If you are a caregiver by profession then you may be eligible for the Caregiver Program in Canada. You can work temporarily or move to Canada as a permanent resident in Canada. To determine which program is ideal for you based on your job experience, read below or schedule a session with one of our immigration experts!
Caregiver Program for Canada Immigration
The Canada Caregiver Program includes two programs- Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot.
NOTE: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced new pilot programs, which will most likely become permanent programs, in place of the current Caregiver programs. These existing programs are set to end on 17 June 2024.
Permanent Residence for Caregivers
There is not a straight pathway to get residency in Canada through the Caregiver program. However, you can apply for Canada PR if you have at least 2 years of work experience as a caregiver in Canada.
Make sure you:
- have temporary resident status
- extend your work permit if it is going to expire soon
- change the condition of your work permit
If you have applied for a new work permit before the expiry of the old work permit then you can continue working on the same work permit till you receive a decision. This waiting period is known as “maintained status”.
While you are in “maintained status”, you might face challenges in receiving some government benefits and services.
Work Permit for Caregivers
As a caregiver, you can apply for a work permit through the TFWP to work temporarily in Canada. If you:
- reside in Canada
- are eligible to apply for it from inside Canada
or - are going to work in Quebec
Do not apply for new work permit, if you:
- your employer does not have LMIA
a. are applying for it through TFWP from outside of Canada
b. plan to work in other provinces than Quebec - are just a visitor in Canada
- are applying from a port of entry
Types of Caregiver Programs
There are two types of Caregiver programs:
- Home Child Care Provider Pilot
- Home Support Worker Pilot
Home Child Care Provider Pilot
Home Child Care Provider Pilot allows you to apply for permanent residency if you have been offered a position as a caregiver in Canada or have prior experience providing in-home childcare.
Eligibility for Home Child Care Provider Pilot
Apply for Home Child Care Provider Pilot, if you:
- have minimum 1-year work experience under NOC 44100
- care for children in your own home or in employer’s home
- experience as a foster parent won’t count
Note: The location of your work must not be an institution or day-care but you don’t need to live in your employer’s home.
Home Support Worker Pilot
Home Support Worker Pilot is a pathway that allows you to apply for permanent residency if you have prior experience working as a caregiver, offering home support to seniors or persons with disabilities.
Home Support Worker Pilot Requirements
Apply for Home Support Worker Pilot, if:
- you have a minimum of 1-year work experience under NOC 44101
- you gave support to seniors or persons with disabilities in the employer’s home
- the location of your work must not be an institution or nursing home
- you don’t need to live in your Employer’s home.
Application Process of Caregiver Program
Caregiver program Canada processing time is 31 to 34 months depending on,
| Experience Less Than 1 Year | 1 Year Experience or More |
| If you have work experience as a caregiver of less than one year, you must apply from the Gaining Experience category. | If you have work experience as a caregiver less than one year, you must apply from the Gaining Experience category. |
Live In Caregiver Program Canada
Though the Live-in Caregiver Program is currently closed for new applicants, the usual requirement to apply is given below:
- you must have a minimum of 2 years of experience
- you must be working in Canada with an LCP work permit
- Got your LCP work permit based on LMIA
Other Closed Programs
These programs are permanently closed:
1. Caring for Children Program
The Caring for Children Program closed on June 18, 2019. The alternate program for it is the Home Child Care Provider Pilot.
2. Caring for People with High Medical Needs Program
The Caring for People with High Medical Needs Program also closed on June 18, 2019. The alternate program for it is the Home Support Worker Pilot.
3. Interim Pathway for Caregivers
The Interim Pathway for Caregivers was a limited-time permanent residence pathway for caregivers which closed on October 8, 2019.
Interim Pathway for Caregivers: About the process – Canada.ca
NOTE: If you have applied for any of these programs before their closing date, the authorities will proceed with processing your application.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why Seek Expert Immigration Assistance?
The Live-in Caregiver application program procedure may be extremely tough, time-consuming, and complex. Therefore, it is imperative that you get expert immigration assistance if you are thinking about applying for a Canadian visa. After waiting for months (or even years), the last thing you don’t want to hear is that your application has been rejected.
Do caregivers need to qualify IELTS for coming to Canada?
The Live-In Caregiver Program does not need IELTS, but applicants must be proficient in English to be able to work independently in a home environment. For instance, a caregiver should be able to read pharmaceutical labels and call emergency assistance if necessary.
Is there any age limit for a caregiver in Canada?
There is often no upper age restriction for Canada caregivers program, however be aware that if you are under 16 years old, you cannot work in Canada without your parent’s permission.
How long does it take to get a caregiver work visa in Canada?
After the caregiver provides evidence that they have satisfied the work experience criteria, a 6-month target processing period is applicable for completing an application. It should be noted that the Department strives to meet a target processing time. It is not a service need (service standards are official commitments).
Is the caregiver program still open in Canada?
To be part of this program as a caregiver, you must have the option to come to Canada to work temporarily and to become a permanent resident.
Can caregivers get PR in Canada?
Yes, the caregiver can get a permanent residency, you can apply for an open work permit when you apply for permanent residence under the live-in Caregiver class.
