Recently, the Government of Canada announced that two programs – the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot – will be coming to a close. On the 3rd of June 2024, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship stated that these programs will be replaced by new caregiver pilots that address the increasing need for qualified caregivers across the country. These new programs will provide home care workers with permanent residence (PR) on arrival in Canada. Previously, home care workers needed to work for a certain amount of time before applying for PR.
Eligibility requirements
To be eligible for Canada’s new caregiver programs, applicants must:
- Have a job offer in Canada as a caregiver
- Have a Canadian high school diploma or equivalent
- Meet language proficiency requirements (CLB 4 in English or French)
- Have relevant work experience
Work experience requirements (updated June 24, 2024)
- Applicants now need only six months of work experience instead of the previous 12 months to qualify.
- For the Gaining Experience category, eligible work experience from inside or outside Canada will be accepted if gained anytime within the 36 months before submitting the permanent residence application and the date proof of work experience is provided.
- If you already applied to the Gaining Experience category and now have enough eligible work experience, you can send proof to update your application.
Application categories (updated June 24, 2024)
- Less than 12 Months in Canada: If you have never worked full-time as a caregiver in Canada or have less than 12 months of work experience, you can apply to the Gaining Experience category.
- 12 Months or More in Canada: If you have worked full-time as a caregiver in Canada for 12 months or more in the last 36 months, you can apply to the Direct to Permanent Residence category.
Application process
The application process for the 2024 caregiver programs is unknown and will be announced at a later date.
Benefits of Canada’s 2024 caregiver programs
The new caregiver programs offer several benefits for participants, including:
- A clear pathway to permanent residency
- The ability to bring family members to Canada
- Access to healthcare and other social services
- Opportunities for career advancement in the caregiving field
Statistics and figures
- In 2023, over 5,000 caregivers were admitted to Canada through the program
- The demand for caregivers in Canada is expected to grow by 10% annually due to the aging population
- The average annual salary for caregivers in Canada is approximately $36,000, with variations depending on location and experience [Job Bank Canada]
Canada’s new caregiver programs are a great way for newcomers to build a career in a growing and essential field. These programs are also a pathway to permanent residency. As a newcomer, you may require certifications or training programs to enhance your skills as a caregiver. At Windmill Microlending, we provide affordable loans to help skilled newcomers cover the costs of education, certification and other expenses related to their career development. Apply for a Windmill loan today to take your career to the next level!
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