New pilot program for foreign caregivers has been launched to replace existing programs.Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen announced the launch of two new five-year initiatives that will allow caregivers to bring family members with them to Canada, and make it easier for them to become permanent residents.
“Caregivers provide care to families in Canada that need it, and it’s time for Canada to care for them in return,” Hussen said in a statement. “We are providing them with both the opportunity to bring their family members here and access (to) permanent residency to demonstrate our commitment.”
Under the new pilots:
• Applicants will be assessed for permanent residence eligibility before they start working in Canada. After they have a work permit and two years’ work experience, they can have a “direct pathway” to permanent residency.
• Caregivers will be granted occupation-specific work permits, allowing them to change jobs quickly when necessary.• Spouses and common-law partners will be allowed open work permits and dependent children will be allowed study permits so caregivers’ families can come with them to Canada.
A total of 5,500 principal applicants will be permitted annually, and family members will not count toward the cap.
In total as per Canada Immigration the following are 4 pathways available for Caregivers
1. Interim Pathway for Caregivers You can apply for the Interim Pathway for Caregivers if you:have at least 1 year of work experience as a home child provider or a home support workermeet minimum language and education requirementsApplications for the Interim Pathway for Caregivers for 3 months, from March 4 to June 4, 2019.We won’t accept applications received before March 4 or after June 4, 2019.
2. Caring for Children Program You can apply through the Caring for Children class if you:have been working as a home child care provider in Canada for at least 2 yearsmeet minimum language and education requirementsThe Caring for Children Program is scheduled to end on November 29, 2019. To be eligible to apply, you’ll need to meet the requirements and submit your application before November 29, 2019.
3. Caring for People with High Medical Needs Program You can apply through the Caring for People with High Medical Needs class if you:have been working in Canada for at least 2 years as a:registered nurselicensed practical nursenurse aide or orderlyhome support workermeet minimum language and education requirementsThe Caring for People with High Medical Needs Program is scheduled to end on November 29, 2019. To be eligible to apply, you’ll need to meet the requirements and submit your application before November 29, 2019.
4. Live-in Caregiver Program You can apply for permanent residence through the Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP) if you have at least 2 years of work experience in the program and:you’re already working in Canada with an LCP work permit, oryou were approved for your first LCP work permit based on a Labour Market Impact Assessment submitted to Employment and Social Development Canada on or before November 30.
If you have work experience in Canada as a caregiver but don’t qualify for any of the options above, you may be eligible to immigrate to Canada through a different program.