IRCC will accept caregiver pilot program applications for 2024. The applications will be accepted for two caregiver pilot programs, i.e., The Home Childcare Provider Pilot & Home Support Worker Pilot: Direct To Permanent Residence category.
These programs are specifically for applicants with work experience in caregiving. Both pilot programs were launched in 2019 & will expire on June 17, 2024. In addition, they have proven popular, with nearly 1,100 caregivers & their family members becoming permanent residents in 2022.
IRCC advises interested applicants to apply sooner rather than later. The 2023 cap for online applicants in the Home Child Care Provider Pilot was reached on April 14, 2023, although there are still open spaces for the Home Support Worker Pilot in 2023.
Work Experience Requirement Halved In 2023
IRCC will accept caregiver pilot program applications for 2024. Last year in February, IRCC declared that the work experience requirement for caregivers would be cut in half, from 24 to 12 months of full-time work. The change was expected to impact over 90% of applicants for caregiver immigration programs.
Moreover, the department defines full-time work as 30 hours of paid work every week & the work experience should be gained within 36 months before an applicant submits their application. Work experience gained as a student isn’t eligible.
Other work experience requirements for applicants include work experience, which falls under NOC codes 4411 or 4412. IRCC notes that the work experience must be in one of these jobs & it cannot be a mix of both jobs. Further, the applicant’s job needs to match the NOC job description & they must not complete most of the primary duties.
Other requirements for applicants remained the same in 2023. For instance, they must be able to showcase:
- Language test results with a CLB of 5
- One year of Canadian post-secondary education or the foreign equivalent
- Pass an admissibility check
Temporary Resident Caregivers
IRCC will accept caregiver pilot program applications for 2024. However, caregivers who are not eligible for PR under these programs can still apply to extend their work permit via TFWP, i.e., Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
In order to do so, the employers must first get a positive/ neutral LMIA. An LMIA is an application that an employer submits to Employer & Social Development Canada to prove that they cannot find a Canadian/ permanent resident with adequate skills to fill an in-demand position.
If ESDC deems that hiring a foreign national via the TFWP will positively or negatively impact Canada’s economy, the employer can hire them. In addition, employees in the TFWP are on closed work permits, implying they aren’t allowed to work for any other employer in Canada.