In January 2024, two Canada immigration programs will begin accepting applications for permanent residency from new applicants.
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Canadian Immigration Programs Available in January 2024
- Caregivers Pilot Programs
- Agri-Food Pilot
These immigration programs, the Caregivers Pilot Programs, and the Agri-Food Pilot, have a limited number of spots available.
Caregivers Pilot Programs
The Caregivers Pilot Programs consist of the Home Support Caregiver Pilot and Home Childcare Provider Pilot. These immigration programs offer permanent residency for eligible applicants who meet specific requirements.
It’s crucial for potential candidates to prepare in advance with the necessary documents to secure a spot, as these immigration programs have limited openings.
Key Changes
In 2023, both pilot immigration programs had a total cap of 5,500 applications across different categories. Notably, the eligibility requirement for in-Canada caregiver provider pilots has been reduced from 24 months to 12 months of experience.
Categories Under Caregivers Pilots:
There are two categories under both Caregivers Pilots:
1. Gaining Experience Category: For applicants with less than 24 months of experience.
- For in-Canada caregivers, this requirement is 12 months of experience.
2. Direct to Permanent Residency (PR) Category: For applicants with 24 months or more of experience.
- For in-Canada caregivers, this requirement is 12 months of experience.
Application Process
You can get a work permit to gain 24 months of experience in Canada. After completing the required experience, you can then apply for Permanent Residency directly under the Direct to Permanent Residency Category.
Requirements for PR Application
To apply for permanent residency, applicants need:
- At least 24 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 perform the job described in the job offer.
Work Permit Application
To apply for a work permit, applicants need:
- A 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 work described in the job offer.
Eligible Occupations
- Home Child Care Providers (NOC 44100)
- Home Support Worker Pilot (NOC 44101)
Home Childcare Providers (NOC 44100):
- Babysitter
- Child care live-in caregiver
- Child care provider – private home
- Nanny
- Parent’s helper
- Babysitter – fitness centre
- Babysitter – shopping centre
Home Support Worker Pilot (NOC 44101):
- Attendant for persons with disabilities – home care
- Family caregiver
- Home support worker
- Live-in caregiver – seniors
- Personal aide – home support
- Personal care attendant – home care
- Respite worker – home support
Click here to know more about the caregiver pilot program.
Agri-Food Pilot
The Agri-Food Pilot is another immigration program with limited spots, resetting its annual cap on January 1, 2024. The program processes a maximum of 2,750 permanent residency applications each year.
Program Extension
The Agri-Food Pilot will be extended until May 14, 2025, with new changes implemented on May 18, 2023. Family members of applicants with an acknowledgment of receipt letter can apply for an open work permit.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Agri-Food Pilot, individuals need at least 1 year of cumulative, non-seasonal, full-time work in the past 3 years in specific occupations.
Eligible Occupations
- NOC 63201: Butchers, retail and wholesale
- NOC 65202 – Meat cutters and fishmongers – retail and wholesale
- NOC 94141 – Industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry preparers and related workers
- NOC 82030 – Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors
- NOC 84120 – Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators
- NOC 85100 – Livestock labourers
- NOC 95106 – Labourers in food and beverage processing
- NOC 82030 – Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors
- NOC 84120 – Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators
- NOC 85100 – Livestock labourers
- NOC 85101 – Harvesting labourers
- NOC 82030 – Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors
- NOC 84120 – Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators
- NOC 85100 – Livestock labourers
- NOC 85101 – Harvesting labourers
Language Proficiency and Education
The Agri-Food Pilot requires a CLB Level 4 in English and French, and only a high school diploma is necessary according to the education credential assessment (ECA). Canada now accepts a union reference letter if an employer does not provide an experience letter.
Click here to know more about the Agri-Food Pilot.
Canada Immigration Levels Plan for 2024
The new Canada immigration levels plan aims to welcome over 485,000 new immigrants in 2024 and 500,000 in 2025, covering economic, family, and refugee categories.
Conclusion
In 2024, these two immigration programs present opportunities for individuals to apply for permanent residency in Canada. It is crucial to understand the requirements, prepare documentation in advance, and submit applications promptly due to the limited number of spots available.