This post is written by Marla Brock, Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant and CEO of KidcooverPrep, and shall not constitute legal advice. Immigration Canada is the final authority on issuing a work permit.
For most caregivers seeking to work in Canada, the most desirable option is to apply for a regular work permit under Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program for the role of an “In-Home Caregiver”. This pathway was created in November 2014 as a supplement to Canada’s existing Live-In Caregiver Program. Similar to the Live-In Caregiver Program, you will still be able to apply for permanent residency (after you satisfy the working requirements of your visa and other mandatory requirements) under either the Caring For Children Program or the Caring for Persons with High Medical Needs Program. However, the following differences make working as a caregiver much more accessible to a wider range of qualified people.
- Living within the home is no longer required – it is only optional and not a condition for employment.
- A Caregiver Certificate is no longer required.
- This program is not limited to specific occupations (example: teachers, nurses, midwives, nannies, nursing home workers)
- This requirement no longer applies: 6 months of training or 1 year of full-time work experience.
Your employer will apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) just as with the older program. Based on your background and experience, your employer determines whether you are indeed suitable for the role. When issuing your work permit, Immigration Canada evaluates your application to ensure that your background, experience and education match the position advertised by the employer – and that the employer’s decision is a reasonable and justifiable one.
In summary, these important changes and the ability to work as an “in-home caregiver” under Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program have made working in Canada much more accessible to caregivers worldwide. Working as an in-home caregiver is now an option under Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program and you will apply for a Regular Work Permit. However, you will still have a pathway to Permanent Residence. Canada’s Live-In Caregiver Program remains an option, but best suited for those that meet the more stringent qualification criteria and absolutely want to live within the home of their employer.
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