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.

Important Notice

  • As of June 17, 2024, IRCC is no longer accepting new applications for the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot.
  • On June 3, 2024 Canada announced New Home Care Worker Immigration PilotĀ Programs to support caregivers and Canadian families set to be launched on March 31, 2025.

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 Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot Programs are accepting new applicants. There are two pilots with two streams each:

HCWIP Child Care

HCWIP Caregiver Pilot

There are two NOC categories eligible under HCWIP Caregiver: Home Child Care Providers (NOC 44100) and Early Childhood Educators and Assistants (NOC 42202).

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HCWIP Home Support

HCWIP: Home Support Worker Pilot

Under HCWIP Home Support Worker Pilot, two NOC categories are eligible: Home Support Workers, Caregivers, and Related Occupations (NOC 44101) and Nurse Aides, Orderlies, and Patient Service Associates (NOC 33102). Work experience in NOC 33102 gained in an institutional setting, such as long-term care, may be eligible.

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Each HCWIP pilot has two application streams

  • Workers in Canada: This stream is open to individuals already working in Canada as home care workers.
  • Applicants Not Working in Canada: This stream will open for those applying from outside Canada in the upcoming months.

New Canadian Caregiver Visa Benefits

  • One-Step Permanent Residence: Eligible home care workers and their families can obtain permanent residency without needing prior Canadian work experience.
  • On-Arrival PR for Caregivers: The new programs offer eligible workers a direct route to permanent residence (PR) upon arrival.
  • Easy Requirements: Applicants need a CLB or NCLC level 4 and a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • No Prior Canadian Work Experience Needed: While applicants do not need Canadian work experience, they must have recent, relevant work experience or at least six months of related training in home care.
  • No LMIA: A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is not necessary; however, applicants must have a full-time job offer in a homecare occupation from an eligible employer in Canada, excluding Quebec.

Canada Caregiver Visa Requirements

To be eligible for the new Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots, applicants must:

  • Language Proficiency: Have a CLB or NCLC level 4 in English or French.
  • Education: Hold the equivalent of a Canadian high school diploma or higher.
  • Work Experience: Possess at least six months of recent, relevant work experience or a related caregiver training credential.
  • Job Offer: Secure a full-time job offer in home care from an eligible Canadian employer.
  • Intended Residence: Plan to live and work in Canada, outside Quebec.
  • Stream-Specific Requirements: Meet the specific eligibility criteria for the program they apply to.
  • Admissibility: Be admissible to Canada under immigration laws.

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 you meet the eligibility criteria for the caregiver program you intend to apply for.

Gather Required Documents: Collect all the necessary documents, including 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

You can 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

Please review your application carefully to ensure accuracy. Once you are satisfied, submit it 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 must wait for the relevant authorities to process it. 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. Upon your arrival, make sure to fulfill any additional requirements.

Closed Caregiver Programs in Canada

The following caregiver programs are no longer accepting new applications:

  • Home Child Care Provider Pilot
  • Home Support Worker Pilot
  • Interim Pathway for Caregivers Program
  • Caring for Children Pilot
  • Caring for People with High Medical Needs Pilot
  • Live-in Caregiver Program

Eligible Employers for New Caregiver Visa Canada

Home care workers can receive job offers from a variety of employers, including:

  • Private households
  • Home health care service providers
  • Direct care agencies
  • Residential care facilities
  • Pediatric home health care providers

Note: Recruitment or placement agencies are not eligible employers under these pilots.

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.

How long does it take to get a Canadian PR in a Caregiver program?

With the new caregiver pilot programs, caregivers can get permanent resident status as soon as they arrive in Canada.

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). More details will be added as the updates come.

Caregiver Pilot Program Canada

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