IRCC Update for Caregivers looking for Canadian PR Visa
Last Updated On : June 10 , 2024
NOC & TEER Category Details for Caregivers
According to Job Bank data currently, Canada has 1252 vacancies open for family caregiver including home support workers, housekeepers, and other occupations under NOC 44101.
Ontario and British Columbia are Canada's top two provinces in demand for caregivers.
The Canadian government values the individuals who take care of families. Caregivers were concerned about the impending closure of the Home Child Care and Support Worker Pilot Program.
However, there is good news: Immigration Minister Marc Miller has introduced a new immigration program called the Enhanced Caregiver Pilot Program to assist caregivers in gaining permanent residency in Canada.
Canada Immigration Programs for Caregivers
There are following pathways to Permanent Residence in Canada for caregivers:
- Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot
- Work Temporarily as a Caregiver
- Live-in Caregiver Program (Closed for new applicants)
- Caring for Children Pilot (Closed)
- Caring for People with High Medical Needs Pilot (Closed)
- Interim Pathway for Caregivers Program (Closed)
- Enhanced Caregiver Pilot Program (not announced yet)
Home Child-Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot
Under this program an employer hires a caregiver with a job offer from overseas or inside Canada. The employer must find a candidate on their own. The program supports hiring a foreign in-home caregiver through the following programs.
Home Child Care Provider Pilot Program:
Where Caregiver can apply as a child care worker under NOC: 44100, you should have experience as a Child care worker - daycare or Child care worker assistant or a similar occupation.
Home Support Worker Pilot Program:
Where Caregiver can apply as a home support worker under NOC: 44101, you should have experience as a Family caregiver, Live-in caregiver - seniors, Personal care attendant - home care or a similar occupation. To become a Permanent Residence through any of these programs you should have 24 months of eligible work experience in Canada.
Work Temporarily as a Caregiver
Through this program, you can temporarily work in Canada on a work permit. Your employer must have an LMIA certificate. Processing time is less than that of other programs.
Live-in Caregiver Program
An employer can hire a foreign worker through this program if the caregiver already has a work permit in Canada. Also the Caregiver should have an LMIA showing he has agreed to live in the employer’s home. The Live-in Caregiver Program is closed to new applicants.
Benefits of the new Immigration Program for Caregivers in Canada:
- While other programs, such as the child care provider pilot program and the home support worker program, were temporary, this new Program is set to be permanent, as announced by Immigration Minister Marc Miller.
- Under this Program, caregivers will be allowed to work for organizations that provide caregiver services to patients.
- Processing time for permanent residence will be shorter compared to other programs.
Canadian Government Support for Caregivers :
IRCC and ESDC govern some supportive programs for caregivers in Canada that ensure a happy life for new Immigrants.
Foreign Credential Recognition Program
The program provides funding to governments and organizations to support foreign credential recognition in Canada. The Organizations include regulatory bodies, national associations and credential assessment agencies that get their funding through FCRP.
Youth Employment and Skills Strategy – Funding programs
The YESS program helps young people, especially those encountering barriers to employment, by providing them with information, skills, work experience, and abilities necessary for a successful transition into the labor market. The program focuses on providing paid internship and summer job opportunities. Currently, the program is closed.
References:
Job Bank - Home Support Workers in Canada