Caregiver pilot program applications for 2024.
IRCC to Accept Caregiver Pilot Program Applications for 2024
Starting January 1st, Canada will begin accepting applications for the Home Childcare Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot. These programs help caregivers and their families come to Canada and eventually obtain permanent residency (PR). Moreover, IRCC plans to accept 5,500 new applications in 2024. Notably, this intake is now divided between applicants who can apply directly for PR and those who must first gain Canadian experience.
Understanding the Caregiver Pilot Programs
Both programs operate for five years and offer a direct pathway to PR. Furthermore, applicants must secure a job offer from a Canadian family to begin the process. In addition, no Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is required, which makes the hiring process easier for families.
After receiving a job offer, applicants may apply for an occupation-restricted work permit. This permit lets them work as caregivers in Canada while gaining experience. Consequently, after they complete two years of eligible work, they can apply for permanent residency. Overall, the programs create a straightforward and predictable pathway for caregivers who wish to settle in Canada.
Work Experience Criteria
To qualify, candidates must work full-time in one of the following NOC occupations:
1. Home Childcare Provider (NOC 44100)
- The caregiver must provide childcare in their own home or the employer’s private residence.
- Work in daycare centres or institutional settings does not qualify.
- Living in the employer’s home is optional.
- Foster parenting does not count as eligible experience.
2. Home Support Worker (NOC 44101)
- The caregiver must support an individual in the employer’s private residence.
- Experience in nursing homes or other institutions is not accepted.
- Living in the employer’s home is optional.
These rules ensure that only genuine in-home caregiving experience counts toward PR.
Two Application Categories
1. Gaining Experience Category
This category is for applicants who have little or no experience in the required occupations. They receive a work permit first. After they complete 12 months of eligible experience, they can apply for PR.
To apply for the work permit, they need:
- A valid full-time job offer (IMM 5983 E)
- CLB 5 in English or French (IELTS: Reading 4, others 5)
- At least 1 year of post-secondary education
- Relevant experience or training to perform the job duties
2. Direct-to-PR Category
This category is for applicants who already have 12 months of eligible Canadian experience in the past 36 months.
To apply for PR, they need:
- At least 12 months of full-time Canadian experience
- Post-secondary education of at least 1 year
- Relevant experience or training for the job duties
Step-by-Step Guide to PR through Caregiver Programs
- Check your eligibility.
- Take a language test and meet CLB requirements.
- Submit your proof of language ability.
- Obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), if required.
- Submit your PR application.
- Provide biometrics when IRCC requests them.
- Wait for IRCC’s decision on your PR status.
Requirements for a Valid Job Offer
A genuine job offer is necessary to begin or complete the required work experience. The offer:
- Must be full-time (minimum 30 hours per week)
- Must come from a Canadian individual or family, not a company or embassy
- Must be outside Quebec
- Must be submitted using the IMM 5983 Offer of Employment form
- Must show a real need for childcare or personal care
Additionally, IRCC reviews the salary to ensure it provides financial stability to the caregiver and their family.IRCC to Accept Caregiver Pilot Program Applications for 2024
Starting January 1st, Canada will begin accepting applications for the Home Childcare Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot. These programs help eligible caregivers and their family members come to Canada with a pathway to permanent residency (PR).
In 2024, IRCC plans to accept 5,500 new applications under these two pilot programs. Moreover, this annual quota is now divided into two categories:
- applicants who apply directly for permanent residency, and
- applicants who first need to gain the required Canadian caregiving experience.
Understanding the Caregiver Pilot Programs
Both caregiver pilots run for five years and offer a direct pathway to PR. To be eligible, applicants must secure a job offer from a Canadian family. Unlike most work permit programs, no Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is needed.
Once the applicant receives a job offer, they can apply for an occupation-restricted work permit. This permit allows them to come to Canada and gain the caregiving experience required. After they complete two years of qualifying experience, they become eligible to apply for PR.
Work Experience Criteria
To qualify, candidates must work full-time in one of the following NOC occupations:
1. Home Childcare Provider (NOC 44100)
- The caregiver must provide childcare in their own home or the employer’s private residence.
- Work in daycare centres or institutional settings does not qualify.
- Living in the employer’s home is optional.
- Foster parenting does not count as eligible experience.
2. Home Support Worker (NOC 44101)
- The caregiver must support an individual in the employer’s private residence.
- Experience in nursing homes or other institutions is not accepted.
- Living in the employer’s home is optional.
These rules ensure that only genuine in-home caregiving experience counts toward PR.
Two Application Categories
1. Gaining Experience Category
This category is for applicants who have little or no experience in the required occupations. They receive a work permit first. After they complete 12 months of eligible experience, they can apply for PR.
To apply for the work permit, they need:
- A valid full-time job offer (IMM 5983 E)
- CLB 5 in English or French (IELTS: Reading 4, others 5)
- At least 1 year of post-secondary education
- Relevant experience or training to perform the job duties
2. Direct-to-PR Category
This category is for applicants who already have 12 months of eligible Canadian experience in the past 36 months.
To apply for PR, they need:
- At least 12 months of full-time Canadian experience
- Post-secondary education of at least 1 year
- Relevant experience or training for the job duties
Step-by-Step Guide to PR through Caregiver Programs
- Check your eligibility.
- Take a language test and meet CLB requirements.
- Submit your proof of language ability.
- Obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), if required.
- Submit your PR application.
- Provide biometrics when IRCC requests them.
- Wait for IRCC’s decision on your PR status.
Requirements for a Valid Job Offer
A genuine job offer is essential to begin or complete the required work experience. Additionally, the job offer must:
- Be full-time (minimum 30 hours per week)
- Come from a Canadian individual or family, not a business or embassy
- Be located outside Quebec
- Be issued through the IMM 5983 Offer of Employment form
- Clearly show the employer’s need for childcare or home support
IRCC also evaluates whether the salary is fair and offers financial stability. Therefore, both the job offer and wage must appear credible and reasonable.
Get in touch with SPS Canada
Receive professional advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Canada. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com
(Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1)905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).
