What is Caregiver Visa?

Canada’s caregiver visa programs help foreign nannies and caregivers to immigrate and obtain permanent residence. Currently, only two caregiver immigration pilot programs are accepting new applicants. These are:

  • Home Child Care Provider
  • Home Support Worker Pilot Program

The former caregiver programs in Canada were replaced on June 18, 2019, by the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot. The specific standards for international child care providers and home support workers must be met by each of these Caregiver Pilot Programs.

  1. Home Child Care Provider Pilot

Foreign workers with work experience that matches the National Occupational Classification code 4411 are eligible for the HCCP Canada program.

Workers covered by this code include:

  • Nannies
  • Babysitters
  • Parent’s helpers
  • Child care live-in caregivers
  • Child care providers in private homes

As part of their work, home childcare providers carry out a variety of tasks. This involves helping with household chores and watching over youngsters. Unlike employees of the live-in caregiver program, these workers are not forced to reside in the homes of their employers.

** Applications are only permitted in a certain number in this category. The Home Child Care Provider Pilot only accepts 2,750 applications a year. On January 1, 2023, the HCCP Caregiver Immigration Pilot will once again accept new applications. **

People who want to apply under the HCCP program must meet the following requirements:

  • Completing one year of post-secondary education inside or outside Canada.
  • Scoring CLB 5 or higher in an English language proficiency exam
  • Possessing one year or more of work experience under NOC 4411
  • Having a valid job offer inside Canada

Employer Requirements

The employer who intends to hire a foreign child care provider must meet the following requirements:

  • Demonstrate there is a genuine need for a caregiver. For example, providing proof that there is a newborn that needs caring for.
  • Pay the worker a wage that matches the prevailing wage in their province or territory.
  • Possess the financial ability to pay the worker the wage they have specified

The job position must also be:

  • Full-time, which amounts to 30 hours or more per week

  • Located outside Quebec
  • Non-seasonal
  • In a home child care provider role

Application Process: Home Child Care Provider Program

The application process for Home Child Care Provider Program Canada (HCCP) is simple and straightforward and summarized below:

  • Obtain an Offer of Employment from an employer that qualifies under the HCCP
  • Submit a completed work permit application under the HCCP
  • Come to Canada under the work permit and work for the employer
  • Apply for permanent residence once the applicant has gained two years of work experience working for their employer in Canada

  1. Home Support Worker Pilot Program (HSWP)

Millions of seniors and persons with disabilities reside in Canada. To guarantee that they live long and fulfilling lives, such people require specific care and attention. While many of these people receive care from family members, some may need help from carers or home support professionals.

The Home Support Worker Pilot Program is open to foreign nationals with work experience that falls under the NOC Code 4412. This code covers workers such as:

  • Family caregivers
  • Housekeepers
  • Home support workers
  • Attendants that care for people with disabilities
  • Live-in caregivers for seniors
  • Personal care attendants
  • Personal aides

** Applications are only permitted in a certain number in this category. The Home Support Worker Pilot Program only accepts 2,750 applications per year. On January 1, 2023, the HSWP Caregiver Immigration Pilot will once again accept new applicants. **

Individuals who intend to apply under this program must ensure they meet the minimum Home Support Worker Pilot requirements. This includes:

  • Completing one year of post-secondary education inside or outside Canada.
  • Scoring CLB 5 or higher in an English language proficiency exam
  • Possessing one year or more of work experience under NOC 4412
  • Having a valid job offer inside Canada

Employer Requirements

Note that the job offer specified above must be from an employer that meets the following Home Support Worker Pilot employer requirements:

  • The employer counts as a single Canadian employer
  • The position is located outside Quebec
  • The position is for full-time employment, which amounts to a minimum of 30 hours of work per week
  • The position is non-seasonal
  • The job offer is valid at the time the candidate is offered their work permit