Canadian Immigration | Practical Guide

Housekeepers to Canadian PR: Your Complete Pathway with RCIC Guidance

By Radmila Lim, RCIC (R414423) — Lawseph & Associates Inc.

Who is this for? Housekeepers & cleaners under NOC 65310 (TEER 5) seeking a clear, realistic route to Canadian Permanent Residence (PR).

Quick Summary

Best Overall Route

Recommended Job offer ➜ LMIA work permit ➜ 6–12+ months of Canadian work ➜ Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) or Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) ➜ PR.

Why RCIC Help Matters

Most refusals come from incomplete, inconsistent, or error-prone filings. Our RCIC team builds complete, consistent files and manages employers, provinces, and IRCC end-to-end.

Your Full Pathway to PR (Step-by-Step)

  1. Secure a Valid Job Offer from a Canadian employer for housekeeping/cleaning (full-time, non-seasonal preferred).
  2. Employer Applies for LMIA (Temporary Foreign Worker Program). You receive the LMIA approval number once granted.
  3. Apply for Work Permit using LMIA details; complete biometrics, medical exam, and police certificates.
  4. Arrive & Work in Canada. Build 6–12+ months of provincial work history with compliant pay and duties under NOC 65310.
  5. Transition to PR via one of:
    • Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Many provinces nominate essential/entry-level workers with local experience and a valid job offer.
    • Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): If hired by a designated employer in NS, NB, NL, or PEI, you may apply for PR (often with a work-permit option) sooner.
  6. Submit PR Application to IRCC with your nomination (PNP) or under AIP. Complete medical/security checks.
  7. Receive PR and, later, become eligible for citizenship after meeting residency requirements.

Program Snapshot & Fit

Program Good Fit for NOC 65310? Notes
TFWP (LMIA) Work Permit ✅ Yes Most common entry; requires employer LMIA. Builds Canadian experience needed for PR.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) ✅ Often Several provinces nominate essential/entry-level workers after local experience & job offer.
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) ✅ Yes For designated Atlantic employers; can be faster and PR-focused.
Express Entry — FSW/CEC ⚠️ Limited Usually not direct for TEER 5. CEC may apply after eligible Canadian experience in qualifying TEER.

Eligibility & Admissibility (What You’ll Need)

  • Genuine full-time job offer as a housekeeper/cleaner.
  • LMIA approval (employer-led) or AIP-designated employer if in Atlantic Canada.
  • Language: Basic English/French (CLB 4–5 typically sufficient for these pathways).
  • Proof of work history & training relevant to housekeeping/cleaning duties.
  • Medical exam & police certificates; no serious criminality and pass health/security checks.
  • Proof of funds (varies by program; may be waived if already working in Canada).

Costs & Timelines (Typical Ranges)

Item Who Pays Estimated Cost (CAD)
LMIA Government Fee Employer $1,000
Work Permit (outside Canada) Applicant $155 (+ $85 biometrics if applicable)
Medical Exam Applicant $200 – $300
Police Certificates Applicant $50 – $150 (per country)
PNP Nomination Fee (if applicable) Applicant $250 – $1,500 (province-dependent)
PR Fee (incl. Right of PR) Applicant $1,365 (principal applicant)
Lawseph RCIC Professional Fees Applicant/Employer $3,000 – $5,000 (scope & complexity)

Processing time guide: Work permit: ~2–6 months. PNP/AIP nomination: ~2–6 months. PR after nomination: ~6–12+ months. Timelines vary by visa office, province, season, and file quality.

Real-World Example

Ana, a hotel housekeeper in the Philippines, secures a full-time offer from a Canadian resort. The employer obtains an LMIA. Lawseph prepares Ana’s work-permit file with consistent duties matching NOC 65310, pay stubs, and employer letters. She arrives in New Brunswick, works 12 months, then—through her designated employer—applies under the Atlantic Immigration Program. Lawseph handles her PR package end-to-end; she lands PR the following year.

How Lawseph Reduces Refusal Risk

  • Accuracy & Consistency: Job duties, NOC, hours, and pay aligned across LMIA, offer, and work history.
  • Complete Evidence: Employer compliance, recruitment proofs, payroll, and role legitimacy.
  • Admissibility Readiness: Timely medicals, PCCs, and forms to avoid delays.
  • Provincial Strategy: Choose the best PNP/AIP stream & timing for nomination and PR.
  • Communication: We liaise with employer, province, and IRCC so nothing falls through the cracks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a college diploma?
No. Housekeeping/cleaning is TEER 5 and emphasizes work history and employer need over formal education.
Can my family come with me?
Spouses and dependent children may be eligible for accompanying status and, in many cases, open study/work options.
What if I change employers?
You may need a new LMIA/work permit or employer letter depending on your program. We’ll plan transitions to protect status.
Is Express Entry an option?
Usually not directly for TEER 5. Most clients use LMIA ➜ PNP/AIP. We’ll reassess if your role or experience evolves.

Next Steps — Start Your Case

  1. Book a 1:1 consultation to confirm program fit and province strategy.
  2. Employer coordination for LMIA or AIP designation and compliance paperwork.
  3. File preparation (forms, letters, proofs) and submission tracking.
  4. Landing & PR plan to time nomination/PR for the fastest safe route.

About the Author

Radmila Lim, RCIC (R414423) is the senior consultant at Lawseph & Associates Inc., helping essential and skilled workers transition from temporary status to Canadian PR with low-risk, high-completeness filings.

Lawseph & Associates Inc.
Licensed RCIC Immigration Consultants
Suite 432, 100 Richmond St. W.
Toronto, ON, M5H-3K6
📞 416-962-3334 | 🌐 lawsephandassociates.com