Canada is introducing new caregiver pilot programs to replace the expiring Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot. These new programs will offer permanent resident status upon arrival to Canada and allow caregivers to work for organizations providing temporary or part-time care. Eligibility criteria include a minimum Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) level of 4, equivalent to a Canadian high school diploma, recent work experience, and a full-time job offer in home care. This marks a departure from the previous requirements, which included a CLB of 5, Canadian post-secondary education, and a work experience of at least six months. Immigration Minister Marc Miller emphasized the importance of supporting caregivers and providing quality care to families. Canada aims to welcome over 15,000 new permanent residents through caregiver programs, with the demand for caregivers expected to rise due to the aging population. Additionally, there is a need to support caregivers themselves, especially those aged 65 and older. The increasing participation of women in the workforce also drives the demand for childcare providers.
The new pilot programs will provide home care workers with permanent residence (PR) on arrival in Canada. This new initiative enables caregivers to work for organizations offering temporary or part-time care to individuals who are semi-independent or recuperating from illness or injury. It streamlines their access to stable employment with reputable employers and ensures a straightforward pathway to obtaining permanent resident status upon their arrival in Canada.