[page_title]

Caregiver Programs (Home Child Care Provider Pilot & Home Support Worker Pilot)

Canada’s Caregiver program has evolved over the period. The current version, launched June 18, 2019 has 2 distinct components – Home Child Care Provider (HCCP) Pilot – for childcare & Home Support Worker Pilot (HSW) – for care of seniors and people with high medical needs.

Both of the above programs are based on an Offer of employment from a qualified Canadian employer.

The programs offer permanent residence to participants and their family members (spouse and dependent children), upon completion of 24 months experience in Canada. 

Who is a Caregiver?

Caregivers are individuals who are qualified to care independently for children, the elderly or people with high medical needs in the employer’s homes. Generally, persons from healthcare background or those with nursing education (2 or 3 years post-secondary program) or teaching qualifications (e.g. B.Ed) would be eligible. Even persons without a formal education but with experience in caregiving field are also eligible.

Applicants coming to work in childcare (i.e. as Babysitter/ Nanny) are eligible under Home Child Care Provider (HCCP) Pilot. They would generally need a childcare -related qualification (Early Childhood Education, B.Ed., Nursery Teacher’s Training and the like), a Nanny course or experience in care of young children (Nursery teacher, Babysitter, Nanny, etc.)

Applicants coming to care for the elderly or people with high medical needs are eligible under Home Support Worker (HSW) Pilot and require a healthcare/ nursing background e.g. ANM, GNM, Nursing Diploma, etc. Experience while not mandatory is useful in getting positive outcomes.

 

Advantages offered by Caregiver programs:

  • Easier and faster entry into Canada (usually within 6-8 months of Application)
  • The family members can accompany the Applicant upon initial entry
  • Application for permanent residence at the outset
  • Ability to achieve permanent resident status while staying in Canada after 24 months
  • On becoming PR – prior Canadian work experience helps easier assimilation into Canadian society.
  • Once PR, the person can continue in chosen profession

Features of the Caregiver programs:

  • Application for permanent residence by Applicant and their family members
  • Concurrent Application for Work permit for Applicant and their spouse; Study permit for school-going children;
  • No Live-in requirement, hence the Applicant can stay with their family in Canada
  • Canadian employer is not required to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) – thus, saving time and money 

Eligibility Criteria:

In addition to the specific requirements mentioned in the section “What is a Caregiver?”, there are certain general eligibility criteria:

  • Successful completion of the equivalent of a Canadian high school education
  • Post-secondary education of at least 1 year
  • For non-Canadian education, an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report from an authorized service provider;
  • Proof of language proficiency at min CLB 5 (IELTS General 4-5 bands)
  • Sufficient settlement funds 

The Applicant may be required to appear for a visa interview at local Canadian Embassy. Additionally, the Applicant and all family members will be required to undergo medical and security clearances, before the visa is finally issued.