Caregivers are one of the most crucial skilled workers in Canada. They are responsible for providing essential support to children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. There are several Caregiver programs in Canada to achieve permanent residency (PR).
This article will provide detailed programs and their information for Caregivers, including the latest pilot programs and pathways under Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
New Pilot Programs for Caregivers (Announced June 2024)
On June 3, 2024, the IRCC has announced new and enhanced caregiver pilots. These programs replace the previous Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot, which are set to finish same month.
The new caregiver pilot programs aim to simplify the process for caregivers to achieve PR upon their arrival in Canada. Key features include:
- PR on Arrival: Caregivers will be granted permanent residence status as soon as they arrive in Canada.
- Flexible Work Opportunities: Caregivers can work for organizations that provide temporary or part-time care for semi-independent individuals or those recovering from an injury or illness.
- Clear and Accessible Pathway: Simplified eligibility and application processes ensure reliable access to PR.
Eligibility Criteria for the New Pilots:
- Attain a minimum of CLB 4 in language proficiency.
- Hold the equivalent of a Canadian high school diploma.
- Have recent and relevant work experience.
- Secure a full-time job offer in home care.
These pilot programs aim to address Canada’s growing home care needs and provide a secure pathway for caregivers to achieve PR while ensuring they can find meaningful employment.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) with Caregiver Pathways
Many provinces in Canada offer caregiver-specific streams or include caregivers under broader PNP categories. Here’s an overview of caregiver pathways under different PNPs:
1. British Columbia (BC) – Skills Immigration Pathway
The BC PNP includes healthcare assistants and home support workers under its Skills Immigration program. Caregivers who secure a job offer in BC can apply for PR through this stream.
BC PNP has two different streams and conducts a draw every week, and both streams include childcare workers. If you meet the requirements and have enough points BC PNP could be great for immigration.
- Requirements:
- A valid full-time job offer from a BC employer.
- Minimum CLB 4 in English or French.
- Relevant qualifications and work experience.
2. Alberta – Rural Renewal Stream
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) focuses on healthcare and caregiving roles in rural areas through the Rural Renewal Stream. Caregivers are eligible if they meet the program’s criteria and secure a job in a designated rural community.
- Requirements:
- A full-time job offer from an Alberta employer in a rural community.
- Minimum CLB 4 in language proficiency.
- Relevant work experience and education.
3. Ontario – In-Demand Skills Stream
Under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), caregivers may qualify for PR through the In-Demand Skills Stream if they secure a job in caregiving or home support.
- Requirements:
- A permanent job offer in caregiving from an Ontario employer.
- Minimum CLB 4 in English or French.
- At least nine months of relevant full-time work experience.
Additionally, OINP Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream would be a great pathway for caregivers in Ontario.
Key Eligibility:
- Education: A degree or diploma from a Canadian institution (2 years or 1-year post-graduate certificate requiring prior education).
- Job Offer: Full-time, permanent, and in a skilled occupation (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3), meeting Ontario’s wage standards.
- Intent to Reside: Commitment to live in Ontario.
- Legal Status: Must have a valid status in Canada if applying from within
4. Manitoba – Employer Direct Recruitment Pathway
Caregivers may qualify for PR in Manitoba under the Employer Direct Recruitment Pathway, which focuses on candidates who have secured a job offer in caregiving or healthcare.
- Requirements:
- A job offer from a Manitoba employer.
- Minimum CLB 4 in language proficiency.
- At least one year of relevant work experience.
5. Nova Scotia – Occupations in Demand Stream
Nova Scotia offers the Occupations in Demand stream for high-demand jobs, including caregiving roles. This pathway provides a direct route to PR for caregivers who meet the requirements.
- Requirements:
- A full-time job offer from a Nova Scotia employer.
- Minimum CLB 4 in language proficiency.
- Relevant education and work experience.
Conclusion
Due to rising competition, obtaining a permanent residency is becoming more and more difficult. Caregiver programs in Canada can be a great way to achieve permanent residency goals. You can select from newly announced pilot or suitable PNP stream to make your PR journey simple and smooth.
Hi… I am Yudith. I am Indonesian and live in USA. I ve been working as a nanny or babysitter for over 12 years in USA. I ve excellent references and would love to get a full timw job in British Columbia or any other cities in Canada as the same position. Would love to get Canadian PR too.
You should explore caregiver pathways like the New Pilot Programs for Caregivers (will open soon) or other caregiver programs under PNP. Search for jobs on CanadianNanny.ca and Job Bank. Depending upon province, you can check their PNP pathways, British Columbia and Ontario has some of the most promising streams for caregivers.
Thank you for your article, I would like to ask a question, can 10 years of experience as a doctor in China be counted as Have recent and relevant work experience.Thank you!
Yes, your 10 years of experience as a doctor in China may count as “recent and relevant” if it aligns with the specific program’s timeframe (e.g., last 5–10 years) and matches the required job duties under the program’s criteria