June 3, 2024—Toronto—Caregivers from abroad, including our hardworking Filipino caregivers, are invaluable to Canadian families. Their dedication and compassion profoundly impact the lives of children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities across Canada.
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, has announced new, enhanced caregiver pilots. This initiative will allow caregivers to continue to come to Canada, as the government works towards making the caregiver pilot programs permanent.
New Pilot Programs: Permanent Residence on Arrival
The newly introduced pilot programs will offer home care workers permanent residence (PR) status upon their arrival in Canada. Additionally, caregivers will be permitted to work for organizations providing temporary or part-time care for individuals who are semi-independent or recovering from injuries or illnesses. This new pathway ensures caregivers can more easily secure appropriate employment with reliable employers and have clear, straightforward access to permanent resident status immediately upon arrival in Canada.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates interested in participating in Canada’s home care sector through these new pilot programs must meet the following 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.
- Receive an offer for a full-time home care job.
These PR-on-arrival pilot programs signify an essential step forward in addressing the evolving home care needs of Canada’s diverse population. More detailed information will be made available prior to the full launch of the pilots, including complete eligibility criteria and application procedures.
Government Statements
“Caregivers play a critical role in supporting Canadian families, and our programs need to reflect their invaluable contributions. As we work to implement a permanent caregivers program, these two new pilots will not only improve support for caregivers but also provide families with the quality care they deserve.”
– The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“After hearing stories and feedback from caregivers across Canada, I am proud that we are taking concrete action to create policies to support the caregiver community. Generations of women and men have advocated for this important pathway and have cared for our families and loved ones here in Canada. Now is the time to return the care they deserve.”
– The Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business
Quick Facts
- In June 2014, there was an inventory of over 60,000 persons for the Live-in Caregiver Program. Today, less than 1% of that inventory remains.
- As part of the 2024–2026 Immigration Levels Plan, Canada will admit over 15,000 caregivers as permanent residents.
- As of April 30, 2024, nearly 5,700 caregivers and their family members have become permanent residents since the launch of the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot in 2019.
A Message to Our Filipino Caregivers
To our dedicated Filipino caregivers who have long dreamed of building a life in Canada, this announcement brings renewed hope and opportunity. Your unwavering commitment and exceptional care are deeply valued by Canadian families, and these new pilot programs are designed to honor your contributions by providing a clear and accessible path to permanent residency.
For more information on how these new pilot programs can benefit caregivers and Canadian families, and to stay updated on eligibility criteria and application details, visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website.
Your journey toward a brighter future in Canada is closer than ever. Thank you for your hard work and dedication—Canada welcomes you with open arms.