Supporting caregivers with clear pathways to work and permanent residence in Canada.
Caregivers, commonly known as nannies, play an important role in supporting families and households. They help care for children, seniors, and individuals who need daily assistance at home. Because there are limited workers available for these roles in Canada, the Caregiver Visa helps meet the growing demand in this sector.
The Caregiver Program under Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) allows Canadian households to hire foreign caregivers to support their family members and household needs.
Caregivers who wish to work and immigrate to Canada currently have two main immigration options available. Canada operates two caregiver pilot programs designed specifically for foreign caregivers.
Both pilot programs are open and accepting applications. Through the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot, caregivers can come to Canada to work without being separated from their immediate family members. These programs also provide a clear pathway to Canadian permanent residence.
Caregivers working in Canada must always maintain a valid temporary resident status. This means applications for work permit extensions must be submitted before the current permit expires.
If you apply for a new work permit before your existing permit expires, you may continue working under the same conditions while waiting for a decision. This situation is known as maintained status (previously called implied status).
Under the Home Child Care Provider Pilot or the Home Support Worker Pilot, caregivers may be eligible to apply for permanent residence once program requirements are met.
These pilot programs issue an open work permit, allowing caregivers to come to Canada and work temporarily while gaining the experience needed for permanent residence eligibility.
The Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP) is no longer accepting new applications. Only individuals who already have at least two years of work experience under the LCP and meet the required criteria may apply for permanent residence through this program.
Caregivers who are currently working in Canada may be eligible to extend their work permit through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
In certain situations, caregivers can apply for a temporary work permit under the TFWP. In these cases, the employer must first obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Once the LMIA is approved, the caregiver can apply for a work permit.
There are three possible scenarios under which caregivers may apply to the caregiver pilot programs. Eligibility depends on work experience, current status, and meeting program requirements.
Explore your eligibility to work as a caregiver in Canada and understand the pathway toward permanent residence. Our immigration experts will guide you through the process and help you take the next step with confidence.
