Canada has two main programs for caregivers who want to relocate to the country. These options are the Home Support Worker and Home Child Care Provider pilots.
The recent developed has made it possible for caregivers to obtain a valid work permit as long as they have a job offer in the country. Each applicant must also satisfy the standard requirements for economic immigration programs.
Such caregivers are free to apply for permanent residence after working for two years.
A glimpse into how Canada’s new caregiver programs work
It’s not everyone that can take care of young children and seniors as the role can be very demanding. Caregivers are held in high esteem in Canada and they receive decent compensation. This career can be a ticket to a better life if you have the necessary skills and qualifications.
Some of the benefits of these programs are that you can enter the country with your close family and process their permanent residency hassle-free as a foreign worker. The initiatives came into existence on June 18, 2019.
The previous pilots faced backlash because many workers were separated from their loved ones and couldn’t leave unfavourable workplaces. With the new pilots, there’s no need to live with an employer and you can decide to work with any employer.
Here are the important requirements you must meet to qualify for any of the pilots.
- Job offer
It’s important to have a valid job offer from an employer that’s based in Canada. If you’re applying for the Home Childcare Support Pilot, confirm that the children are still under 18 years. An offer that’s not from the high commission, embassy or consulate is valid.
However, a job offer for a full-time position is acceptable and must exceed 30 hours of work per week.
- Years of experience
You must possess an equivalent of a high school diploma with a year of post-secondary education in child care according to the Canadian standard. Your experience will be evaluated to know whether you can work as a nanny or home support carer.
In case you’ve worked as a housekeeper or have experience in foster parenting in the past, this won’t give you an edge.
- Language skills
This is one of the steps you can’t skip during the application process. Get ready to prove your level of proficiency in either French or English Language. The language test will cover areas such as listening, reading, speaking, and writing.
What factors can make you inadmissible to Canada?
There are some mistakes you must avoid to ensure that you enter through the border stress-free. Truth be told, you won’t be allowed into the country if the agents insist that you’re a threat to the country. Your best bet is to travel with an authentic police certificate.
Besides, your access to the country may also be denied if the customs agents perceive that your health conditions can be straining to Canada’s medical system. The only way to avoid this is to conduct a medical examination and present a copy at the border.
Relocating to Canada as a nanny
You will need a work permit if you’re planning to work in Canada as a nanny. Although applicants are currently submitting their work permit application, a delay may be inevitable due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The percentage of immigrants relocating to the country as a nanny has increased in recent years. It should be noted that a special nanny visa doesn’t exist but you can enter through any of the 5-year programs which we’ve mentioned earlier. They will serve as a pathway to permanent residency.
Your employer will need to fill a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) so that you can work as a nanny in Canada. The process of relocating to the country as a nanny can be daunting. Working with a competent lawyer can make a huge difference and give you a better chance.
