Home Care Provider Pilots

As of 18 June 2019, Canada has introduced two new home caregiver pilots to help home support providers immigrate to Canada. They serve as replacements for the LCP (Live-in Caregiver Program), which was closed to new applicants at the same time. But fear not, under the new home care provider pilots you will be able to apply for permanent residence if you have a valid job offer or already have work experience in Canada as a caregiver as well as meet the eligibility requirements.   

These are two separate programs and applications must be made under the specific program your offer and skills are suited to. Applying to the wrong program could see your application for permanent residence denied.

If you are already working in Canada and applied through the Live-in Caregiver Program for permanent residency before the cut-off date, 18 June 2019, your application is still valid. Once you have two years of work experience you must submit proof to Canadian immigration authorities.

The 2 new immigration pilots, available to Home Care Providers are:

• The Home Child Care Provider Pilot; and
• The Home Support Worker Pilot.

Both 5-year pilots are aimed at helping foreign skilled and experienced home child care providers and home support workers relocate to Canada and gain permanent residency. 

Let’s take a closer look at the requirements to determine whether you are eligible to apply for the Home Child Care Provider Pilot or the Home Support Worker Pilot.  

Home Child Care Providers

Home child care providers help parents look after children and may be required to help out with household duties. Care can be provided either in their own homes or in their employer’s homes which is different from the Live-in Caregiver Program which requires caregivers to live in their employer’s home.

This program is open to applicants with the following job titles: 

• Babysitter;
• Au pair;
• Child care live-in-caregiver;
• Child care provider - private home;
• Nanny;
• Parent's helper;
• Foster parent;
• Babysitter - fitness center; and
• Babysitter - shopping center.

Home Support Worker Providers

Home support workers help seniors, people with disabilities, and individuals in rehabilitation by providing personal care and companionship during times of recovery, incapacitation, and family disruption. Duties include but are not limited to preparing meals, feeding, bathing, changing dressings, administering medications, and other routine housekeeping duties. Care is in their employer’s or client’s homes, in which the home support worker may be required to live. Home support workers may also care for children however it must not be their primary responsibility.  

This program is open to applicants with the following job titles: 

• Attendant for persons with disabilities - home care;
• Family caregiver;
• Home support worker;
• Housekeeper;
• Live-in caregiver - seniors;
• Personal aide - home support;
• Personal care attendant - home care;
• Respite worker - home support;
• Doula; and
• Home visitor - infant care.

The most beneficial factor between these programs and the LCP is that it enables you to change employers, if so desired, as well as allows your family members to join you in Canada. 

You may be eligible to apply for the Home Child Care Pilot or the Home Support Worker Pilot if you meet the following requirements.

Valid Job Offer

First and foremost you will require an official offer from a Canadian employer which shows it will be a full-time position wherein you work a minimum of 30 hours a week. It needs to be clear that there is a real need to hire you and may not be from an embassy, high commission, or consulate. The offer may not be for work in the province of Quebec. 

• Home Childcare Pilot - The children must be under 18 years of age and cared for in your own home or your employer's home but you do not have to live in your employer's home.
• Home Support Worker Pilot - The person may be cared for in your own home or your employer's home but you do not have to live in your employer's home. 

Admissible to Canada

This will be determined when you apply for your visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or by a customs agent when you arrive in Canada. Reasons you may be barred from entering the country include a criminal history, poor health, or if the agent has a reason to believe you may be a threat to security. This is why a police certificate and medical exam are of utmost importance in your application.   

Language Proficiency in English or French (at least benchmark level 5)

As you will be in contact with children and adults on a daily basis, the ability to communicate effectively is important. You will need to take a language test to prove you possess the necessary language skills which include writing, reading, listening, and speaking. You have the option of testing in English or French.

Completion of 1 year of post-secondary school education

• Home Childcare Provider Pilot - If you have completed post-secondary school studies applicable to the field of childcare outside of Canada, you need to have your foreign qualification assessed to determine if they meet the required one year of post-secondary education in Canada.
• Home Support Worker Pilot - Some secondary school education in conjunction with home care training is usually required

Alternatively

Child care and home management experience

• Home Childcare Provider Pilot - if you can show past experience or training in childcare or home support you will also be considered. However, this will then require you to also complete one year of post-secondary school education in Canada. Note that experience as a foster parent doesn’t count.
• Home Support Worker Pilot - if you can show past experience or training in home management you will also be considered. However, this will then require you to also complete one year of post-secondary school education in Canada. Note that former experience as a housekeeper doesn’t count.

First Aid Certification and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) training

This could be required, but it is highly advised that you undergo this training regardless. Not only will it inspire more confidence in yourself but it will reflect very well on your application as a professional childcarer or home support worker.  

How to Apply for Permanent Residence Through the Home Child-care Provider or Home Support Worker Pilot

You will require at least 24 months of work experience in in-home child care or in-home support before a decision will be made about your application for permanent residence. You will be required to submit your work permit application with your permanent residence application. If you meet the general requirements of the pilot you will receive a temporary work permit to work in Canada, which will allow you to acquire the necessary qualifying work experience needed to apply for permanent residence.   

Once you receive your open work permit, which will be occupation-restricted but will also allow you to work for any employer as a caregiver, and have at least 24 months of Canadian full-time work experience, you will be able to apply for permanent residence.    

Your family members will also be able to immigrate to Canada with you. If they intend to work or study, they can submit their permit applications along with yours.

How We Can Help You Immigrate to Canada

With the ever-evolving Canadian immigration programs and pilots, the prospect of immigration to Canada can be both complex and confusing. By making use of our accredited Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) you will optimize your chances of success in the visa application process. Further, with over 70 different immigration programs and visas available, you will receive expert advice on which program is best for your personal needs. Our RCICs are registered with the ICCRC and are legally permitted to assist you by evaluating your eligibility, reviewing all documentation, and submitting it to the Canadian government on your behalf.   

Don't risk your chances of living your Canadian dream. Simply click the button below to complete our online application and we’ll take care of the rest. Let us make sure that all forms are completed correctly and submitted on time.