Guide to Obtaining a Canada Work Permit for Caregivers

In June 2019, Canada introduced two new pilot programs aimed at simplifying the process of hiring foreign caregivers. These programs, the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot offer pathways to permanent residency after caregivers accumulate two years of eligible Canadian work experience. Let's delve deeper into the process and requirements involved in hiring caregivers through these programs.

1

Work Permit Processing

Employers located outside Quebec who wish to hire caregivers from overseas must utilize the Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker pilots. These pilots have replaced the previous Temporary Foreign Worker Program. It’s important to note that LMIA applications submitted after June 18, 2019, will not be processed.

2

Hiring a Caregiver Already in Canada

For employers seeking to hire foreign caregivers already residing in Canada, the Temporary Foreign Worker Program is the appropriate avenue. Additionally, the Live-In Caregiver Program can be utilized if certain conditions are met, such as the caregiver holding a Live-in Caregiver Program work permit and seeking a new employer with an approved LMIA.

3

Hiring a Caregiver in Quebec

The Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker pilots are not applicable in Quebec. Employers in Quebec must instead apply for an LMIA through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program to hire foreign caregivers.

4

Finding a Caregiver

Employers must extend a job offer to a candidate either overseas or within Canada to hire a foreign caregiver. This job offer serves as the basis for the caregiver’s application through one of the caregiver pilot programs.

5

Candidate Requirements for Caregiver Pilots

Caregivers must meet specific requirements to qualify for the pilot programs, including:

  • Having a job offer
  • Demonstrating a CLB 5 language proficiency level
  • Possessing at least one year of Canadian post-secondary education or its foreign equivalent
  • Meeting admissibility criteria
6

After Making the Job Offer

Once a caregiver receives a job offer, they must submit two applications simultaneously: one for permanent residence through the pilot program and another for a work permit. Successful candidates meeting permanent residency criteria receive a three-year work permit, enabling employment with any employer in the specified occupation.

7

Work Permit Processing

It’s crucial to consider the processing times for work permits, which can extend up to 12 months. Employers should factor in this timeframe when planning caregiver recruitment and placement strategies.

Want to know more about Live-in Caregivers?

Other Work in Canada

Working in Quebec

Working in Quebec requires a valid work permit or specific authorization. Quebec has its own immigration programs and criteria that must be met for foreign workers to work legally in the province.

Work without a Work Permit

Certain foreign workers can work in Canada without a work permit under specific circumstances, such as intra-company transferees, business visitors, and diplomats, among others.

Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) - (LMIA - Based Work Permits)

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers to fill temporary labor shortages. An LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) is required to ensure that hiring a foreign worker does not negatively impact the Canadian job market.

Open Work Permits

Open work permits allow foreign workers to work for any employer in Canada, without the need for a specific job offer or an LMIA. This type of permit is usually available to spouses of skilled workers or international students, and those applying for permanent residency.

LMIA - Labour Market Impact Assessment

An LMIA is a document required for most work permits in Canada. It assesses the impact of hiring a foreign worker on the Canadian labor market, ensuring that no qualified Canadian or permanent resident is available for the job.

International Mobility Program (IMP) - (LMIA-Exemptions)

The International Mobility Program (IMP) allows certain foreign workers to work in Canada without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This includes workers in specific occupations, international agreements, or reciprocal employment arrangements.

IEC Program - Working Holiday Visa

The International Experience Canada (IEC) program allows young people from participating countries to live and work in Canada on a temporary basis. The Working Holiday Visa, part of the IEC program, is designed for individuals who want to travel and work in Canada.

Global Skills Stream

The Global Skills Stream provides work permits for highly skilled foreign workers in specific fields, such as technology, engineering, and science. It is designed to help Canadian employers quickly fill high-demand roles with global talent.

Employer-Specific Work Permits

Employer-specific work permits allow foreign workers to work for a specific employer in Canada. These permits are tied to the employer, job position, and location, and can be obtained with a valid job offer and an LMIA or LMIA-exemption.