On June 3rd, 2024, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) unveiled plans for new Pilot programs designed to allow Canadian employers to hire foreign Caregivers. Slated to start in late 2024 or early 2025, these programs have been eagerly awaited, especially with the current Pilots ending on June 19th, 2024.
Currently, details about the new programs are sparse. However, IRCC has shared that applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements to qualify:
1. Achieve a minimum score of CLB 4.0 in each language category on an approved language test. Applicants will likely need to provide valid results from one of the following authorized testing agencies:
- CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program
- IELTS: International English Language Testing System
- PTE Core: Pearson Test of English
- TEF Canada: Test d’évaluation de français
- TCF Canada: Test de connaissance du français
2. Possess a minimum of a Canadian high school diploma, or its equivalent from another country. Typically, education credentials earned outside Canada will be evaluated by one of the following approved agencies, and we expect this practice to continue:
- Comparative Education Service – University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies
- International Credential Assessment Service of Canada
- World Education Services
- International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
- International Credential Evaluation Service – British Columbia Institute of Technology
3. Obtain Recent and Relevant Work Experience:
IRCC has not specified an exact timeframe or criteria for what qualifies as relevant work experience. However, it is reasonable to infer from other programs that candidates must demonstrate they possess the necessary skills to perform caregiving duties upon their arrival in Canada. This means having recent job experience in caregiving roles will likely be essential.
4. Secure a Full-Time Home Care Job Offer:
IRCC has stated that, unlike previous Caregiver programs which required employers to be private households, the current program allows job offers to come from organizations that provide in-home care services.
Based on previous experiences, we anticipate that future applicants will be able to list their dependent family members in their applications. This ensures that families can stay together during the entire immigration process.
The introduction of Canada’s new Caregiver programs highlights IRCC’s dedication to maintaining the availability of these essential services for Canadians. It also underscores the importance of providing service providers with a clear and reliable pathway to permanent residence. Yet, as of now, we are still waiting for updates on the following:
Application Process for IRCC: What to Expect
The intake process for applications to the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will follow familiar patterns. Programs with quotas are either managed on a first-come, first-served basis, like the previous pilots, or through a lottery system, similar to the 2020 Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program.
Quota Distribution: Annual Allocation
There will be an annual quota for these immigration programs, but how the quota will be distributed between Child Care Providers, Home Support Workers, and other applicants is still under consideration. Historically, the quotas for Child Care Providers and Home Support Workers were equal. However, because the spots for Child Care Providers filled up much faster, future allocations may favor these roles more heavily.
Processing Times: Addressing Backlogs
Processing timelines have been a challenge in past pilot programs. Previous pilots had specific processing targets that IRCC did not meet, resulting in significant backlogs. It remains uncertain how IRCC will manage resources to process applications efficiently under the new pilots and whether they will set more achievable processing time targets.
Program Launch: Anticipated Timeline
IRCC has yet to announce an official launch date for this new program. Further information is expected to be released before the program’s launch, which could happen in late 2024 or early 2025.
Canada has a longstanding tradition of valuing the contributions of foreign caregivers by offering dedicated immigration pathways to allow them to settle permanently. From June 19th, 2024, until new Pilots are introduced, there will be no specific Federal pathway to permanent residence for individuals providing Home Care Services. As a result, caregivers currently in Canada need to have their immigration strategies in place well before their existing permits expire. This planning will help ensure they maintain their immigration status and can take advantage of the forthcoming program.
For more details on immigration options or to book a consultation, please reach out to us.
