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Canada Updated Caregiver Programs for Easier Permanent Residency
Easier Permanent Residency for Caregivers in Canada
The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced important changes in the existing caregiver’s program and is planning on launching new pilot programs. In addition, the Government launched the Interim Pathway for Caregivers, which will be open from March 4, 2019, until June 4, 2019. Through this pathway, the caregivers who have been providing care to Canadians and did not qualify under the existing programs will have an opportunity to stay in Canada permanently.
Modified criteria under Interim pathway
The government has introduced modifications in the criteria of eligibility as compared to the existing programs, which will make it easier for the caregivers who have come to Canada, in good faith and have been providing their care to Canadians. This three-month pathway is a one-time, short-term pathway to ease it to get the permanent residence for the in-Canada caregivers, who came to Canada with an intention to settle and could not get qualified under the existing program.
This pathway is a recognition of the significant contributions that these caregivers have made to Canadian families while maintaining minimum requirements for applicants to be able to establish themselves and their families in Canada as permanent residents.
“Caregivers provide care to families in Canada that need it, and it’s time for Canada to care for them in return. We are providing them with both the opportunity to bring their family members here and access permanent residency to demonstrate our commitment.” – The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
The Launch of 2 new pilot programs
In addition, the Government is launching 2 new 5-year caregiver immigration pilot programs, to replace the ineffective existing programs. These new pilot programs will make it easier for the caregivers to settle with their family by obtaining permanent residence, and change their jobs with ease and greater flexibility.
What is being replaced?
- Caring for Children pilot
- Caring for people with High Medical Needs pilot
The government continues to process the submitted applications under these pilots with the estimated processing time of 6 months or less.
What is it coming soon?
- Home Child Care Provider Pilot
- Home Support Worker Pilot
The eligibility criteria and application process for a new pathway will be announced well before November 2019. To make it more accessible for the caregivers, these pilot programs will include:
- Occupation-specific work permits for caregivers
- Open work permits for spouses/common-law partners and study permits for dependent children, to allow the caregiver’s family to settle in Canada
The new pilot program will have a maximum of 2,750 principal applicants each, for a total of 5,500 principal applicants, per year. Spouses/common-law partners and dependent children will not count against the limit.
What is the current position?
If you’re already working in Canada as a caregiver, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence through the:
- Caring for children pilot program
- Caring for people with high medical needs pilot program
- Interim Pathway for Caregivers
- Live-in Caregiver Program
Note: The Live-in Caregiver Program is closed now and will process the applications for the following applicants, who:
- are already in Canada with an LCP work permit, or
- were approved for your first LCP work permit based on an employer’s positive Labour Market Impact Assessment application submitted on or before November 30, 2014
In order to find the best option/pathway for you and assess your eligibility, we welcome you to contact our office for further discussion. Our experts will assist you to settle with your family in Canada, based on your experience as a Caregiver.
In order to understand the application process better, Simply Start your Assessment or Call (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada), +91 9586 226232 (Ahmedabad) or drop an E-mail at support@spscanada.com (Canada), support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad) for further information.
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