Caregiver Permanent Residence

End to the Live-In Requirement:

The Caregiver Program no longer mandates caregivers to live with their employers. Recognizing the vulnerabilities that live-in arrangements can present, such as uncompensated overtime and poor working conditions, the program now offers more flexibility. While live-in arrangements are still possible if mutually agreed upon, employers must include an assessment of the living arrangements in the Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) without deducting room and board from the caregiver’s wages.

Two Pathways to Permanent Residence:

Starting from November 30, 2014, two distinct pathways to permanent residence are available for caregivers. Both pathways are assessed within 6 months of application and have a yearly cap of 2,750 applications each, totaling 5,500 applications (excluding spouses and dependents). The government aims to admit 17,500 caregivers in 2014 and an additional 30,000 caregivers in 2015, including spouses and dependents.

1. Caring for Children Pathway:

Qualifications for the “Caring for Children” pathway include:

• Two years of full-time work experience in Canada as a home child care provider within the past four years.
• Meeting the minimum language requirement of “initial intermediate” by achieving Canadian Language Benchmark 5 in a designated third-party language test.
• Holding a Canadian post-secondary education credential of at least one year or an equivalent foreign credential supported by an Educational Credential Assessment.

2. Caring for People with High Medical Needs Pathway:

Qualifications for the “Caring for People with High Medical Needs” pathway include:

• Two years of full-time work experience in Canada providing in-home care or care in a health facility to the elderly, persons with disabilities, or chronic diseases. This can include occupations like a registered nurse, registered psychiatric nurse, licensed practical nurse, nurse aide, patient service associate, or home support worker.
• Demonstrating applicable licensure to practice in Canada, if applicable.
• Meeting the minimum language requirement of “intermediate” by achieving Canadian Language Benchmark 7 in a designated third-party language test for registered nurses or registered psychiatric nurses. For other qualifying occupations, achieving the minimum language requirement of “initial intermediate” by meeting Canadian Language Benchmark 5.
• Holding a Canadian post-secondary education credential of at least one year or an equivalent foreign credential supported by an Educational Credential Assessment.

Stay Informed:

We understand the importance of staying updated on the pathways to permanent residence for caregivers and the impact on caregiver Labor Market Impact Assessment applications. We are committed to providing you with the latest information. Please check back regularly for updates.

The Caregiver Permanent Residence program offers caregivers in Canada a new opportunity to secure permanent residence. With the end of the live-in requirement and the introduction of two distinct pathways, caregivers can achieve security and stability while contributing to the well-being of Canadian families and individuals in need of care. If you are a caregiver seeking permanent residence or an employer navigating the LMIA process, our team is here to provide expert guidance and support. Together, let’s navigate the path to a brighter future in Canada through the Caregiver Permanent Residence program.