Canada has introduced new caregiver pilot programs that offer permanent residency to foreign caregivers upon arrival. This initiative aims to maintain consistent support for Canadian families as the current Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker Pilots come to an end.
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Minister Marc Miller made the announcement, emphasizing the government’s dedication to addressing the essential home care needs of children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
These new programs highlight the significant contributions of foreign caregivers to Canadian households and aim to facilitate their employment and integration into Canadian society.
“Caregivers play a critical role in supporting Canadian families and our programs need to reflect their invaluable contributions,” Miller said in a statement, reports The Globe and Mail.
“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.”
The IRCC plans to admit at least 15,000 caregivers as permanent residents over the next two years, contributing to Canada’s overall immigration goals.
This status enables caregivers to work with organizations that provide temporary or part-time care for semi-independent individuals or those recovering from illness or injury. It also offers them flexibility in finding suitable employment with reputable employers, ensuring a clear and straightforward path to permanent residency, thereby enhancing their stability and integration.
“This pathway means that caregivers can more easily find proper work with reliable employers and have a clear, straightforward access to permanent-resident status as soon as they arrive in Canada,” the IRCC stated.
To qualify for the new programs, applicants must meet specific criteria, including:
– Achieving at least level 4 in the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB)
– Possessing a Canadian high school diploma or its equivalent
– Having relevant and recent work experience
– Securing a full-time job offer in home care
Minister Marc Miller confirmed that the pilot is expected to launch by the end of fall 2024 or early 2025 at the latest.
Detailed information about the new pilot programs, including complete eligibility criteria and application processes, will be released before the official launch.
