Care Givers

1. Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP) - Currently Closed:

• Overview: The LCP provided a pathway for foreign workers to immigrate to Canada as caregivers/nannies. However, as of November 2014, it is closed to new applicants.
• Eligibility: Employers may hire a caregiver through this program if they have found a caregiver with an existing Work Permit in the LCP and who is seeking a new employer. Approval for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is required.

2. Home Child Care Provider & Home Support Worker Pilots:

• Overview: These pilot programs offer eligible caregivers a pathway to apply for permanent residence after acquiring two years of work experience in Canada.
• Key Features:
  • Encourages caregivers to switch employers more easily.
  • Allows family members to accompany caregivers to Canada, with the option to apply for Open Work Permits and Study Permits.

Eligibility for Pilots:

• Job Offer Requirement: Candidates must have a job offer in Canada at the time of the Work Permit application.
• Language Proficiency: Eligible candidates should meet minimum language levels in English or French (CLB-5).
• Educational Requirement: Candidates must have completed a one-year post-secondary education with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to be eligible.

Work Experience for Permanent Residence:

• With a Work Permit, caregivers can gain the mandatory two years of work experience in Canada within the preceding three years.
• Qualifying work experience involves working full-time in Canada under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) job, with NOC 44100 for a Home Child Care Provider and NOC 44101 for a Home Support Worker.

Application Requirements:

For Applicants with Less Than 24 Months of Qualifying Work Experience:

• A valid full-time job offer using the Offer of Employment Home Childcare Provider form.
• Evidence of the applicant's ability to perform the eligible work demonstrated through a signed and completed application for a Work Permit made outside of Canada or an application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay, or Remain in Canada as a Worker.

For Applicants with at Least 24 Months of Qualifying Work Experience:

• A properly completed program-specific schedule form (Schedule 19B, work experience) for the principal applicant.
• Evidence of the principal applicant's accumulated qualifying work experience in Canada.

Recent Changes (Effective April 30th, 2023):

As of February 10th, 2023, the work experience requirement for caregivers to be eligible for permanent residence will be reduced from 24 months to 12 months.