Caregivers from abroad are indispensable to Canadian families, making significant contributions to the lives of children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. As the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot conclude later this month, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced the launch of new, enhanced caregiver pilot programs.
These new pilot programs will ensure that caregivers can continue to come to Canada and work towards making the caregiver programs permanent. A key feature of these new pilots is the provision of permanent residence (PR) status upon arrival for home care workers. Additionally, caregivers will be permitted to work for organizations offering temporary or part-time care for semi-independent individuals or those recovering from injuries or illnesses. This pathway allows caregivers to secure proper employment with reliable employers and gain straightforward access to permanent resident status immediately upon arrival in Canada.
“Caregivers play a critical role in supporting Canadian families, and our programs need to reflect their invaluable contributions. As we work to implement a permanent caregivers program, these two new pilots will not only improve support for caregivers but also provide families with the quality care they deserve.” says – The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.
To be eligible for these new PR on arrival pilot programs, candidates interested in working in Canada’s home care sector must meet the following criteria:
- Achieve a minimum of level 4 on the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB)
- Hold the equivalent of a Canadian high school diploma
- Have recent and relevant work experience
- Receive an offer for a full-time home care job
“By introducing these new pilot programs, we are taking a significant step in ensuring that caregivers receive the recognition and support they deserve. This initiative will not only benefit caregivers but also strengthen Canadian families and communities by providing high-quality care to those in need.” observe – Shafqat Ali, Member of Parliament
These new pilot programs represent a significant advancement in Canada’s efforts to address the evolving home care needs of its diverse population. Detailed information, including full eligibility criteria and application processes, will be available prior to the full launch of the pilots.