No more stress

New LMIA restrictions? You can still bring in your live-in nanny.

Since September 2024, LMIA rules have changed in the Montreal region. The good news: medical exemptions let many families carry on — whether you're renewing or hiring a new live-in nanny. Our team tells you within 24 hours if you qualify.

Check my eligibility → (514) 344-0099

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Quebec family with an in-home live-in nanny
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The situation, made clear

What has changed in the LMIA program?

As of September 3, 2024

LMIA applications for low-wage positions are suspended in the Montreal economic region.

This suspension remains in effect in 2026. It applies specifically to certain municipalities on the island and nearby (full list below).

✓ But the door stays open: families with a documented care need remain eligible through the medical exemption. And outside the affected zone, you're not impacted at all.
The barrier that lifts

Who stays eligible through the exemptions?

Despite the suspension, a live-in nanny is still possible when a member of the household needs in-home care:

👵

Seniors losing autonomy

An older person needing part-time or full-time in-home assistance (minimum 30 hours/week).

♿

Physical or cognitive disability

A person needing consistent in-home support from a qualified caregiver.

🩺

Child with special needs

A child with a chronic illness requiring consistent in-home support and supervision.

💳

Chèque emploi-service

Families on the Chèque emploi-service program can have part of the caregiver's wages covered by the government.

📄 A medical certificate confirming the care need is required for the exemption.
Are you affected?

The municipalities concerned

If you live in one of these areas, the new LMIA rules apply to you — and that's exactly where the medical exemption makes all the difference:

Montréal-Est Montréal Westmount Montréal-Ouest Côte-Saint-Luc Hampstead Mont-Royal Dorval L'Île-Dorval Pointe-Claire Kirkland Beaconsfield Baie-D'Urfé Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Senneville

What this means for you

✓
Outside this zone? You're not affected by the suspension. Hiring a live-in nanny stays open.
✓
Inside this zone, with a care need? The medical exemption unlocks your file.
✓
Not sure? Our team reviews your situation for free and tells you exactly which path applies.
You're not alone

How Regency Nannies supports you

From your first question to your nanny's arrival, we handle it all — backed by our agency's legal expertise, led by a lawyer who is a member of the Quebec Bar, and by our CNESST permit for recruitment.

1

Identify your exemption

We assess your eligibility and help you gather the medical certificate and required documents.

2

Find the right nanny

Our thorough vetting process matches you with a caregiver who fits your needs. You can also welcome an au pair from Europe, with no LMIA needed.

3

Secure the work permit

Our team guides you through obtaining the work permit and makes sure every step is compliant.

4

Ongoing support

We stay by your side until your nanny is settled, and beyond, for a stress-free experience.

For whom?

Families who can benefit

👴

An elderly parent

A senior or relative needing consistent in-home care.

🧩

A child with special needs

A child with a documented physical or cognitive condition.

🤍

Someone who is ill

Long-term illness or palliative care at home.

The terms, explained simply

The jargon, without the jargon

What is an LMIA?
An LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) is the government authorization that allows an employer to hire a foreign worker when no local candidate is available. It's a key step to bringing in a live-in nanny through the TFWP.
What is the medical exemption?
When a member of the household has a documented care need (a senior losing autonomy, a child with special needs, someone who is ill), the family stays eligible despite the suspension. A medical certificate confirms the need. This is what "unlocks" your file in the affected zones.
The Chèque emploi-service (CES)
A program administered by the CIUSSS that, depending on your situation, lets the government cover part of the in-home caregiver's wages. Our team points you to the right contacts.
The TFWP and the work permit
The TFWP (Temporary Foreign Worker Program) governs the arrival of an international nanny. For a new arrival, the full process typically takes 8 to 9 months and can lead to permanent residency. Our team guides you at every step.
The CNESST recruitment permit
Regency Nannies holds a CNESST permit authorizing it to recruit temporary foreign workers. It's the guarantee of a regulated, lawful process — peace of mind for your family.
Frequently asked questions

Your questions about the new rules

Can I still hire a live-in nanny despite the suspension?
Yes. Families who need a caregiver for someone with specific care needs remain exempt from the suspension in the Montreal region: seniors, individuals with disabilities, or those with chronic illnesses (physical or cognitive). A medical certificate is required for the exemption.
What are the requirements to hire under the new rules?
For a live-in nanny under exemption:
  • Provide a medical certificate confirming the person's care needs.
  • Our team prepares and submits the LMIA application specifying the applicable caregiver exemption — you don't navigate it alone.
  • We ensure compliance with provincial labour and immigration law at every step.
How long does it take to hire through Regency Nannies?
The timeline depends on your file. For a new international arrival through the TFWP, expect 8 to 9 months in total (LMIA, work permit, immigration, travel). For a renewal or an exemption, our team reviews your situation during the free consultation and gives you a realistic timeline.

Live stress-free. Check your eligibility.

Despite the new LMIA rules, bringing in a live-in nanny is still possible for many families. Book a free consultation — we'll tell you exactly where you stand.

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