Gatineau · The exception that changes everything

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

Gatineau, bordering Ottawa, is one of the areas 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 Gatineau, international live-in care is normally frozen. Only one thing unlocks it: a documented care need.

Normally

Restricted in Gatineau

Bordering Ottawa, Gatineau is one of the areas 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 Gatineau with no conditions at all.

Three paths for Gatineau 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 Gatineau. Several Quebec assistance programs may apply. See elderly care →

Unlocked in Gatineau by the medical exception.

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 Gatineau. See special-needs care →

Unlocked in Gatineau by the medical exception.

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 Gatineau restriction.

Available in Gatineau — no conditions.

Get started →

Not sure about your eligibility? Let's talk, it's free →

Understanding the medical exception in Gatineau

Gatineau 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 Gatineau, 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 Gatineau restricted?

Some cities very close to major centres — including Gatineau (bordering Ottawa), 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 Gatineau, 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 Gatineau. 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 Gatineau.

You are…

This form is for families only. Applications go through a separate form.

Where are you right now?

I'm already in CanadaCitizen, permanent resident or work permit I'm outside CanadaInternational sponsorship program

Step 1 of 6

Where are you located?

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

Region

City / town

Postal code

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

Your profession

How many children?

Children's ages

When do you need to start?

Household help?

Private room?

Min. contract

Hired a nanny before?

Is this urgent?

Driver's licence?

Step 6 of 6

Summary & your contact details

Region: —

City / town: —

Postal code: —

Service: —

Arrangement: —

Full name

Telephone

Call me back ASAP

Anything else we should know?

Promo code (optional) Received by email if you signed up for one of our offers

Just have a question? Write to us →

You are…

This form is for families only. Applications go through a separate form.

Where are you right now?

I'm already in CanadaCitizen, permanent resident or work permit I'm outside CanadaInternational sponsorship program

No obligationConfidentialReply within 24h

We support families across the Outaouais

Our service covers Gatineau and the surrounding area.

Hull Aylmer Gatineau (district) Buckingham Masson-Angers Chelsea Cantley Val-des-Monts

Your questions, answered

The questions Gatineau families ask us most.

Is a live-in caregiver really possible in Gatineau?

Yes — with one condition. For a family with no special need, international live-in care is restricted in Gatineau. 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 area like Gatineau.

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 Gatineau. It's often the simplest entry point.

Gatineau · 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