Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada announced a new, temporary pathway to permanent residence for caregivers in Canada. Applications to the interim pathway will be accepted from March 15 to June 4, 2019. These applications will be processed in approximately 12 months. Applicants must meet the following criteria to qualify for the interim pathway:
- hold a valid work permit
- have worked 1 year in Canada as a home childcare provider or home support worker, or a combination of experience in both occupations
- complete an official English or French test and score a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark 5 level in reading, writing, listening and speaking
- possess a foreign equivalent or Canadian high school diploma
The most notable difference between the eligibility criteria for the interim pathway relative to that of the existing Pilot Programs for caregivers introduced in 2014 is a reduction in the minimum necessary level of education.
There is no cap on the number of applications accepted under the interim pathway.
In June 2019, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will launch 2 new permanent residence programs for caregivers: the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot. These new pilots will have a cap of 2,750 applications each per year. The new pilots will also provide caregivers the opportunity to bring their spouse and children with them to work and study in Canada.
