Caregiver Immigration

Did you know that if you are a caregiver, you can qualify for a separate caregiver immigration program in Canada? Canada is actively recruiting foreign caregivers due to a notable shortage, particularly in child care, senior care, and home support. The Canadian government has introduced various caregiver programs to apply for permanent residence (PR) in Canada. In this guide, we will talk about all the active programs and how you can apply to them.

Who Is Considered A Caregiver In Canada?

A caregiver is someone responsible for the care of children, the elderly, individuals with disabilities, or those who are ill. The role varies greatly depending on the care recipient, and is classified under two specific National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes:

The following table lists regions where caregiving jobs are in high demand, along with alternative job titles under caregiver NOC codes:

Apart from this, you can also work as a temporary caregiver. You might have the opportunity to work under either of the two above for an employer with a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Currently, this kind of work permit application for caregivers in Canada is processed more quickly.

Permanent Residence (PR) Programs In Canada For Caregivers

In response to the growing demand for caregivers, the Canadian government offers specific programs that enable foreign caregivers to settle permanently in Canada. Here’s an overview of the permanent residence programs available to caregivers:

Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot: These five-year pilot programs were launched in 2019. They are set to close in June 2024, although there is a possibility they will be extended or become permanent immigration programs. Each program has two eligibility categories:

• Gaining Experience category: For applicants with less than two years of Canadian work experience in caregiving.

• Direct to Permanent Residence category: For those with at least two years of full-time caregiving experience in Canada within the last three years.

The application fee for PR applications submitted through the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot is $1,085. This fee includes a $570 processing fee and a $515 Right of Permanent Residence fee.

If you are applying through the Gaining Experience category, you will also need to pay a $155 work permit fee and an $85 biometric fee.

Eligibility Criteria For Home Child Care Provider Pilot And Home Support Worker Pilot

The eligibility criteria differ between the Gaining Experience and Direct to Permanent Residence categories. Here’s what you need to know:

Eligibility Criteria For Temporary Caregiver

The following details are specific to home childcare providers and home support workers. If you are interested in other caregiving roles, follow the standard procedures to work in Canada.

To apply, your employer must first obtain a positive LMIA. Once the LMIA is approved, you can apply for the work permit.

Extending Or Changing Jobs On Your Work Permit

If you have a valid work permit and are currently working in Canada, you may be eligible to:

• Extend your current work permit.

• Change jobs or employers.

• Your employer will need a positive LMIA before you can request a work permit extension or change.

Make sure to keep these things in mind before applying:

• Ensure you apply for an extension or change before your current work permit expires.

• If you applied for a new work permit while your previous one was valid and are continuing with the same employer, you may continue working under-maintained status while your application is processed.

• If you are part of the Home Child Care Provider or Home Support Worker pilots and have maintained status, consider applying separately for a work permit extension.

• If changing jobs or employers, you might not need to wait for the new work permit; request authorization to change jobs while your application is being processed.

• If your work permit expires without renewal, and you lose temporary resident status, you can restore your status as a worker.

Conclusion

These programs offer a clear path to permanent residency for caregivers, catering to both new and experienced professionals. For those eligible, these initiatives provide opportunities to integrate into Canadian society and contribute significantly. The streamlined processes, especially for those planning to work in Quebec, facilitate a smoother transition into Canadian employment. Overall, these efforts underscore Canada's commitment to welcoming and valuing caregivers.