Canada launches new immigration program for caregivers

June 18, 2019, Canada began accepting applications to two new immigration programs that allow caregivers to apply for Canadian permanent residence.

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The new pilot programs replace existing programs designed to help foreign nationals working in Canada as caregivers become permanent residents.

The new Home Child Care Provider pilot replaces the previous Caring for Children pathway, and provides a pathway to permanent residence for candidates with experience working as home child care providers (NOC 4411).

The new Home Support Worker Pilot replaces the Caring for People with High Medical Needs pathway, for candidates with experience as home support workers (NOC 4412).

Applications to either of the previous programs that were submitted before June 18, 2019 will continue to be processed, but no new applications will be accepted.

Eligibility requirements
To apply to the Home Child Care Provider or Home Support Worker pilots, candidates must have a valid job offer in Canada, meet Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5, and have at least one year of post-secondary education.

Candidates who meet the requirements will be issued a work permit to begin working as a caregiver in Canada. After completing two years of work in either NOC 4411 or NOC 4412, they will be able to apply for Canadian permanent residence.

Candidates who are already in Canada on a work permit and who meet the criteria may also apply.

Changes from previous programs
Unlike previous caregiver immigration programs, the work permits issued through the new pilot programs are occupation specific, rather than employer specific.

Also, caregivers will be eligible to bring their immediate family members to Canada with them on open work permits or study permits.

Finally, under previous caregiver programs, Canadian families who wanted to hire a foreign national as a caregiver had to apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This requirement has been removed from the new pilot programs.