Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship (IRCC) has announced two new pilot programs that will provide qualifying caregivers permanent residence (PR) upon arrival.
Eligible home care workers will also be able to work for organizations that provide temporary or part-time care to those who are semi-independent or recovering from an injury or sickness, according to VisaGuide.World.
According to IRCC, this new pathway makes it easier for international caregivers to find decent work with reputable employers and rapidly get resident status once they arrive in Canada.
This guide gives a detailed piece of information about Canada’s new caregiver immigration program and guide, its benefits, and requirements.
It also gives an overview of why you should work as a caregiver in Canada and how to apply for a caregiver job in Canada.
Canada would provide PR to 15,000 caregivers between 2024 and 2026.
According to the Canadian authorities, nearly 15,000 caregivers would be allowed as permanent residents under the 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan.
Meanwhile, approximately 5,700 caregivers and their family members have earned permanent residency since the commencement of the Home Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot in 2019 through April 30, 2024.
How Will Caregivers From Abroad Obtain Permanent Residence In Canada?
On Monday, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced two new pilot programs that will grant permanent status to caregivers in Canada upon arrival.
These projects attempt to provide much-needed assistance to those caring for children, retirees, and disabled people. The programs provide caregivers with a direct road to settling in Canada, improving their status, and providing a more stable living situation.
“These new PR on arrival pilot programs mark an important step forward in Canada’s efforts to meet the evolving home care needs of its diverse population.” Said Marc Miller stated in a press release.
What Are The New Pilot Programs For Caregivers?
The new pilot programs are improved versions of the existing Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot, which are slated to expire on June 17.
These initiatives will expedite the process of obtaining permanent residence for skilled nannies, child-care providers, and home support workers.
According to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), these new programs will also apply to caregivers employed by organizations that offer temporary or part-time care for semi-independent adults or those recovering from an injury or illness.
Eventually, these experimental initiatives will become permanent fixtures in Canada’s immigration scene.
What Are The Requirements for Applying to These Programs?
Foreigners who want to work in Canada’s home care sector can apply through these pilot programs if they match the following criteria:
- Achieve at least level 4 on the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB).
- Have the equivalent of a Canadian high school diploma.
- Possess recent and relevant work experience
- Get an offer for full-time home care employment.
As stated in the official release, additional information will be provided before the full launch of these pilot initiatives.
How many caregivers will Canada admit?
Canada intends to admit more than 15,000 caregivers as permanent residents over the next two years as part of its overall immigration goals.
Why Are Caregivers Important To Canada?
“Caregivers play a critical role in supporting Canadian families, and our programs need to reflect their invaluable contributions,” Marc Miller stated in a press release.
“As we work to implement a permanent caregivers program, these two new pilots will not only improve support for caregivers but also provide families with the quality care they deserve,” he stated.
According to NDP immigration critic Jenny Kwan, there is a caregiver shortage in Canada. She highlighted the regular exploitation and abuse that this workforce faces, compounded by their unstable immigration status. Kwan underlined that Canada should no longer classify caretakers as “low-skill” workers, given their considerable contributions.
What Challenges Do Caregivers Face?
Kwan questioned the present language and education standards for being overly stringent. These criteria, which were adopted before Justin Trudeau became Prime Minister, have served as a “roadblock” for many caregivers seeking to reside in Canada.
How many caregivers have already benefited?
Since 2019, almost 5,700 caregivers and their family members have obtained permanent residency status through prior pilot programs, as of April 30.
Benefits of New Programs
- Caregivers will receive permanent residency upon arrival in Canada.
- Flexible Work Options: Caregivers may work for organizations that provide part-time or temporary care.
- Better Job Opportunities: It is easier to find reputable employers and suitable work.
What Does This Mean For Future Caregivers?
“This new pathway means that caregivers can more easily find proper work with reliable employers and have clear, straightforward access to permanent-resident status as soon as they arrive in Canada,” said the IRCC.
How to Become a Caregiver in Canada.
How to Apply as a Caregiver in Canada.
Step 1: Receive an offer of employment (IMM 5983 E).
To start the application process, you must first get an offer of employment from a qualifying Canadian business. This offer will serve as the basis for your caregiver application.
Step 2: Obtain the required IELTS and ECA certificates.
As part of the application procedure, you must get the necessary language competency certification via the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam. In addition, you must have your educational qualifications evaluated by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) provider to ensure their equivalency in Canada.
Step 3: Apply for Permanent Residency and Work Permit.
Once you have an offer of employment and the necessary language competency and educational credentials, you can apply for permanent residency and a work permit in Canada through the relevant caregiver pilot program. These applications will be processed simultaneously.
Step 4: Get an Open Work Permit.
If your application meets the caregiver pilot program’s eligibility requirements, you will be permitted to apply for an Open Work Permit in your home country. This work visa will be occupation-specific within the same National Occupational Classification (NOC) code, but not limited to a specific employer.
Step 5: Processing Work Permits and Accompanying Family Members
The average processing period for a work permit is approximately 45 days. Once accepted, you can get work and study permits for your spouse or common-law partner, as well as children, allowing them to travel with you to Canada.
