Canada Caregiver Program 2024: Application Window Opens on January 1

Starting January 1st, the application process will commence for the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot, two caregiver initiatives in Canada. These programs are designed to facilitate the entry of qualifying family members and caregivers into Canada with the ultimate aim of obtaining permanent residency.

In 2024, a total of 5,500 new applications are expected to be accepted under these two pilot projects. Notably, the maximum number of applicants is now divided into two distinct categories: those directly seeking permanent residence and those looking to gain valuable caregiving experience.

Understanding the Caregiver Pilot Programs:

The Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot, both spanning five years, offer eligible individuals a pathway to permanent residency. Applicants are required to secure a job offer from a Canadian family, with the unique feature that a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is not mandatory.

Upon receiving a job offer, qualified candidates can apply for an occupation-restricted work permit, allowing them to travel to Canada and engage in temporary caregiving roles to accumulate experience. After two years of experience, applicants are eligible to submit an application for permanent residence.

Qualification Standards:

Individuals may be eligible for permanent residence through these pilot programs if they have received a job offer as a caregiver in Canada or possess prior caregiving experience in the country.

Work Experience Criteria:

To qualify, candidates must have worked full-time in one of the following National Occupational Classification (NOC) jobs in Canada:

Child care provider in the home (NOC 44100):

• Providing childcare in either the caregiver’s own home or the private residence of the employer is essential.
• Institutional settings, such as daycares, are not considered acceptable.
• Residing in the employer’s house is not a requirement for eligibility.
• Foster parent experience does not count as qualifying work experience.

Home health aide (NOC 44101):

• Providing care to an individual in the employer’s private residence who requires assistance from a home support worker is necessary.
• Institutional settings, like nursing homes, are not permitted.
• Residing in the employer’s house is not obligatory for eligibility.
• These criteria ensure that applicants meet the necessary standards for their caregiving experience to be considered valid under the Canada Caregiver Program.

Two Categories under These Pilot Programs:

Gaining Experience Category: For applicants with little or no experience in specified occupations.

Eligible candidates receive a work permit to accumulate 12 months of experience in Canada and can then apply for direct permanent residency after gaining the required experience.

To apply for a work permit, applicants need:

• A valid full-time job offer (IMM 5983 E)
• CLB level 5 in English or French (IELTS = Reading 4 and rest of the modules 5)
• Post-secondary education of at least 1 year
• Any past experience or training that demonstrates the candidate’s ability to perform the work described in the job offer.

Direct-to-Permanent Residency (PR) Category: For applicants with a total of 12 months or more experience in the last 36 months in specified occupations.

To apply for PR, applicants need:

• At least 12 months of full-time work experience in Canada in the last 36 months
• Post-secondary education of at least 1 year
• Any past experience or training that demonstrates the candidate’s ability to perform the work described in the job offer.

Requirements for Job Offers:

A genuine and valid employment offer is essential to commence or fulfill the work experience required for permanent residency through the Home Child Care Provider or Home Support Worker Pilot. No LMIA or LMO is required. The offered position must be full-time (at least 30 hours of paid labor per week) outside of Quebec, from a Canadian individual or family, excluding companies, embassies, high commissions, or consulates. The job offer must be extended using the Offer of Employment IMM 5983 form, and must come from a credible source indicating a genuine need to hire, whether for personal care or the care of a family member.

The Canadian immigration department also evaluates the salary included in the job offer, ensuring that working as a caregiver in Canada will provide stable financial support for the applicant and their family.

How to Apply:

Prepare for the January 1st opening by referring to the official IRCC guide for home child care providers and home support workers. Eligible individuals can submit their applications through the new permanent residence portal.

Opening of Canada Caregiver Program 2024:

The Canada Caregiver Program for 2024 is scheduled to open on January 1, 2024.