Canada’s Caregiver Programs Explained

Canada’s caregiver programs offer an immigration pathway for foreign nationals who are interested in coming to live and work as caregivers in Canada. Under these programs, Canadian families are able to look abroad in order to find a caregiver to take care of their loved ones. This much you may already know. But on the other hand, what exactly are these programs? And just as importantly, who qualifies to participate in them?

Understanding the Prior Live-In Caregiver Program 

Historically, the Live-In Caregiver Program (“LCP”) allowed Canadians to recruit foreign nationals to come live and work in their homes for the purpose of providing childcare or home support for seniors or people with disabilities. This program is no longer open to new applicants. Nonetheless, you may be able to apply for permanent residency through the LCP if you have at least 24 months of work experience in the program and:

• You are working in Canada with an LCP work permit; or
• You were already 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, 2014.

Fortunately, if you have missed the deadline for new applicants for the LCP, your options aren’t exhausted. Instead, you may qualify for permanent residence through a different caregiver option. The best way to find out about your legal options is by talking with an experienced lawyer.

The Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot 

The Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot are updated options. Under these, foreign nationals can come to Canada on temporary work permits but later have the opportunity to apply for permanent residence after obtaining two years of qualifying work experience. Under the newer programs, a live-in arrangement is still possible if it is mutually agreed upon by the employer and caregiver. However, it is no longer required that caregivers live-in with their employers.

The work permits obtained under these programs:

• Are occupation-restricted which means you have to work in that specific occupation
• Do not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
• Enable you to obtain relevant work experience required for permanent residence

Other Considerations for 2020

You should know that the Home Child Care Provider pilot is closed to new applications for 2020 after a high volume was received this year and will reopen on January 1, 2021. In addition, keep in mind that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it may take longer than usual for paperwork of any kind to be processed.

Allow Us to Care For You

Whether you are currently a caregiver in Canada and believe that you meet the eligibility criteria to qualify for permanent residency or are simply interested in learning more about how you could begin the journey of becoming a caregiver, you should turn to a legal team you can trust. As the compassionate Mississauga Canadian immigration lawyers at Zagazeta Garcia LLP, we believe that caregivers can play an invaluable role in the lives of those they help. We offer the information and resources that you need to help you understand your options. Connect with us by reaching out for a confidential consultation today.

Resources:

canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/caregivers/child-care-home-support-worker.html

canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/permit/caregiver-program/become-permanent-resident.html

https://www.zglawyers.com/what-happens-if-you-overstay-your-visa-in-canada/