Canada Introduces Permanent Residency-On-Arrival Program for Caregivers

Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, has unveiled a new permanent residency-on-arrival program for caregivers, scheduled to commence by fall 2024 or early 2025.

This initiative will replace the soon-to-expire Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot, ensuring a continued pathway for caregivers to enter Canada while efforts are made to make these programs permanent.

Under the new program, home care professionals will receive permanent residency upon arrival, bypassing the previously required Canadian work experience. To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:
– Achieve a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4
– Hold a Canadian high school diploma or its equivalent
– Possess recent relevant work experience
– Secure a full-time home care job offer in Canada

This program aims to admit over 15,000 new permanent residents through caregiver programs by 2026, addressing the growing need for caregivers as Canada’s population ages.