The Caregiver’s Visa program is a program for foreign caregivers to provide care in a private residence, to children, seniors, or for persons with medical needs, on a live-in or live-out basis which is no longer available for applicants outside of Canada. The program was created to address the shortage of caregivers in Canada. An employer must apply to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to have their job offer review, before hiring a caregiver. This will evaluate the employer’s job offer and employment contract, and that it meets the requirements. 

These requirements include the job wages, working conditions, provincial and employment standard. The assessment must prove that there aren’t enough Canadians or permanent residents available to work in this occupation, as a live-in caregiver. If ESDC finds a job offer acceptable, they will issue a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to the employer.  As of June 18, 2019 two new immigrations pilots program was introduced to replace the Live-in Caregivers program. The Home Child Care Provider Pilot and The Home Support Worker Pilot.

 

    The Home Child Care Provider Pilot is for children under 18 years of age, who are child care providers, live-in caregivers, babysitters, parent helpers and nannies. The Home Support Worker Pilot for people with high medical needs, these caregivers look after people that have disabilities, including a chronic or terminal illness. Duties include but are not limited to preparing meals, feeding, bathing, changing dressings, administering medications, and other routine housekeeping duties. 

To be eligible for these pilots program, applicants must meet the occupational requirements of the position in relation to the NOC code (for low-or high-skilled) and have applied for a work permit. Another eligibility criteria are Language proficiency requirement, the ability to read, listen, and speak in English or French and has submitted their test results to show that they met the minimum language level. Education requirement, applicant must submit evidence of a completed one year post-secondary Canadian educational credential or a foreign diploma, certificate, or credential, show proof of work experience and must undergo a medical examination. Caregivers are required to have 2 years of experience, before they can apply for permanent residence.

 

SAM LAW specializes in caregivers visas in Canada. If you are looking for help in ensuring you have a solid application and evidence needed to successfully apply, please schedule a consultation using the button below today.