Permanent Residence Pathways for Caregivers in Canada

 

Caregivers play an essential role in supporting individuals and families, making a significant contribution to the Canadian economy. To recognize their crucial work, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) offers dedicated pathways to permanent residency for those who provide this invaluable care.

Permanent Residence Pathways for Caregivers

• Category A – Gaining Experience: For applicants under the Home Child-Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot. (Details below)
• Category B – Direct to Permanent Residence: For experienced applicants under the Home Child-Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot. (Details below)

Benefits of Caregiver Permanent Residence Pathways

• Opportunity to apply for permanent residence after completing 12 months of qualifying work experience in Canada.
• No points system is involved, unlike Express Entry or provincial nomination programs. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Low language requirements for both work permits and PR applications.
• Spouse and dependent children can accompany you throughout the process.

Eligibility Criteria for Caregiver Permanent Residence Pathways

1. Qualifying Occupations

To apply under the caregiver program, your occupation must fall under one of the following National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes:

• NOC 44100: Home Childcare Providers – This includes nannies, babysitters, and parent’s helpers who care for children’s well-being and support their social and physical development. Note: Foster parents and babysitters in non-residential settings (e.g., fitness centers) are not included.
• NOC 44101: Home Support Workers – This applies to those providing personal care and companionship for seniors, individuals with disabilities, or convalescent clients in their employers’ homes. Employment in institutional settings like nursing homes does not qualify.

2. Application Categories

Caregiver PR applications fall under two categories:

• Category A – Gaining Experience: For applicants without 12 months of qualifying Canadian work experience.
• Category B – Direct to Permanent Residence: For applicants with at least 12 months of qualifying Canadian work experience.

3. Education Requirements

• Canadian one-year post-secondary (or higher) educational credential.
• Equivalent one-year post-secondary education outside Canada, verified by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report issued within the last five years for immigration purposes by an IRCC-designated organization.

4. Language Requirements

• CLB 5 in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
• Acceptable test scores include:
  • IELTS: Reading - 4, Writing - 5, Speaking - 5, Listening - 5
  • CELPIP-G: 5 in all sections
  • PTE: Reading (42-50), Writing (51-59), Speaking (51-58), Listening (39-49)

5. Qualifying Canadian Work Experience

Category A – Gaining Experience

If you lack 12 months of qualifying Canadian work experience, you can apply under Category A to gain that experience. Successful applicants will receive an Occupation-Restricted Open Work Permit (OROWP), valid for up to 36 months, during which they must complete the required work experience. Along with the application, you’ll need:

• A valid job offer from a Canadian employer in NOC 44100 (Home Childcare Provider) or NOC 44101 (Home Support Worker).
• Documents proving your ability to perform the job duties, including reference letters, employment records, contracts, pay stubs, or relevant educational credentials like diplomas or training certificates.

Category B – Direct to Permanent Residence

If you already have 12 months of qualifying Canadian work experience, you can apply directly for permanent residence under Category B. In this case, you must submit documents upfront to verify your work experience.

Steps to Apply for Permanent Residence as a Caregiver

1. Determine the right program for your qualifications – Home Child-Care Provider Pilot (HCCP) or Home Support Worker Pilot (HSWP).
2. Choose the appropriate category – Category A (Gaining Experience) or Category B (Direct to PR).
3. If applicable, get an educational credential evaluation (ECA) for your education outside Canada.
4. Complete an approved English language test.

Application Process for Category A – Gaining Experience

1. Secure a genuine job offer if you don’t already have qualifying Canadian experience.
2. Submit your work permit and PR application, ensuring the pathway (HCCP or HSWP) is still open for new applicants.
3. Provide medical examination results and police clearances.
4. Pay IRCC fees and submit your application.
5. Receive an Occupation-Restricted Open Work Permit (OROWP) and a letter of introduction for work permit processing at a port of entry.
6. Complete 12 months of qualifying Canadian work experience within 36 months of receiving your OROWP.
7. Submit proof of work experience to IRCC.

Application Process for Category B – Direct to PR

1. Prepare your permanent residence application, confirming the pathway (HCCP or HSWP) is still open.
2. Provide medical examination results and police clearances.
3. Pay IRCC fees and submit your application.
4. If your current work permit is about to expire, apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit.

Need Help?

Have you faced a refusal before? Don’t worry – we specialize in assisting clients with previously refused applications. While we do not provide job placements for LMIA, we can guide you through the application process if you already have a job offer. Our team has helped numerous clients overcome challenges by addressing specific refusal reasons, referencing similar successful case precedents, and preparing tailored applications.

At Waymark Immigration, our experienced team will support you every step of the way, from application submission to final approval. Get started today!