Canada continues to support caregivers by offering clear pathways to permanent residence (PR). IRCC has opened applications for Caregiver Pilot Program, which include:
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Home Childcare Provider Pilot
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Home Support Worker Pilot
These programs allow eligible caregivers to come to Canada, work legally, and apply directly for permanent residence through the Direct to Permanent Residence (PR) category, without the older two-step process.
What Are the Caregiver Pilot Programs?
The caregiver pilots are part of Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). They are designed for foreign nationals who provide care to:
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Children
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Seniors
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Persons with disabilities
The programs were first launched in 2019 and are scheduled to end on June 17, 2024. Due to their popularity, IRCC continues to expand intake limits.
In 2022 alone, nearly 1,100 caregivers and their families became permanent residents through these pilots.
What Is the Direct to Permanent Residence Category?
The Direct to PR category allows qualified caregivers to apply for permanent residence immediately, rather than first working in Canada temporarily and then applying later.
This streamlined process:
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Reduces waiting time
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Provides stability for caregivers and their families
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Makes Canada more attractive to skilled care workers
Home Childcare Provider Pilot – Overview
The Home Childcare Provider Pilot is for caregivers who look after children in private homes.
Key Requirements
1. Job Offer
Applicants must have a genuine job offer from a Canadian employer as a home childcare provider.
2. Work Experience
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Minimum 12 months of full-time paid work experience (30 hours/week)
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Experience must be gained within the last 36 months
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Work experience gained while studying does not count
3. NOC Requirement
Work experience must fall under NOC 4411 and match most of the main duties listed.
4. Language Skills
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Minimum CLB 5 in English or French
5. Education
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Completion of at least one year of post-secondary education in Canada or an equivalent foreign credential
6. LMIA
A positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is generally required to confirm the job offer is genuine.
Home Support Worker Pilot – Overview
The Home Support Worker Pilot is for caregivers who support seniors or people with disabilities.
Key Requirements
1. Job Offer
Applicants must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
2. Work Experience
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Minimum 12 months of full-time paid work experience
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Experience must be within the last 36 months
3. NOC Requirement
Work experience must match NOC 4412 and align with the job’s main duties.
4. Language Skills
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Minimum CLB 5 in English or French
5. Education
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One year of post-secondary education (or equivalent)
6. LMIA
Most job offers require a positive LMIA issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
Important 2023–2024 Updates
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IRCC reduced the required work experience from 24 months to 12 months
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The change impacted nearly 90% of caregiver applicants
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Intake caps were increased due to high demand
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The Home Childcare Provider Pilot reached its cap early in 2023
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The Home Support Worker Pilot continued accepting applications
On January 1, 2024, IRCC officially opened applications for the 2024 caregiver pilots.
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) for Caregivers
Caregivers who are not eligible for PR under the pilots may still work in Canada through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
Key Points
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Employers must obtain a positive or neutral LMIA
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Work permits under TFWP are closed, meaning caregivers can only work for one employer
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Work permits may be extended if eligibility requirements are met
Why Choosing the Correct NOC Is Important
Applicants must:
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Choose either NOC 4411 or NOC 4412, not both
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Perform most of the duties listed under the selected NOC
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Ensure reference letters clearly match NOC descriptions
Incorrect NOC selection can result in application refusal.
Summary of Key Points
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Canada offers two caregiver pilots for permanent residence
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Direct to PR allows caregivers to apply without a two-step process
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Minimum work experience requirement is now 12 months
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CLB 5 language proficiency is required
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Applications for the 2024 pilot programs opened on January 1, 2024
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Caregivers not eligible for PR can still work under the TFWP
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What are the caregiver pilot programs?
They are Canadian immigration programs that help caregivers obtain permanent residence while caring for children, seniors, or persons with disabilities.
Q2: What does Direct to Permanent Residence mean?
It allows eligible caregivers to apply directly for PR without first completing temporary work stages.
Q3: How much work experience is required?
As of recent updates, 12 months of full-time paid experience is required.
Q4: What language level is required?
Applicants must meet CLB 5 in English or French.
Q5: Can caregivers apply without PR eligibility?
Yes, caregivers can continue working in Canada under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
Q6: Where can I find official updates?
Always check the official IRCC website or consult a licensed immigration professional for the latest information.
