Starting at 9 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on January 1, 2024, fresh applications will be accepted for two Canada caregiver programs: the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot.
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Under these pilot projects, a total of 5,500 applications are expected to be accepted for new submissions in 2024.
Now, the maximum number of applicants for these pilot programs is divided into two categories: those for direct entry into permanent residence and those gaining experience.
Additionally, Canada has reduced the minimum work experience requirement for in-country caregivers seeking permanent residence (PR) from 24 months to 12 months.
What Are Canada Caregiver Programs?
Qualifying family members and caregivers can enter Canada on a work permit with the aim of obtaining permanent residency under two 5-year pilot programs: the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot.
To apply for these programs, applicants must have a job offer from a Canadian family, and an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) is not required.
After receiving a job offer, qualified applicants can apply for an occupation-restricted work permit, travel to Canada, and take a temporary job to gain experience. They can then apply for permanent residence after accumulating one year of experience in Canada.
You may be eligible for permanent residence through these pilot programs if you have been offered a caregiver position in Canada or if you have prior experience working as a caregiver in Canada.
Eligible Occupations for Canada Caregiver Program
If you have worked full-time in Canada in one of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) occupations listed below, you can use your experience for permanent residency:
Home Child Care Providers (NOC 44100)
- Babysitter
- Child care live-in caregiver
- Child care provider, private home
- Nanny
- Parent’s helper
- Babysitter, fitness centre
- Babysitter, shopping centre
As a home child care provider, you take care of kids either in your own home or at your employer’s private residence.
The setting cannot be like a daycare center; it has to be a more personal environment. Living in your employer’s home is not a requirement, and experience as a foster parent doesn’t count.
Home Support Worker (NOC 44101)
- Attendant for persons with disabilities—home care
- Family caregiver
- Home support worker
- Live-in caregivers: seniors
- Personal aide and home support
- Personal care attendant (home care)
- Respite worker: home support
- Home child care provider (NOC 44100)
As a home support worker, your role involves caring for someone who needs assistance, and this takes place in your employer’s private home.
The setting should not be like a nursing home; it needs to be more personal. Living in your employer’s home is not necessary for eligibility.
Categories Under Canada Caregiver Programs
There Are Two Categories Under Canada Caregiver Pilot Programs:
- Gaining Experience Category: For applicants with less than 12 months of experience in NOC 44100 or NOC 44101.
- Direct-to-Permanent Residency (PR) Category: For applicants with 12 months or more experience in the last 36 months in NOC 44100 or NOC 44101.
Requirements for Permanent Residency (PR) Category:
- At least 12 months of full-time work experience in Canada in the last 36 months.
- Post-secondary education of at least 1 year.
- Any past experience or training demonstrating the ability to do the job described in the offer.
Requirements for Work Permit:
- Valid full-time job offer (IMM 5983 E).
- CLB level 5 in English or French (IELTS = Reading 4 and rest of the modules 5).
- Post-secondary education of at least 1 year.
- Any past experience or training demonstrating the ability to do the job described in the offer.
Job Offer Requirements for Canada Caregiver Pilot Programs:
A genuine and valid employment offer is required to start or complete the work experience required for permanent residency through the Home Child Care Provider or Home Support Worker Pilot.
No Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or LMO is needed to apply for Canada caregiver programs.
The offered position must be full-time (at least 30 hours per week) outside of Quebec, from a Canadian individual or family (not a company, embassy, high commission, or consulate).
The job offer must be extended using the Offer of Employment IMM 5983 (PDF, 2.33 MB) form., indicating a genuine need to hire for care purposes.
The pay included in the job offer must demonstrate that working as a caregiver in Canada will maintain a stable financial situation for the applicant and their family.
How to Apply For Canada Caregiver Programs
Refer to the official IRCC guide for home child care providers and home support workers to be prepared for January 1. Eligible individuals can submit their applications through the new permanent residence portal.
Important Note: The Home Child Care Provider Pilot often reaches capacity quickly. Click here to learn how to get ready for January 1 and apply.
