Canada
Canada Introduces Permanent Residence on Arrival for Caregivers. Canada has unveiled new pilot programs that grant permanent residence (PR) on arrival for foreign caregivers, reflecting their critical role in supporting Canadian families. Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced these enhancements as the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot come to a close later this month. These new initiatives aim to continue the flow of caregivers into Canada while working toward making these programs permanent.
Key Benefits of the New Pilot Programs
The new caregiver pilots will offer immediate PR status to home care workers as soon as they arrive in Canada. Additionally, caregivers will have the flexibility to work with organizations that provide temporary or part-time care for individuals who are semi-independent or recovering from injuries or illnesses. This change simplifies the process for caregivers to find reliable employment and secure their status in Canada.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
To qualify for the new PR on arrival pilot programs, applicants must:
- Attain a minimum level 4 on the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB)
- Hold the equivalent of a Canadian high school diploma
- Have recent and relevant work experience
- Receive a full-time home care job offer
These criteria ensure that candidates are well-prepared to meet the demands of Canada’s home care sector, supporting the diverse needs of the population.
Significant Step Forward
These pilot programs represent a significant advancement in addressing Canada’s evolving home care needs. Detailed information, including full eligibility criteria and application procedures, will be released before the official launch of the programs.
“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,” stated Minister Marc Miller.
Minister of Small Business, the Honourable Rechie Valdez, added, “After hearing stories and feedback from caregivers across Canada, I am proud that we are taking concrete action to create policies to support the caregiver community. Generations of women and men have advocated for this important pathway and have cared for our families and loved ones here in Canada. Now is the time to return the care they deserve.”
Quick Facts
- In June 2014, there were over 60,000 individuals in the Live-in Caregiver Program inventory. Today, less than 1% of that inventory remains.
- Under the 2024–2026 Immigration Levels Plan, Canada will admit over 15,000 caregivers as permanent residents.
- As of April 30, 2024, nearly 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.
These new pilot programs demonstrate Canada’s commitment to recognizing and supporting the vital contributions of caregivers, ensuring they receive the respect and security they deserve while meeting the needs of Canadian families.
