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IRCC Update for Caregivers looking for Canadian PR Visa


banner image of blog topic immigrate to canada as a caregiver

Last Updated On : June 10 , 2024


Are you looking to move to a country where you can be assured of a secure life as a Home Support Worker?
Canada is one of them, and it welcomes caregivers, also known as home support workers.
Canada prioritizes the well-being of its people, including caregivers. As a Home Support Worker, you can enjoy the security of a permanent position, no longer needing to rely on work permits or temporary visas.

According to Job Bank data, currently, Canada has 1,185 vacancies open for 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. The program will be officially announced by Immigration Minister Marc Miller soon.

The person who takes care of your family matters to the Canadian government. Caregivers were worried as the Home Child Care and Support Worker Pilot Program was set to close soon.

However, the great news is that Immigration Minister Marc Miller has launched a new immigration program, the Enhanced Caregiver Pilot Program, to help caregivers obtain permanent residency in Canada. The Program will be announced soon by immigration minister Marc Miller.

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.

NOC & TEER Category Details for Caregivers

noc

References:

Job Bank - Home Support Workers in Canada

IRCC Programs for Caregivers

Marc Miller Announcement

F.A.Q.

Wages vary from province to province. The highest is in Nunavut, at 46.43/hour, while the lowest is in Newfoundland and Labrador, at 18/hour.
Ontario, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia have demanded vacancies for Home Support Workers in Canada for the years 2023 to 2025.
Home support workers, caregivers and related occupations usually work between 35 to 40 hours per week.