Canada has unveiled new pilot programs that will grant foreign caregivers permanent residency upon arrival, replacing the Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker Pilots set to conclude soon.
This initiative underscores the essential role foreign caregivers play in Canadian households and aims to streamline their employment and integration.
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Minister Marc Miller announced the programs, emphasizing the government’s dedication to addressing critical home care needs for children, senior citizens, and individuals with disabilities.
“Caregivers play a critical role in supporting Canadian families, and our programs need to reflect their invaluable contributions,” Miller stated, according to The Globe and Mail. He added that the new pilots will enhance support for caregivers while ensuring families receive quality care.
The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) plans to admit at least 15,000 caregivers as permanent residents over the next two years as part of Canada’s overall immigration goals.
This status allows caregivers to work for organizations offering temporary or part-time care for semi-independent individuals or those recovering from illness or injury, and provides flexibility in securing suitable employment with reputable employers.
The new pathway facilitates caregivers in finding proper work and offers a clear route to permanent residency upon their arrival in Canada.
To qualify, applicants must meet specific criteria, including:
-Achieving a minimum of level 4 in the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) -Possessing a Canadian high school diploma or its equivalent -Having relevant and recent work experience -Securing a full-time job offer in home care
The pilot programs are expected to launch by the end of fall 2024 or early 2025, with detailed eligibility criteria and application processes to be released before the official launch.
