Maple News reports that Canada is set to launch two new pilot programs that will offer permanent residency to eligible caregivers upon their arrival in the country, a significant shift from the existing caregiver immigration process. This update comes ahead of the June 17 expiration of the current Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot programs.
Under the upcoming initiatives, home care workers will no longer need to accumulate Canadian work experience before qualifying for permanent resident status. Instead, qualified applicants will arrive in Canada as permanent residents, making the immigration pathway more accessible and efficient for caregivers and their families.
The new programs will also allow caregivers to work for organizations that offer temporary or part-time care—such as facilities for individuals recovering from illness or injury, or those needing semi-independent support. This expands the range of employment options compared to the earlier pilots.
To qualify for the new caregiver programs, applicants must meet updated criteria: a minimum language proficiency of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4, an equivalent of a Canadian high school diploma, recent relevant work experience, and a full-time job offer in home care. These requirements mark a more accessible standard compared to the previous programs, which mandated a CLB of 5, at least one year of post-secondary education, and a minimum of six months of Canadian work experience.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has stated that more details—such as specific work experience thresholds and application procedures—will be announced as the full program launch approaches. Immigration Minister Marc Miller emphasized the importance of this shift, noting that caregivers provide essential services to Canadian families and deserve programs that reflect their contributions.
According to IRCC data, Canada plans to welcome over 15,000 new permanent residents through caregiver-focused immigration streams from 2024 to 2026. As of April 30, 2024, nearly 5,700 caregivers and their family members have already transitioned to permanent residency under the previous pilot programs.
The need for caregivers in Canada is projected to grow significantly in coming years. With over nine million Canadians expected to retire within the next six years, the demand for home care and institutional support will intensify. A recent report by the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence underscores that nearly one in five caregivers are themselves over the age of 65 and often lack access to adequate support services.
The new pilot programs are a response to this emerging demographic pressure, aiming to streamline the immigration process for caregivers and ensure that families across Canada can continue to receive the care they need. Maple News will continue to monitor and report on policy developments surrounding the launch of these new caregiver pathways.