FAQ
- Are all of your Nannies live-in Nannies?
- What is a full-service Nanny Agency?
- How long does it take to get a Caregiver?
- But what if I need a Caregiver right away?
- Who are your Caregivers?
- What requirements do the Caregivers have to have?
- How are the Caregivers prescreened?
- Do I as an Employer need to meet any requirements?
- How old are your Caregivers?
- Some of the Applicants are married and have children of their own. Won’t they get homesick?
- How many Caregivers do we get to interview?
- How much will the Caregiver cost?
- What can I expect the Caregiver to do?
- How long can the Caregiver work for me?
- After I’ve selected the Caregiver, how do I make sure that everyone knows what’s expected of them?
- I’ve never really been an Employer before; what guidance can you give to help me be a great boss?
- What if I hire a Caregiver and it doesn’t work out?
- Are all of your Nannies live-in Nannies?
Yes. All of our Nannies are live-in Nannies. - What is a full-service Nanny Agency?
Most of our clients are dual-income families, who have very hectic and busy lifestyles. As a full-service agency, we want to make the process of hiring a Caregiver as easy and hassle-free as possible. We achieve this by providing you with all the pertinent information so that you can make an informed decision. We assist you with filling out all the necessary government forms, we handle all of the Caregiver’s Immigration paperwork, and give you and the Caregiver all the necessary tools to make the placement a success. - How long does it take to get a Caregiver?
Filipino nannies working in Hong Kong take minimum 3 months, Singapore, Taiwan and Israel 3-6 months, whereas Caregivers from The Philippines take a year or longer to process.In addition, depending on where you live, you may need to advertise for the position locally first, before applying for a foreign Caregiver.
- But what if I need a Caregiver right away?
In certain instances we can accommodate families almost immediately. We keep in contact with all of our Caregivers currently working in Canada, and if one of them becomes available and has received a positive reference from her Employer, we can place her into another Family’s home almost immediately, if theyhave the open visa status as immigrant status. - Who are your Caregivers?
All of our Caregivers are Filipino nannies, currently working in Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and Israel.
Faced with lack of meaningful employment opportunities in the Philippines, many of these educated young women use Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan or Israel as a stepping stone to come to Canada, for a better future for themselves and for their families. - What requirements do the Caregivers have to have?
Each Caregiver must meet the following criteria before registering with us:- Six months training OR twelve months of experience in paid employment as a child Caregiver and/or elderly Caregiver within the past three years
- Fluency in English
- Successful completion of the equivalent of a Canadian high school education
- 18 years of age or older
- No Criminal Record
- Excellent health (must pass a full medical exam)
- Each candidate provides a detailed application form, including personal information, proof of education and work experience
- How are your Caregivers prescreened?
- Most of our Caregivers are interviewed in person by the owner (Mayer Reyes), which verifies the Caregivers’ documentation and guarantees to us that they meet the required criteria.
- You are able to interview the Caregivers in by phone. We will set-up the time. You are also encouraged to speak with the Applicant’s previous Employers.
- Finally, once the Caregiver applies to Canadian Immigration, an immigration officer interviews the Caregiver in person, ensuring her English is sufficient, and verifies the Applicant’s work references and education. Each Applicant must also pass a complete medical examination and obtain a Police Clearance, before she is issued her work Authorization for entry to Canada.
- Do I as an Employer need to meet any requirements?
Read Service Canada Requirements for further details. - How old are your Caregivers?
Most of our Caregivers range anywhere from 25 and above. - Some of the Applicants are married and have children of their own. Won’t they get homesick?
Surprisingly, no! For most of us, it would be unthinkable to be separated from our families for so long and not miss them terribly; however, for The Filipino it is a necessary way of life, and most of them accept it with a positive attitude.Also, keep in mind, that all of our Caregivers have been working in Hong Kong without their families for at least one year, and some for many years, so they are already used to the idea, that they cannot be with their children. Many of our client families tell us, that their Nanny transfers the love for her own children onto her Employer’s children, and treats them like her own. She also works so much harder, because she is earning money for her children, instead of for herself, which becomes a very strong motivational force for her and they could bring their families after three years.
- How many Caregivers do we get to interview?
As many as it takes. However, we have a philosophy at Fil Nannies:We feel it’s our job to get the best candidates possible and not waste your time parading people by you, just to put on a show.We select the best applicants what we think are the best for your situation.
- How much will the Caregiver cost?
Most newly arrived Caregivers charge minimum wage and there is a minimum number of hours they are required to work. (In Alberta effective April 1st, 2007) the minimum wage is $9.17 for nannies and caregivers, and there is a maximum of 44 hours per week. You can also deduct room and board of $320 per month. - What can I expect the Caregiver to do for me?
Many foreign Caregivers are career nannies. In addition to childcare, they are eager and able to help with household chores, cooking, doing errands and even tutoring. - How long can the Caregiver work for me?
For as long as both parties are comfortable with each other. Most newly arrived Caregivers prefer to stay with the same family for a minimum of two years, whereas Caregivers who have been in Canada for 2 years or more look for shorter placements, since they are able to work any jobs, and are not required to live in. - After I’ve selected a Caregiver, how do I make sure that everyone knows what’s expected of them?
We provide you with a ‘Work Agreement’, which is customized to your family’s specific needs and work hours, pay rate, benefits, and job duties. Once you agree to it, both you and the Caregiver sign it, and each gets a copy. That way there’s a clear understanding of everyone’s expectations. - I’ve never really been an Employer before; what guidance can you give to help me be a great boss?
At Fil Nannies, we know the success of the placement depends largely on the Employer-Caregiver relationship.After you have selected your Caregiver, Fil-Nannies provides you with information and updates from time to time which the caregiver processing their application for work permit. - What if I hire a Caregiver and it doesn’t work out?
If you feel that the Caregiver does not suit your needs, or if she decides to leave, you can give each other 2 weeks written notice, or, in the case of the Employer, pay in lieu of the notice.Also, Fil Nannies has an unconditional Guarantee:
if the placement doesn’t work out, we will replace your Caregiver free of charge, as long as you use our agency. Of course, if you no longer need your Caregiver, you can let the Caregiver go anytime you want, with sufficient notice recommended in the Employment Standards. If she receives a good reference from you, we’ll be happy to place her with another family.
