Canada’s Caregiver Visa Program

Details about Canada caregiver visas

The June 2019 changes to the Canada’s caregiver program streamline the hiring process for both employers and caregivers. The changes also ease the work permit and permanent residence eligibility requirements for caregivers.

Some of the major updates are as follows:

1. Families no longer require a labour market impact assessment (LMIA) to hire a child caregiver (NOC 4411) or home support worker (NOC 4412).
2. Caregivers submit simultaneous permanent residence and work permit applications.
3. Caregivers no longer require caregiver-specific work experience or training to qualify for a work permit. Instead, they are required to submit proof that they have:
   1. At least a one-year post-secondary credential;
   2. Sufficient ability in English or French (CLB 5); and,
   3. The ability to perform the duties and responsibilities of the occupation.
4. Caregivers’ families can now accompany them at the work permit stage.
5. Caregiver work permits will be occupation-specific but will not be employer-specific, meaning that caregivers can change employers without applying for a new work permit.
6. IRCC will begin processing an applicant’s permanent residence applications once they submit evidence that they have completed 24 months of qualifying work experience within the last 36 months.

IRCC will process 2,750 child caregiver applications and 2,750 home support worker applications per year, for a total of 5,500 caregiver applications.

Application Process: Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker Pathways

Step 1: Applicant submits work permit and permanent residence application. The applicant must include a job offer for full-time (i.e., at least 30 hours per week) employment as a caregiver or home support worker in any province or territory outside of Quebec.

Step 2: IRCC Processes Work Permit Application. Successful applicants will receive an occupation-specific work permit, allowing them to work only in the specified caregiving occupation, but for any employer.

Step 3: Caregiver Completes Work Experience Requirement. After receiving a work permit, caregivers will have 36 months to complete a total of 24 months of work experience in the designated occupation.

Step 4: Caregiver Provides Proof of Work Experience and IRCC Processes Permanent Residence Application. IRCC has indicated that it will have a six-month processing standard for permanent residence applications once caregivers provide evidence of their qualifying work experience.