Caregivers In Canada: Pathways To Permanent Residence

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has launched two new pathways for caregivers currently living in Canada to acquire Canadian permanent residence.

These pathways aim to allow for faster processing times of applications for Canadian permanent residence.

The new pathways to permanent residence were among a number of changes made to the Caregiver Program. Other changes included the ‘live-in’ component of the program no longer being mandatory. Caregivers now have the option of living with their employer, or living elsewhere. Overall, these changes aim to give more opportunity for caregivers to become permanent residents of Canada, while ensuring that workers’ rights are upheld.

Caregivers In Canada: Pathways To Permanent Residence

Caring for Children Pathway

In order to qualify for Canadian Immigration under the Caregiver program, applicants must:

• Have a minimum of two years (within the past four years) of full-time work experience (at least 30 hours per week) in Canada as a home childcare provider, with a valid work permit;
• Meet the description of a home childcare provider as defined by the National Occupation Classification 4411;
• Have completed a one-year Canadian post-secondary credential or equivalent foreign credential; and
• Pass a minimum threshold of language ability for one of Canada’s two official languages, either English or French. The minimum language ability is Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5.

A maximum of 2,750 applicants will be accepted in this category.

Caring for People with High Medical needs Pathway

In order to qualify for Canadian Immigration under the Caregiver program, applicants must:

• A minimum of two years (within the past four years) of full-time work experience (at least 30 hours per week) in Canada as a registered nurse, registered psychiatric nurse, licensed practical nurse, nurse aide, orderly, patient service associate, home support worker, or other similar occupation, with a valid work permit;
• Demonstrate a license to practice in Canada (if applicable);
• Have completed a one-year Canadian post-secondary credential, or equivalent foreign credential; and
• Pass a minimum threshold of language ability for one of Canada’s two official languages, either English or French.
  • Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses must demonstrate CLB 7
  • Other qualified occupations must demonstrate CLB 5

A maximum of 2,750 applicants will be accepted in this category.

Caregivers currently in Canada under the Caregiver Program but who are not yet eligible to submit an application for permanent residence may have other options for immigration under the Express Entry selection system for immigration to Canada