The dedication and hard work of international caregivers have long been essential to supporting Canadian families, particularly in caring for children, the elderly, and those with disabilities. Recognizing their significant contributions, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, has announced the introduction of new, enhanced caregiver pilot programs as the current Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot are set to conclude later this month.

These new initiatives aim to solidify the support for caregivers coming to Canada by offering them permanent residence (PR) upon their arrival. This major policy shift ensures that caregivers have immediate access to permanent residency, allowing them to work more flexibly, including with organizations that offer temporary or part-time care for semi-independent individuals or those recovering from injuries or illnesses.

Prospective applicants looking to work in Canada’s home care sector under the new pilot programs will need to meet several criteria to qualify:

• Achieve a minimum of level 4 in the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB).
• Possess an equivalent to a Canadian high school diploma.
• Have recent and relevant work experience in caregiving.
• Secure a full-time home care job offer in Canada.

These conditions are designed to ensure that caregivers are well-prepared and qualified to meet the needs of Canadian families and their loved ones.

Minister Marc Miller emphasized the importance of these programs: “Caregivers play a critical role in supporting Canadian families, and our programs need to reflect their invaluable contributions. As we work to implement a permanent caregivers program, these two new pilots will not only improve support for caregivers, but also provide families with the quality care they deserve.”