Immigration Services

Canada Caregivers must meet the following initial selection criteria to be able to apply in the Caregiver program. They must have:

• completed an education equal to that of a Canadian secondary school diploma,
• at least
• six months of full-time classroom training in caregiving or one year of work experience as a caregiver or in a related job within the last three years (including at least six months of ongoing work with one employer),
• the ability to speak, read and understand English or French, so that they can work on their own without being supervised,
• medical, security and criminal clearances, and
• be in receipt of a valid job offer from an employer who has received a positive LMIA

The new Caregiver Program was formally known as the Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP) and enables Canadian employers to hire foreign caregivers (nannies) to live and work in their homes to provide childcare or home support for seniors or people with disabilities After two years working, caregivers can apply for permanent residence. Most notably, CIC has ended the live-in requirement unless there is an agreement between the employer and caregiver for living in the home

The new Caregiver Program has two distinct pathways.  The number of applications through each of the 2 distinct programs each year will be capped at 2,750 principal applicants. Spouses and dependants will not be counted against the cap.

Caring for Children Pathway

Requirements:

• two years of full-time work experience in Canada as a home child care provider within the past four years;
• a minimum language requirement of “initial intermediate” by meeting Canadian Language Benchmark 5 in a designated third-party language test; and
• a Canadian post-secondary education credential of at least one year, or an equivalent foreign credential supported by an Educational Credential Assessment.

Caring for People with High Medical Needs Pathway

This pathway is for caregivers who provide support to those with high medical needs, and some criteria closely match the former LCP requirements. The requirements include:

• two years of full-time work experience in Canada providing in-home care or care in a health facility to the elderly or persons with disabilities or chronic disease: for example, a registered nurse, a registered psychiatric nurse, a licensed practical nurse, a nurse aide, a patient service associate or a home support worker;
• demonstrating that they are licensed to practice in Canada, if applicable;
• a minimum language requirement of “intermediate” by meeting Canadian Language Benchmark 7 in a designated third-party language test, if applying as a registered nurse or registered psychiatric nurse;
• a minimum language requirement of “initial intermediate” by meeting Canadian Language Benchmark 5 in a designated third-party language test, if applying in any other qualifying occupation; and
• a Canadian post-secondary education credential of at least one year, or an equivalent foreign credential supported by an Educational Credential Assessment.

LMIA requirements for the Employer of Caregiver – Nanny

Employers will be required to apply for and receive a positive LMIA prior to the Caregiver being eligible to apply for a Work Permit under this program.

You will need to demonstrate that:

• you made an effort to hire a Canadian by applying for an LMIA through ESDC
• you have sufficient financial means to support a caregiver
• if they are living in, that your home has appropriate space
• made a job offer that meets the acceptable guidelines

If you are an employer or Caregiver interested in applying for your first LMIA, extending an existing work permit, or applying for permanent residence, we are here to help. Please call or email us for a consultation.