The Canadian government has been clear that it considers caregivers to be an invaluable addition to the Canadian workforce, offering seniors, children and people with disabilities critical support in their day-to-day lives. It has operated a series of caregiver programs over the years which allow caregivers to move to or remain in Canada on both a temporary and permanent basis in order to work.
Until Summer 2024, caregivers were able to take advantage of two specific programs: the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot. Applications for these programs ceased to be accepted in 17 June 2024.
Under new pilot programs announced in 2024, caregivers will still be able to apply to come to Canada to work, with permanent residence being awarded to experienced home care workers upon arrival in the country.
Who can apply for Canada’s Caregiver Programs?
In order to be eligible to apply for the new caregiver pilot progams announced in 2024 by Canada’s Minister for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, you should:
- have an offer of work as either:
- a full-time home caregiver; or
- an employee of an organization offering part-time or temporary care to semi-independent people or individuals recovering from illness/injury
- have at least six months of work experience as a carer
- if you have less than 12 months of work experience or have never worked as a caregiver in Canada, you will be able to apply under the ‘Gaining experience’ category
- if you have worked full-time as a caregiver in Canada for at least 12 of the last 36 months, you will be able to apply under the ‘Direct to permanent residence’ category
- have at minimum a qualification of equivalent level to a Canadian high school diploma
- demonstrate at least Level 4 language ability in English or French according to the Canadian Language Benchmarks
How do I apply for a Canadian Caregiver Program?
If you wish to apply for permanent residence under the new iteration of the Caregiver program (i.e. after 17 June 2024), we recommend you contact a member of our team as the precise rules and eligibility criteria for the new program are currently subject to change by the Canadian government.
If you are intending to work as a home childcare provider or home support worker, you may be able to apply for a work permit on a temporary basis under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
If you had already applied for either of the two closed pilot programs (the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot) before their closure on June 17 2024, your application will still be processed.