By Ochuko Kokofe
The Canadian Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Honourable Marc Miller, has announced the introduction of enhanced caregiver pilot programs as the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot come to a close later this month. These new initiatives aim to ensure the continued arrival of caregivers in Canada, and to make the caregiver pilot programs permanent.
Under the newly launched pilot programs, home care workers will be granted permanent residence (PR) status upon their arrival in Canada. This significant change provides caregivers with immediate security and stability as they start their new lives in the country. Additionally, these caregivers will have the opportunity to work for organizations that offer temporary or part-time care to individuals who are semi-independent or recovering from an injury or illness. This flexibility allows caregivers to find suitable employment with reliable employers more easily.
The new pathway simplifies the process for caregivers to secure proper employment and ensures they have straightforward access to permanent residency immediately upon entering Canada. This marks a major step forward in supporting caregivers and meeting the growing demand for home care services in Canada.
Candidates interested in participating in Canada’s home care sector through these new pilot programs must meet the following eligibility criteria: Attain a minimum of level 4 based on the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB), hold the equivalent of a Canadian high school diploma, have recent and relevant work experience and receives an offer for a full-time home care job.
“These PR on-arrival pilot programs represent a significant advancement in Canada’s efforts to address the evolving home care needs of its diverse population,” said Minister Miller. “By providing immediate permanent residency, we are recognizing the invaluable contributions of caregivers and ensuring they have the stability and support needed to thrive in Canada.”
Further information, including detailed eligibility criteria and application procedures, will be released before the full launch of the programs. These new initiatives are set to bolster Canada’s home care sector and enhance the lives of caregivers and those they care for. These PR on arrival pilot programs mark a significant advancement in Canada’s efforts to address the evolving home care needs of its diverse population. Further information, including detailed eligibility criteria and application procedures, will be released before the full launch of the programs.
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) facilitates the arrival of immigrants, provides protection to refugees, and offers programming to help newcomers settle in Canada. The IRCC also grants citizenship, issues travel documents (such as passports), and promotes multiculturalism.
