The Canadian government has relaunched two caregiver immigration programs, the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot, starting January 1, 2024. These 5-year pilot initiatives are designed to welcome qualified caregivers and their families as permanent residents in Canada.

Under the modified criteria, experienced caregivers, with just 12 months of qualifying work experience, can now apply for permanent residence, a significant reduction from the previous requirement of 24 months. The goal is to attract skilled caregivers to contribute to Canada’s workforce and provide an opportunity for them and their families to establish permanent residency.

In a statement, the Canadian government outlined that individuals offered a caregiver job in Canada or those with prior caregiving experience in the country are eligible to apply for permanent residence through these programs. The application process varies based on the applicant’s situation and qualifying work experience.

Applicants must submit their applications to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) along with evidence of their caregiving experience. This includes individuals who may have previously applied under the “Gaining Experience” category.

The relaunch of these caregiver immigration programs aligns with Canada’s commitment to addressing labor market needs and promoting family reunification. By reducing the required qualifying work experience to 12 months, the government aims to facilitate the immigration process for caregivers while ensuring they contribute meaningfully to the Canadian society.

As Canada continues to evolve its immigration policies, these caregiver programs signal a strategic move to attract skilled professionals in the caregiving sector, acknowledging their valuable contributions to the country’s social and economic landscape. The revised criteria provide a more accessible pathway for caregivers and their families to establish a permanent home in Canada, fostering a diverse and vibrant community.