Canada has opened its doors to caregivers through two dedicated immigration programs tailored to their needs, providing a streamlined pathway to Canadian permanent residence. The Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot, launched in 2019, offer foreign caregivers the opportunity to make Canada their new home while addressing previous challenges faced by caregivers in the immigration process.
The Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot were introduced to replace the Interim Pathway for Caregivers, aiming to provide a clearer and more accessible route to permanent residence for caregivers and their families. These programs offer a streamlined application process and faster processing times, with a commitment to processing at least 6,000 caregiver applications annually.
Key features of the Caregiver Immigration Programs
Under these pilots, caregivers can transition from temporary to permanent status as they accumulate two years of Canadian work experience. They receive occupation-specific work permits upon securing a job offer in Canada, allowing for flexibility in changing employers when necessary. Additionally, caregivers’ immediate family members are eligible for open work permits and study permits, facilitating family reunification in Canada.
What are the closed caregiver programs in Canada?
Several historical caregiver programs in Canada, such as the Live-In Caregiver Program and the Caring for Children Pathway, are no longer active. It’s essential to focus on current caregiver visa options for up-to-date and relevant information.
What are the steps to obtain a Caregiver Visa in Canada?
Embarking on the journey to become a caregiver in Canada involves several crucial steps:
- Choosing the right program for you: Choose between the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot based on your education and experience, aligning with the National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes relevant to each program.
- Selecting the correct category: Determine the appropriate category based on your work experience: Gaining Experience category for less than 12 months of experience, or Direct to Permanent Residence Category for 1 year or more of qualifying work experience within the last 36 months.
- Securing a genuine job offer: Obtain a valid job offer in Canada, which is a prerequisite for the caregiver visa application process.
- Meeting requirements: Gather evidence of your experience in the specified NOC occupations for the selected program, showcasing your ability to fulfil the responsibilities of the caregiver role. Undergo a language test to demonstrate proficiency in English or French, achieving a minimum language level of CLB 5 or NLCL 5 across all four language skills. Ensure you meet the education criteria, with a completed post-secondary education credential of at least one year in Canada or its equivalent from abroad.
- Confirming admissibility to Canada: Meet health and security standards to confirm your eligibility to enter and stay in Canada.
- Choosing your permanent residence location: Plan to live outside the province of Quebec if your goal is to become a permanent resident, aligning with specific requirements for caregiver visa holders.
Can you employ relatives as caregivers in Canada?
While hiring a relative as a caregiver in Canada is possible, it can be a complex process with certain restrictions in place to ensure fair and transparent immigration practices. Caregivers must meet the eligibility criteria for the specific caregiver program they are applying for, and additional requirements may apply.
Sponsoring caregivers through the temporary foreign worker program
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program addresses short-term skills and labour shortages by allowing families in Canada to hire foreign caregivers to provide care in private residences. Caregivers work full-time in households where care is provided to children, seniors, or individuals with certified medical needs, either on a live-in or live-out basis. Canada’s commitment to caregivers is evident in the thoughtfully designed Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker pilots, offering a direct path to permanent residence for caregivers. These programs acknowledge caregivers’ invaluable contributions to Canadian society and provide a clear pathway to integration and long-term residency in Canada’s welcoming community.
If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit or Migrate to Canada, talk to I Can Help Immigration Services, at +1 778 239 7861 with RCIC # R413239, Canada’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company to get the best help you need.
