A parent losing their autonomy or a child with documented special needs? The medical exception (Schedule H) lifts the barrier: live-in care becomes possible, here as elsewhere.

And the European au pair? It isn't affected by this restriction — it stays available in Montreal with no conditions at all.

Three paths for Montreal families

Depending on your situation: two services unlocked by the medical exception, and the European au pair available with no conditions.

Seniors · Medical exception

Elderly care

A live-in caregiver for a parent losing their autonomy. The medical exception unlocks live-in care in Montreal. Several Quebec assistance programs may apply. See elderly care →

Unlocked in Montreal by the medical exception.
From $19.27/hrArrival in 8 to 9 months
Get started →
Special needs · Medical exception

Special-needs care

A live-in caregiver trained in special needs, chosen for your child. The medical exception (Schedule H) unlocks live-in care in Montreal. See special-needs care →

Unlocked in Montreal by the medical exception.
From $19/hrArrival in 8 to 9 months
Get started →
No conditions

European au pair

A young European welcomed into your family for 1 to 2 years, through the International Experience Canada program. Not affected by the Montreal restriction.

Available in Montreal — no conditions.
$20–25/hrVariable timeline
Get started →
Not sure about your eligibility? Let's talk, it's free →

Understanding the medical exception in Montreal

Montreal is a restricted area — but a documented care need changes everything. Here are the key terms, simply explained.

What is the TFWP?
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), home-care stream, lets you welcome a live-in caregiver from abroad when local labour is scarce. In Montreal, this stream is normally restricted — but the medical exception reopens it (see below). The full process usually takes 8 to 9 months and often leads to permanent residence (2 to 4 years).
Why is Montreal restricted?
Some cities very close to major centres — including Montreal, Laval and Brossard — are subject to a freeze: normally, hiring an international live-in caregiver isn't authorized for a family with no special need. It's a measure tied to the local labour market, not a Regency decision.
What is the medical exception?
For a senior losing their autonomy or a child with documented special needs, a medical exception allows hiring a live-in caregiver anywhere in Quebec — including in Montreal, with a doctor's note. It's the "barrier that falls": your situation reopens access to live-in care.
What is Schedule H?
Schedule H (form EMP5600) is the medical component of an application when a person has a documented care need. It's the official mechanism that gives effect to the medical exception and unlocks live-in care in normally restricted cities like Montreal. Our founder, a lawyer, prepares it with you.
How much does the caregiver earn? How much does it cost?
A live-in caregiver's wage starts at $19/hr; for elderly care, at $19.27/hr. These rates are set annually by the government. Regency's fees vary with your situation — we give you a transparent, complete quote during your free consultation.

Let's start by checking your eligibility

Tell us your situation — an aging parent, a child with special needs, or an au pair plan — and you'll see in 6 steps what's possible in Montreal.

For caregivers

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    Step 1 of 6

    Where are you located?

    Select your region and city to see which services are available in your area.

    Step 2 of 6

    What type of help are you looking for?

    Choose the service that best fits your family's needs.

    Step 3 of 6

    One quick eligibility question

    Do you or a family member have a medical condition or special care need? (e.g. disability, chronic illness, or a child with special needs)

    Step 4 of 6

    How would you like the nanny to work?

    Choose the work arrangement that fits your family's schedule.

    Step 5 of 6

    A few more details

    Step 6 of 6

    Summary & your contact details

    Region: —
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      We support families across Montreal

      Our service covers the entire Island of Montreal.

      Plateau-Mont-Royal Outremont Westmount Mont-Royal Côte-des-Neiges Notre-Dame-de-Grâce Ahuntsic Verdun

      Your questions, answered

      The questions Montreal families ask us most.

      Is a live-in caregiver really possible in Montreal?
      Yes — with one condition. For a family with no special need, international live-in care is restricted in Montreal. But as soon as there's a parent losing their autonomy or a child with documented special needs, the medical exception reopens access. And the European au pair stays available with no conditions.
      How does the medical exception unlock live-in care?
      With a doctor's note attesting a care need (a senior losing their autonomy or a child with special needs), Schedule H applies and authorizes the live-in caregiver, even in a normally frozen city like Montreal.
      How long before the caregiver arrives?
      The full process — file preparation, LMIA, work permit and arrival — usually takes 8 to 9 months. The sooner you start, the sooner she arrives.
      How much does it cost?
      The wage starts at $19/hr ($19.27/hr for elderly care). Regency's fees vary with your situation; we give you a transparent, complete quote during your free consultation — no surprises.
      Is it legal and supervised?
      Absolutely. Everything goes through the federal TFWP, home-care stream. Our founder is a lawyer, member of the Quebec Bar, and our agency holds a CNESST permit for recruiting temporary foreign workers (permit no. AR-2000244).
      And if I just want flexible help?
      The European au pair is made for that: welcomed for 1 to 2 years, with no conditions in Montreal. It's often the simplest entry point.
      Montreal · Ready when you are

      Let's see what's possible together.

      Tell us about your situation — an aging parent, a child with special needs, or an au pair plan. Free and pressure-free, we'll assess your eligibility.

      Check my eligibility → (514) 344-0099

      No obligation · Free consultation · Reply within 24h

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