Canada Introduces Immediate Permanent Residency Program for Caregivers

Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, has announced a new initiative allowing carers to receive permanent residency upon arrival.

The expiry date for Canada’s current Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot is approaching. the new program is set to commence by the end of 2024 or early 2025 at the latest.

The new program marks a significant upgrade from the existing caregiver pilot programs, which require a certain amount of work experience in Canada. Under the new initiative, caregivers will be granted permanent residency upon arrival, addressing the nation’s evolving home care needs and recognising the invaluable contributions of home care professionals.

To be eligible for the new caregiver program, applicants must:

• attain a minimum of level 4 based on the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB)
• hold the equivalent of a Canadian high school diploma
• have recent and relevant work experience
• receive an offer for a full-time home care job

Demand for Caregivers in Canada 

In an IRCC news release, Immigration Minister Marc Miller said, “Caregivers play a critical role in supporting Canadian families, and our programs need to reflect their invaluable contributions. 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.”  

According to the 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan, Canada expects to welcome more than 15,000 new permanent residents through caregiver programs.  

As of April 30, 2024, approximately 5,700 caregivers and their family members have become permanent residents since the launch of the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot in 2019.

The demand for caregivers in Canada is rising as the population ages. Over the next six years, it is expected that more than nine million Canadians will retire, increasing the need for additional care in homes or institutions. 

Additionally, a recent report by the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence highlights the urgent needs of caregivers in Canada. 

Additionally, a recent report by the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence highlights the urgent needs of caregivers in Canada. 

Among them, it notes that “Many caregivers are 65+ and may also need care. Nearly one in five caregivers are over the age of 65. Senior caregivers are least likely to access any services or supports to help with their responsibilities.” 

Finally,  families in Canada require a childcare provider as more women, who traditionally take on more of the caretaking duties for young children, seek to enter the workforce.  

IRCC has not clarified the work experience requirement for the new pilot programs and will announce more details closer to the full launch. 

Other Pathways to Attain Canada Permanent Residency for Immigrants

There are 7 other pathways to obtaining permanent residency in Canada, providing greater stability, access to more benefits, and full integration into Canadian society and lifestyle.

1. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
   Suitable for TRs, including those who have acquired Canadian work experience.
2. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
   The program targets skilled workers with foreign work experience who want to immigrate to Canada.
3. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
   Allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and are interested in settling in a particular province.
4. French language proficiency (Express Entry Category)
   Allows French-speaking workers and students in Canada, who speak French, to apply through Express Entry in the “French language proficiency” category
5. Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)
   For those who have studied or worked in the province of Quebec.
6. Family Sponsorship
   Allows Canadian citizens or PRs to sponsor relatives, including spouses, partners, children, or certain other family members, for permanent residency.
7. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
   Designed for skilled workers and international graduates who wish to reside in one of the Atlantic Provinces of Canada: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island.