Caregiver program applications are currently accepted in Canada
Together, we’ll discuss the current opportunities available through Canada’s caregiver program, highlighting the open applications and the significance of caregivers in Canadian communities. It provides insights into eligibility criteria, the application process, and the valuable contributions caregivers make to Canadian society.
Fresh Opportunities for Canada’s Caregiver Programs
Effective January 1st, 9 a.m. EST, new applications are open for Canada’s two caregiver programs: the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot.
In 2024, a total of 5,500 applications are projected to be accepted under these pilot initiatives.
Current Status of 2024 Applications
Let’s discuss the current status of the Caregiver Program application:
Home Child Care Provider Pilot:
- Status Update for Gaining Experience Category
- Status Update for Permanent Residence Category
Moreover, the maximum number of applicants under these pilot programs is now divided into two categories: those eligible for direct entry into permanent residence and those seeking to gain experience.
Furthermore, Canada has revised the minimum work experience requirement for in-country caregivers applying for permanent residence (PR) to 12 months, down from the previous 24 months.
Find out if you are eligible to get in Canada →
Understanding Canada’s Caregiver Programs
Under two 5-year pilot programs, namely the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot, qualifying family members and caregivers are allowed to enter Canada on a work permit with the ultimate objective of acquiring permanent residency.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must secure a job offer from a Canadian family to be eligible for any of these programs, and the requirement of a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is waived.
Process Overview
Upon receiving a job offer, eligible applicants can apply for an occupation-restricted work permit, relocate to Canada, and engage in temporary employment to gain valuable experience.
Path to Permanent Residency
After accumulating one year of experience in Canada, applicants are eligible to apply for permanent residence.
Qualifications for Permanent Residence
Individuals who have received a caregiver position offer in Canada or possess prior caregiver experience in the country may qualify to apply for permanent residency through one of these pilot programs.
Eligible Occupations under Canada’s Caregiver Program
In the following, we’ll discuss the eligible occupations for the Caregiver Program:
Home Child Care Providers (NOC 44100)
- Babysitter
- Child care live-in caregiver
- Child care provider, private home
- Nanny
- Parent’s helper
- Babysitter, fitness centre
- Babysitter, shopping centre
Home Support Worker Pilot (NOC 44101)
- Attendant for persons with disabilities—home care
- Family caregiver
- Home support worker
- Live-in caregivers: seniors
- Personal aide and home support
- Personal care attendant (home care)
- Respite worker: home support
Key Criteria for Eligibility
Home Child Care Providers (NOC 44100): Must provide child care in either their own home or their employer’s private home, excluding institutional settings like daycares. Living in the employer’s home is not a requirement. Experience as a foster parent is not considered.
Home Support Workers (NOC 44101): Must provide care for individuals needing assistance in the employer’s private home, excluding institutional settings such as nursing homes. Living in the employer’s home is not mandatory.
Understanding the Two Categories in the Pilot Programs
The two categories can be presented as follows:
Gaining Experience Category
It is intended for applicants who either have not worked or have less than 12 months of experience in occupations under NOC 44100 or NOC 44101.
Eligible candidates receive a work permit to accumulate 12 months of experience in Canada. Upon completing the required experience, they can apply for direct permanent residency under this category.
Direct-to-Permanent Residency (PR) Category
Designed for applicants with a total of 12 months or more experience (within the last 36 months) in occupations under NOC 44100 or NOC 44101.
To apply for Permanent Residency (PR), applicants must meet specific criteria, including at least 12 months of full-time work experience in Canada in the last 36 months, post-secondary education of at least 1 year, and relevant experience or training demonstrating their ability to fulfill the job offer.
To apply for a work permit, applicants need a valid full-time job offer, CLB level 5 in English or French, post-secondary education of at least 1 year, and relevant experience or training demonstrating their capability to perform the tasks outlined in the job offer.
Requirements for job offers in Canada Caregiver Pilot Programs
Let’s discuss the job offer requirements:
Genuine and valid employment offer
A genuine and valid employment offer is necessary to initiate or fulfill the work experience requirement for permanent residency through the Home Child Care Provider or Home Support Worker Pilot.
No Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or Labour Market Opinion (LMO) is required for caregiver program applications.
Job offer criteria
The offered position must be full-time, requiring at least 30 hours of paid labor per week, excluding Quebec.
It must come from a Canadian individual or family, excluding companies, embassies, high commissions, or consulates.
The job offer must be extended using the Offer of Employment IMM 5983 form, which is accessible on the desktop after downloading.
It should originate from a credible source, demonstrating a genuine need to hire the applicant for personal care or the care of a family member such as a parent, spouse, or child.
The Canadian immigration department evaluates the pay included in the job offer to ensure that working as a caregiver in Canada will enable the applicant to maintain a stable financial situation for themselves and their family.
Application Process
You can apply for this program by following two steps, which are:
Preparation
Ensure readiness for January 1st by utilizing the official Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) guide tailored for home childcare providers and home support workers, depending on your circumstances.
Submission
Eligible individuals can submit their applications through the online application gateway accessible via the new permanent residence portal.
Note: The Home Child Care Provider Pilot often reaches capacity quickly. For guidance on how to prepare for January 1st and initiate the application process, refer to this link.
In conclusion, the caregiver program applications are currently being accepted in Canada, offering a significant opportunity for qualifying individuals to pursue permanent residency while providing essential care to Canadian families. With the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot, applicants can embark on a meaningful journey toward establishing themselves and their families in Canada. By meeting the eligibility criteria and submitting their applications through the official channels, caregivers can take the first step towards a brighter future in a welcoming and supportive country like Canada. Don’t miss out on this chance to make a difference in the lives of others while building a new life for yourself in Canada.
