Caregivers

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (Immigration Canada) have recently introduced two programs which allows caregivers in Canada to apply for permanent residence:

  1. Caring for Children program
  2. Caring for People with High Medical Needs program 

Caring for Children Program

The Caring for Children program is open to those who are in Canada on work permits providing full-time care in a home in Canada for a minimum of two years.

To qualify under the Caring for Children program, a foreign national must demonstrate that: 

  • They have at minimum 24 months (in the last 48 months) of full-time work experience in Canada as a home child care provider;
  • The duties performed fall under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) code 4411 (Home child care providers);
  • The children under their care were under the age of 18;
  • The care was performed in the employer’s home, or their own home; 
  • They have, at minimum, CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) 5 in English or French in each of the four language abilities; and 
  • They have, at minimum, a diploma equivalent to a Canadian high school diploma, supported by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) through one of the agencies approved by Immigration Canada.

Caring for People with High Medical Needs Program

The Caring for People with High Medical Needs program is open to those who are working in Canada for a minimum of two years as a registered or licensed nurse, a nurse aid or orderly or a home support worker.

To qualify under the Caring for People with High Medical Needs program, a foreign national must demonstrate that:

  • They have at minimum 24 months (in the last 48 months) of full-time work experience in Canada as a registered or licensed nurse, a nurse aid or orderly or a home support worker;
  • The duties performed fall under the relevant NOC code for their profession:
    • 3012 – Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
    • 3233 – Licensed practical nurses
    • 3413 – Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates
    • 4412 – Home support workers
  • They are licensed to practice in Canada if claiming work experience as a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse;
  • They meet the education, training and other qualifications for the occupation as set out in the NOC;
  • They meet the minimum language capabilities in English or French in each of the four language abilities:
    • For registered nurses, a minimum of CLB 7 is required;
    • For licensed practical nurses, nurses’ aides, orderlies or home support workers, a minimum of CLB 5 is required; and
  • They have, at minimum, a diploma equivalent to a Canadian high school diploma, supported by an ECA through one of the agencies approved by Immigration Canada.