Caregiver Visa Canada and Pilot Programs
Immigrate to Canada as a Nanny, Home Support Worker, or Caregiver through the Caregiver Visa. Learn how to apply for the Caregiver Program Canada, its requirements, and the application process.
Notice: Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot Closed
IRCC is no longer accepting new applications for the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot as of June 17, 2024. Applications received on or before this date will continue to be processed. New Pilots will be introduced by the end of this year. Here is more information:
Canada’s New Caregiver Pilot Programs Offer Direct PR Upon Arrival
What is Canada Caregiver Visa?
Canada’s Caregiver Visa caters to applicants moving to Canada as a caregiver, foreign nanny, or support worker and obtain permanent residence. Currently, only two caregiver pilot programs are accepting new applicants. These are:
- Home Child Care Provider
- Home Support Worker Pilot Program
The Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot were launched on June 18, 2019, to replace the previous Canada caregiver programs. Both of these Caregiver Pilot Programs in detail have unique requirements to be fulfilled by foreign child caregivers and home support workers.
Why Choose the Canada Caregiver Visa?
Becoming Part of a Canadian Family: An opportunity to become an integral part of a Canadian family while providing essential care and support.
- No LMIA Required: Unlike many other work visas, the Canada Caregiver Visa doesn’t require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), making the application process smoother.
- Easy Eligibility Requirements: The program offers straightforward eligibility criteria, making it accessible for qualified candidates.
- Apply for Canada PR and Work Permit Simultaneously: As a caregiver, you can simultaneously apply for a Permanent Residency (PR) and a work permit in Canada, providing a path to long-term settlement.
- Processing Times (6-8 Months): Enjoy relatively quick processing times, typically taking 6 to 8 months from application to approval.
Canada Caregiver Visa Requirements
Here are the general requirements for caregivers in Canada:
- Eligible Caregiver Programs: There are two main caregiver programs in Canada: the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot. To be eligible, you must apply through one of these programs.
- Work Experience: You must have work experience as a caregiver. For the Home Child Care Provider Pilot, you should have experience caring for children, and for the Home Support Worker Pilot, you should have experience caring for seniors or people with disabilities.
- Language Proficiency: You need to prove your language proficiency in either English or French, depending on the program. You may need to take a language test, such as the IELTS or CELPIP for English or the TEF for French.
- Educational Requirements: While there may not be strict educational requirements, having a secondary school diploma or higher education can be an advantage.
- Job Offer: You need a valid job offer from a Canadian employer to apply for these programs. The job offer must be for full-time, permanent employment.
- Work Permit: You will need a work permit to work as a caregiver in Canada. The work permit is usually tied to your specific employer.
- Medical Exam and Police Clearance: You may be required to undergo a medical exam to prove that you are in good health and provide a police clearance certificate to demonstrate that you have no criminal record.
- Caregiver Training: In some cases, you may need to complete caregiver training courses to meet program requirements.
- Admissibility: You must meet the general admissibility requirements for Canada, which includes passing a medical exam and security checks.
Home Child Care Provider Program Canada (HCCP)
The Home Child Care Provider provides an immigration pathway for foreign caregivers and nannies with the right skills and experience. The HCCP Canada program is open to foreign workers with work experience under the NOC TEER Code 44100. This code covers workers such as:
- Nannies
- Babysitters
- Parent’s helpers
- Child care, live-in caregivers,
- Child care providers in private homes
Detailed eligibility requirements: Home Child Care Provider Program Canada
Home Support Worker Pilot Program Canada (HSWP)
This Caregiver immigration pilot program was introduced in 2019. It allows foreign workers to come to Canada, work as home support workers, and then apply for permanent residence. The HSWP program is open to foreign nationals with work experience under the NOC TEER Code 44101. This code covers workers such as:
- Family caregivers
- Housekeepers
- Home support workers
- Attendants that care for people with disabilities
- Live-in caregivers for seniors
- Personal care attendants
- Personal aides
Detailed eligibility requirements: Home Support Worker Program Canada
How to apply for Caregiver Visa in Canada?
To submit an online application for a Canada caregiver visa, you typically need to follow these steps:
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
Before applying, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the caregiver program you intend to apply for (e.g., Home Child Care Provider Pilot or Home Support Worker Pilot).
Gather Required Documents: Collect all the necessary documents, which may include proof of work experience, language proficiency test results, educational credentials, a valid job offer, and other supporting documents.
Step 2. Create an Online Account
Visit the official Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website and create an online account through the Express Entry system or another relevant immigration portal.
Step 3: Complete the Application Form
Fill out the application form for the specific caregiver program you are interested in. Ensure that you provide accurate and complete information.
Step 4: Upload Documents
Scan and upload all required documents to your online application. Make sure the documents meet the specified format and file size requirements.
Step 5: Pay Application Fees
Pay the required application fees online using a valid payment method. Fees may vary depending on the program and circumstances.
