New Caregiver Immigration Programs Coming to Canada

For a long time, the world has recognized Canada as a country that welcomes and embraces immigrants from across the globe. As a country that takes pride in diversity, it’s fitting that the federal government is set to provide two new five-year pilot programs to help caregivers from outside of Canada use their work experience to make Canada their permanent home.

Under previous programs, the eligibility criteria proved quite confusing, which unfortunately left many caregivers to realize they would not qualify for permanent residency in Canada based on their experience.

Based on feedback from caregivers and those interested in joining immigration programs in the future, the federal government has announced that the new pilots will ensure applicants are assessed for eligibility before beginning work in Canada. These programs will further provide caregivers with more opportunity to change jobs after coming to Canada, as well as eliminate previous barriers that prevented their families from joining them.

From Old to New

Though detailed information about the requirements for these new pilots has yet to be released, the Canadian government plans to use them to replace the Caring for Children and Caring for People with High Medical Needs programs currently in effect. These programs are set to finish on November 29, 2019. Once these programs are over, caregivers who do not complete the two years of full-time work experience required will not be eligible to apply for permanent residency.

Further, the government has already launched a short-term pilot program called the Interim Pathway for Caregivers. This will provide caregivers already working in Canada who had no clear path for citizenship an opportunity to apply and brings their families with them as well. This pilot opened on March 4, 2019, and will close to new applicants on June 4, 2019.

In a news release, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Ahmed Hussen said, "Caregivers provide care to families in Canada that need it, and it’s time for Canada to care for them in return. We are providing them with both the opportunity to bring their family members here and access permanent residency to demonstrate our commitment."

Opening Canada’s Doors To Care

Canadians who are looking for care know that this is not a simple task. Luckily, there are thousands of caregivers from around the world that are ready and willing to provide care to Canadian families. Canada's new immigration programs will help passionate caregivers build a life for themselves and their families through their work experience, and provide better pathways to permanent residency.