As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, the caregiver programs in Canada are designed to facilitate the immigration of individuals who provide care for Canadian residents who have high medical needs. These programs are intended to address the increasing demand for caregivers in the country. There have been changes and updates to immigration programs since then, so it's essential to check the most recent information on the official government websites. As of my last update, the two main caregiver programs in Canada were:
Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot
These are five-year pilot programs that started on June 18, 2019, and are set to run until June 2024. They replace the previous Caring for Children and Caring for People with High Medical Needs pilot programs.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Language Proficiency: Applicants need to demonstrate proficiency in English or French.
- Education: Completion of a Canadian secondary (high school) or foreign equivalent.
- Work Experience: Applicants need at least 24 months of full-time work experience in Canada within the past 36 months before applying. This work experience must be in one of the eligible caregiver occupations.
- Job Offer: A valid job offer for full-time employment in Canada as a home child care provider or home support worker is required..
- Work Permit: Applicants must apply for and obtain a regular work permit before coming to Canada.
Application Process:
- Applicants need to have a job offer and a signed written employment contract from their future employer in Canada.
- The employer must also apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to support the caregiver's work permit application.
Pathway to Permanent Residence:
- Caregivers under these pilots can apply for permanent residence after obtaining two years of qualifying Canadian work experience.
Family Members:
- Caregivers are allowed to bring their immediate family members (spouse or common-law partner and dependent children) to Canada.