Step 6: Work Experience and Permanent Residency.
Upon arrival in Canada, you can begin working as a caregiver to earn the necessary job experience. After two years of work experience, you will be able to apply for permanent residency by providing the required papers as verification of your work experience.
Processing and Decision
After you submit your application for permanent residence, an immigration officer will review it to ensure that all required forms are completed correctly, fees are paid, biometrics (if required) are submitted, language requirements are met, proof of qualifying work experience and education requirements is provided, and all other documents and information specified in the application package are included.
Caregivers’ applications normally take about six months to process. However, processing dates may vary depending on circumstances such as criminal or security checks, unresolved family situations, or the requirement for extra verification from other IRCC offices.
Always make sure you understand what to do after you’ve completed your application.
Once a decision is reached on your application, You will be notified. If approved, you will be required to send your passport to the processing office to obtain your permanent resident visa, which includes the Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and, if necessary, an entrance visa.
Qualifying Work Experience
If you match the qualifying conditions and have a job offer as a home child care provider or support worker, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency under the Home Child Care Provider Pilot or Home Support Worker Pilot.
These pilot programs allow caregivers and family members to travel to Canada and become permanent residents.
When you apply for these pilot positions, you will be issued an open work permit that allows you to work temporarily in Canada.
It is vital to note that this work permit is occupation-restricted, which means you must work only in the authorized occupation of a home child care provider or home support worker.
However, unlike other work permits, you do not need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to apply for this one.
The job experience you get through these pilot programs is critical because it allows you to complete the requirements for permanent residency.
Previously, at least 24 months of qualifying work experience were necessary. However, the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot require only 12 months of qualifying work experience to be eligible for permanent residency.
To qualify for permanent residency, you must have worked full-time in Canada in one of the following National Occupational Classification (NOC) jobs:
- Home Child Care Provider – (NOC 44100)
- Home Support Worker – (NOC 44101)
Having relevant job experience in these occupations allows you to demonstrate your abilities and contributions as a caregiver, which are highly recognized in Canada’s immigration system.
Maintaining Your Temporary Resident Status
While working in Canada, it is critical to retain valid temporary resident status. To ensure that your stay continues, you must apply to renew or amend the terms of your work visa before it expires.
Failure to do so may result in a loss of status and reduce your eligibility for permanent residence.
Working as a caregiver in Canada provides exciting options for people who match the caregiver standards and want to pursue a rewarding profession.
Caregivers in Canada must have an employment offer from a qualified Canadian business and complete specific eligibility criteria.
To work as a caregiver in Canada, a person must first get the relevant credentials, then apply for work permits and permanent residency, and then gain the necessary job experience.
Caregiver employment in Canada includes work visa sponsorship, which allows caregivers and their families to travel to Canada and become permanent citizens.
These initiatives seek to solve historical challenges for caregivers, such as limited career mobility and the inability to bring family members to Canada.
The introduction of caregiver pilot programs, such as the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot, has streamlined the caregiver application process and reduced the required qualifying work experience.
Applying as a caregiver in Canada necessitates strict adherence to the unique standards and processes.
Nevertheless, it can lead to a fulfilling career and possibly permanent residency for suitable individuals and their families.
Why Become a Caregiver in Canada?
1. A rewarding career.
Becoming a caregiver in Canada allows you to make a significant impact on the lives of those who require assistance.
Caregivers provide vital support, compassion, and care to those in need, allowing them to enjoy healthier and more productive lives. The gratification that comes from assisting others and providing comfort and support can be extremely fulfilling.
2. A Route to Permanent Residency
One significant perk of working as a caregiver in Canada is the chance for permanent residency. Caregiver pilot programs, such as the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot, allow caregivers and their families to relocate to Canada and become permanent residents.
This might result in long-term stability as well as chances for the country’s growth and development.
3. Job Security and Visa Sponsorship
Caregiver positions in Canada frequently come with employment security and visa sponsorship. authorized caregivers who have job offers from authorized Canadian businesses can apply for work permits and relocate to Canada to work in their chosen occupation.
This provides stability and peace of mind, knowing that caregivers have a secure position and support with visa requirements, allowing them to focus on their work and positively impact the lives of those they care for.
4. Fixed salary
According to Talent.com, the average annual compensation for a home care worker in Canada is CAD33,150 (CAD17 per hour). Entry-level occupations typically begin at CAD28,839 per year, while more experienced workers can earn up to CAD41,672 annually.
The results are based on 1421 wages. On the other side, the average annual compensation for a daycare worker in Canada is CAD34,843 or CAD17.87 per hour.
Entry-level childcare worker salaries begin at CAD29,315 per year, while those with substantial experience can earn up to CAD46,891 annually. These wage projections provide an overview of the earning potential for home care and childcare workers in Canada.
FAQS
Where Can I Find More Information?
The official IRCC website provides more detailed information on application methods and eligibility criteria.
Conclusion
The new pilot initiatives are an important step toward improving the lives of caregivers in Canada.
By providing a clear path to permanent residency, they provide stability and recognition to people who provide an important service to Canadian families.
These programs promise improved assistance for caregivers and high-quality care for families around the country.