Caregiver Immigration Program

shimjoongs
Sep 29, 2025
2 min read

With Canada’s aging population and growing childcare needs, caregivers play an essential role in the local labour market. To attract qualified workers, Canada offers caregiver immigration pathways that let skilled caregivers work legally and have a route to permanent residency.

💡 What is Canada’s Caregiver Immigration?

Canada currently operates two main pilot streams for caregivers:

Home Child Care Provider Pilot

For those who care for children (0–18): nannies, early childhood caregivers, etc.

Home Support Worker Pilot

For those who provide home support to seniors, persons with disabilities, etc.

Both are 5-year pilot programs with annual caps and offer combined work + immigration opportunities.

📃 Eligibility Snapshot

Valid Canadian employer job offer (Job Offer)
Language: CLB 5 (approx. IELTS — listening & speaking ~5, reading & writing ~4)
Completion of ≥1 year relevant education/training (vocational, college, bachelor all acceptable)
Clear criminal record & passing medical exam
Relevant care experience (childcare, elder care, nursing) is an advantage

📃 Two Application Pathways

Path A — No prior Canadian caregiver experience (Work → PR route)

Obtain a valid employer job offer.
Receive an occupation-restricted work permit to enter Canada and work as a caregiver.
Work in Canada for 24 months.
After accumulating required experience, apply for Permanent Residence (PR).

Path B — Already have 24 months of qualifying Canadian experience (Direct PR)

If you already completed 24 months of eligible caregiver work in Canada, you may apply directly for PR.

⏰ Quota & Processing Time

Each category accepts up to 2,750 principal applicants per year.
Limited quotas — prepare early.
Processing time: roughly 12–18 months (varies by case and application route).

🎯 Why choose caregiver immigration?

Lower barriers compared to Express Entry (language & education requirements are more flexible)
Family can accompany: spouse may apply for an open work permit; children can access public schooling
Stable, in-demand job opportunities with real labour market needs
Direct path to PR through work experience — not reliant on high CRS scores or draws

📌 Notes & Warnings

Employer job offers must meet program requirements — not every nanny/caregiver job qualifies.
Recommend consulting a licensed advisor to review documents and eligibility to avoid refusals.
After entering Canada on a caregiver work permit, work must be caregiver-related and keep thorough records (pay stubs, hours, tax filings).