Caregiver Immigration Pilot Programs

The caregiver category has always been a popular immigration pathway in Canada. In June 2024, the immigration department announced that the current caregiver program will expire on June 17, and a new pilot program will start between this fall and early 2025. The application requirements have been reduced:

Home Child Care Provider Pilot – for caregivers looking after children under 18 years old in a home setting.

Home Support Worker Pilot – for caregivers providing support to seniors aged 65 and older or individuals with disabilities in a home environment.

The Canadian immigration department aims to bring more suitable caregivers into an aging society, contributing to social stability and economic growth.

Key Policy Highlights:

  • The new caregiver programs will allow overseas caregivers to obtain permanent resident status upon arriving in Canada.
  • Eligible caregivers, including those in child care and home support roles, can be quickly settled in Canada without needing to complete a certain amount of work experience in the country.
  • Expanded Employer Scope: Caregivers can now work not only for private employers but also for organizations providing “temporary or part-time care for semi-independent individuals or those recovering from illness or injury.”

Application Requirements:

  • Language Requirement: Reduced from CLB 5 to CLB 4.
  • Educational Requirement: Lowered from at least one year of post-secondary education or an equivalent foreign credential to holding an education equivalent to a Canadian high school diploma.
  • Work Experience Requirement: Reduced to just 6 months of relevant caregiver experience, down from the previous 12 months, and even earlier requirements of 24 months.
  • Qualified applicants will receive an occupation-restricted open work permit, allowing them to work for any employer in caregiver-related roles (no longer limited to private households).

According to the immigration level plan for 2024-2026, Canada expects to welcome over 15,000 new permanent residents through the caregiver programs. As of April 30, 2024, approximately 5,700 caregivers and their family members have already obtained permanent residency since the launch of the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot in 2019.

 

With the ongoing aging population, the demand for caregivers in Canada is steadily increasing. It is estimated that over 9 million Canadians will retire in the next six years, leading to a greater need for additional care services in homes and institutions.