The Government of Canada operates several pathways to permanent residence for immigrants with relevant skills in the care industry. These are described below, along with eligibility requirements.
Canada has an ongoing multi-year immigration plan intended to help sustain the growing economy by way of encouraging foreign workers to take up residence in the country.
Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker Pilots
These two pathways came into being in 2019 and replaced the previous options which were Caring for Children and Caring for People with High Medical Needs. Note that eligible candidates for either of the pathways need to acquire two years of work experience in the role in Canada before they are entitled to apply for permanent residence.
Eligibility
The two schemes require candidates to prove work experience in one of two National Occupational Classification (NOC) classes. These are NOC 4411 and NOC 4412.
Housekeepers and foster parents are not classed as having the work experience required. Eligibility for either scheme also requires the following criteria to be met:
- Language proficiency in English or French to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5
- At least one year of post-secondary level education in Canada or elsewhere
- Legally admissible to Canada
The two schemes are open to those who wish to immigrate to Canada and those who are currently working in the country under a temporary work permit.
2,750 applications to each will be accepted per year. Work permits will be occupation-specific, thus allowing the care worker to change jobs where necessary.
Permits to allow the carer’s family to join them in Canada are part of the scheme.
Live-In Caregiver Program
The LCP closed for applications in 2019. However, if an individual is currently working in Canada with an LCP permit or was approved for one via an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) through their employer prior to November 30th, 2014 they can still apply for permanent residence using the LCP.