Canada introduced new Caregiver pilot programs offering PR status to home care workers after their arrival. This also means that they will not necessarily require certain Canadian work experience. The two new pilot programs will replace the two existing programs set to expire on June 17. The existing programs are:

  • Home Child Care Provider Pilot
  • Home Support Worker Pilot

Furthermore, the two new pilot programs will also authorize them to work for companies offering temporary or part-time care for individuals who are partially independent or combating an illness or injury.

Canada introduced new Caregiver pilot programs offering PR status

To qualify for the two new programs, caregivers will need to fulfill the following conditions:

  • Acquire a minimum CLB level of 4.
  • Hold an equivalent degree of Canada’s high school diploma.
  • Possess recent and relevant work experience.
  • Have a job offer associated with a home care job on a full-time basis.

These eligibility requirements reflect changes compared to the previous pilot programs, which required a CLB 5 and one year of post-secondary education in Canada or equivalent to foreign standards.

The programs earlier also necessitated a work experience requirement of around six months. Furthermore, IRCC has yet to clarify the exact work experience requirement under the new pilot programs. The department will reveal more information when it launches the programs.

IRCC released a statement stating that caregivers have a vital role in assisting Canadian families. Therefore, it is crucial to value their significant contributions. The department further noted that it is working toward incorporating a permanent caregivers program. However, as of now, the two pilot programs will offer enhanced support to Caregivers and provide families with the quality of care they need.

Exploring the details about Caregivers in Canada

According to the Immigration Levels Plan 2024-2026, Canada anticipates welcoming over 15,000 PRs through the Caregiver programs. In addition, as of April 30 this year, 57,000 Caregivers and their family members have attained permanent residence status after the launch of the Home Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot in 2019.

With the rise in Canada’s aging population, the demand for Caregivers is also increasing. According to recent predictions, more than nine million Canadians will retire in the upcoming six years. This further implies that over the next few years, more people will need extra care in their homes and institutions.

In addition, the Canadian Center of Caregiving Excellence also publicly released a report highlighting the needs for Caregivers in Canada. Notably, most Caregivers are above 65 years of age and might be care seekers. This implies that almost one in five Caregivers is above 65. These senior Caregivers have meager chances of accessing any services or support to assist with their duties.

Lastly, Canadian families need a Childcare provider as a rising number of women who typically perform most Caretaking responsibilities for young kids aim to join the workforce.

Reportedly, Statistics Canada claimed that women’s labor participation rate on a yearly basis for those who are 15 years old or above has witnessed a growth from 58.5 percent in 1990 to 61.5 percent in 2022 across all education levels. Conversely, the percentage for men reduced from 76.1 percent to 69.5 percent during the same period.

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