Hiring a foreign caregiver in Canada can be a complex process, especially when it involves applying for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). While many families genuinely need support, small errors in the application can lead to costly delays or outright refusals.

Here are the most common mistakes families make in caregiver LMIA applications — and how to avoid them.

1. Incomplete Job Advertisements

One of the biggest mistakes is not meeting the advertising requirements. Families sometimes forget to include essential details such as:

Wage offered.
Job duties matching the caregiver’s NOC description.
Location of work.
Terms of employment.

👉 If ads are missing details or don’t run for the required four weeks, the LMIA will likely be refused.

2. Offering Below the Required Wage

Employers must pay at least the provincial/territorial median wage for caregivers. Offering a lower wage is one of the fastest ways to get an LMIA rejected.

3. Poorly Written Employment Contract

The caregiver’s employment contract must clearly outline:

Job title and duties.
Work hours and overtime rules.
Wages and benefits.
Vacation and holiday pay.
Living arrangements (if applicable).

Incomplete or vague contracts are a red flag for Service Canada.

4. Not Providing Proof of Financial Ability

Families must show they can afford to pay the caregiver’s wages. Forgetting to include proof of income, tax documents, or other financial records is a common reason for refusal.

5. Insufficient Recruitment Records

Even when families do advertise, they often fail to keep proper records. Employers need to show:

Where they posted ads.
Copies or screenshots of postings.
The number of applicants.
Why Canadian applicants were not hired.

6. Missing or Incorrect Information on Forms

Errors in the LMIA forms — like missing signatures, wrong NOC codes, or mismatched job descriptions — are simple but costly mistakes.

7. Trying to Pass Costs to the Caregiver

It is illegal for families to recover the $1,000 LMIA fee or advertising costs from the caregiver. Any attempt to shift costs to the worker can result in refusal and penalties.

Key Takeaways

Families must meet advertising, wage, and contract requirements.
Keeping proper financial and recruitment records is critical.
Even small form errors can lead to refusals.
Employers are fully responsible for LMIA costs — not caregivers.

👉 By avoiding these mistakes, families can improve their chances of a successful LMIA and bring in the caregiver support they need.

Employer Challenges & Solutions

Discover solutions to common challenges faced by Canadian employers when hiring caregivers, such as LMIA application rejections and compliance issues.