Step 6: Submit Your Application
Review your application carefully to ensure accuracy. Once you are satisfied, submit your application electronically through the online portal.
Step 7: Biometrics and Medical Examination
If requested, schedule and attend a biometrics appointment and complete a medical examination as part of the application process.
Step 8: Wait for Processing
After submitting your application, you will need to wait for it to be processed by the relevant authorities. Processing times can vary, so check the IRCC website for estimates.
Step 9: Receive a Decision
You will receive a decision on your application. If approved, you will typically receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction and, if required, a work permit. If applying for permanent residency, you may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Step 10: Arrival in Canada
If approved, follow the instructions provided in your documents to arrive in Canada. Make sure to fulfill any additional requirements upon your arrival.
Caregiver Visa Intake Cap and Processing Cap
The Home Support Worker Pilot and Home Child Care Provider Pilot have undergone modifications for the 2023 application process. See these modifications below:
Home Child Care Provider Pilot (2,750 Applications)
- Gaining Experience Category: Maximum 1,650 applications
- 1,500 online applications
- 150 alternate format applications
- Direct PR Category: Maximum 1,100 applications
- 1,000 online applications
- 100 alternate format applications
Home Support Worker Pilot (2,750 Applications)
- Gaining Experience Category: 1,650 applications
- This total includes both online and alternate-format applications
- Direct PR Category: 1,100 applications
- This total includes both online and alternate-format applications
According to Article 14.1(2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, each pilot programme may only process a maximum of 2,750 applications each calendar year (IRPA). For an application to be considered complete and suitable for processing, it must satisfy the conditions outlined in section 10 of the IRPR and the application kit. Before the pilots’ expiration, all complete applications submitted within the intake cap will be processed.
Eligibility Factors for Caregiver Visa Canada
The factors that determine your qualification for the Caregiver Visa Canada are:
- You don’t have any satisfactory work experience. It means you have never worked as a caregiver in Canada
- As of April 30, 2023, you must have 12 months rather than 24 months of work experience in Canada to be eligible for permanent residence.
- Are you working under one of the previous in-home caregiver programs in Canada right now, or
- You have recently worked full-time as a caregiver but haven’t yet accumulated 12 months
- You have 12 months or more of satisfactory work experience
Need Help with Caregiver Visa Canada?
The Caregiver Visa Canada serves as an excellent immigration route for child care providers and home support workers. If you intend to apply for Caregiver immigration programs, you can contact our experts here. Our skilled team of Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants is familiar with Caregiver Visa Pilot Programs and can help you optimize your application.
FAQs: Canada Caregiver Visa
Who is a caregiver in Canada?
In Canada, a caregiver refers to an individual who provides essential care and support to individuals who require assistance due to medical conditions, age-related needs, or disabilities. Caregivers play a crucial role in assisting Canadians in maintaining their quality of life and independence.
Can I apply Caregiver Visa Canada without experience?
If your work experience is not enough, you can still apply to become a permanent resident through the Home Childcare Provider Pilot or the Home Support Worker Pilot, provided that you meet other eligibility criteria.
To qualify for the program, you will need to follow the steps listed below:
- Depending on your chosen occupation, you should apply either for the Home Childcare Provider Pilot or the Home Support Worker Pilot.
- You need to apply for a work permit together with your application for permanent residence.
- In case you are found eligible, you will receive a work permit that will allow you to work temporarily.
- With the issued permit, you will be able to work as a caregiver for any employer in Canada.
- Obtain a minimum of 12 months of work experience required for permanent residence.
- Submit proof of your work experience to the IRCC.
- If you have 12 months of work experience or more, you can apply for permanent residence with your family immediately. Be prepared to submit the documents that prove your qualifying work experience.
Which caregiver programs have been discontinued in Canada?
Prospective applicants should note that the Live-In Caretaker Program, In-Home Caregiver Program, and the Interim Pathway for Caregivers Program are currently closed for applicants. If you have been working as a caregiver in Canada but don’t fall into any of the categories mentioned above, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence under the HSWP and HCCP Caregiver Pilot Programs.
How long does it take to get a Canadian PR in a Caregiver program?
The processing time for obtaining Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) through the caregiver program can vary depending on several factors. In one of our cases, the application for Canadian PR through the caregiver program took approximately 19 months. In another application it took 9 months only. As per our experience the processing time for Canada Caregiver Program varies from 6-24 months.
What is the age limit to apply in Canada as a caregiver?
There is typically no specific age limit to apply for caregiver positions in Canada. While there is no maximum age limit for caregivers, individuals who wish to work in Canada should be aware of general eligibility requirements and considerations set by the Canadian government.
What is the NOC TEER code for caregiver in Canada?
The National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER code for caregivers in Canada is 44101 (support worker) and 44100 (child care).
Move to Canada as a Caregiver/Nanny
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Move to Canada through Caregiver Visa
Apply for Caregiver Visa Canada and obtain permanent residency as a Nanny or Caregiver.
