The process begins when you complete Online Host Application. All information provided on the application and subsequent screening and site-visit interviews is protected by Canada’s Protection of Personal Information Act. Our policies are available on this website or by written request.

After we have reviewed your application, we may contact you to arrange an interview. Not all hosts are contacted for an interview. Selection is made primarily based on current demand for host families, and may also include criteria such as proximity to a particular school.

We will contact your two character references and request your criminal records checks. All our host families must obtain the appropriate criminal background check for all members of the household age of 18 AND over.

You may be required to pay a criminal records or police check fee to your local authorities, which varies by community, but can be up to $55 per person.

For hosts of minors

A Police Record Check or Vulnerable Sector Search (VSS) is required. This check can only be done in-person at your local police or RCMP detachment.

For hosts of adults

The standard Criminal Records Check is required. This can be done at your local police or RCMP detachment.