Caregiver Immigration Program
Caregiver Program
The Caregiver Visa in Canada is designed for individuals relocating to Canada to work in roles such as caregivers, foreign nannies, or support workers, with the opportunity to gain permanent residency. At present, there are two specific caregiver pilot programs open to new applicants:
The Home Child Care Provider Pilot
The Home Support Worker Pilot Program
On June 18, 2019, the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot were introduced, serving as replacements for the former caregiver programs in Canada.
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Why the Caregiver Program?
- No LMIA Necessary: The Canada Caregiver Visa is unique among work visas as it doesn’t mandate a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), streamlining the application journey.
- Quick Processing Timeline (6-8 Months): Benefit from relatively fast processing times, with applications usually being processed within 6 to 8 months.
- Simplified Eligibility: The program is designed with clear and straightforward eligibility criteria, making it accessible to those who qualify.
- Concurrent PR and Work Permit Applications: As a caregiver, you have the advantage of applying for both Permanent Residency (PR) and a work permit in Canada at the same time, paving the way for long-term residency.
Eligibility criteria for Caregiver program
01
A job offer from a Canadian employer for a full-time position in one of the NOCS below NOC 44100 Child care provider, live-in caregiver, and nanny positions OR NOC 44101 Attendant for persons with disabilities, home support worker, live-in caregiver, and personal care attendant positions
02
Minimum score of CLB 5 in English or NLCL 5 in French in all language skills (writing, reading, listening, speaking)
03
Completed post-secondary education of at least one year in Canada or equivalent, if completed outside Canada.
04
Ability to do the work, considering workers’ previous experience and training
05
You might need to complete a medical examination to verify your good health and submit a police clearance certificate to confirm the absence of any criminal history.
If you haven’t worked in Canada before in one of the specific jobs, you can still apply for one of the Pilot programs. But, your application won’t move forward until you show you’ve worked in Canada for two years in a qualified job. This work experience needs to be gained within three years after you get your work permit.
Work Permit
If you have less than two years of the right kind of work experience, you need to apply for a work permit at the same time you apply for permanent residency through the Caregiver Pilot programs. Once IRCC gives a positive nod to your application in the first check (first stage), you’ll get a special work permit that lasts for three years. This special permit only allows you to work in the job you applied for and no other.
If you have a spouse or kids over 18, they can also get a work permit that lasts as long as yours. Younger kids can get a permit to go to school. They can only apply for these permits from outside Canada if your work permit is already approved in writing before you come to Canada.
