06-03-2024
As the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot come to a close later this month, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced new, enhanced caregiver pilots. This will allow caregivers to continue to come to Canada, as we work toward making the caregiver pilot programs permanent.
The existing pilot programs are set to expire on June 17. New pilot programs will grant home care workers permanent resident status upon arrival in Canada, removing the need for prior work experience in the country. They will also be allowed to work for organizations offering temporary or part-time care for those who are semi-independent or recovering from illness or injury.
Eligibility criteria include:- Minimum level 4 on the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB)
- Equivalent of a Canadian high school diploma
- Recent and relevant work experience
- Full-time home care job offer
This marks a shift from previous requirements, which included a CLB of 5, a year of post-secondary education, and at least six months of work experience. More details on work experience requirements will be announced closer to the program's launch.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller emphasized the importance of caregivers, stating the new pilots will enhance support for them while providing quality care for families. Canada plans to welcome over 15,000 new permanent residents through caregiver programs by 2026.
As the population ages, demand for caregivers is rising, with over nine million Canadians expected to retire in the next six years. A report from the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence highlights the pressing needs for caregivers, noting that many are over 65 and may also need care. Additionally, there is a growing need for childcare providers as more women enter the workforce.
