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Canada Caregiver Program 2024 Requirements Complete List
Ottawa, Canada – With an ageing population in Canada and more families relying on home-based support for children, seniors, and the disabled, the need for skilled caregivers has never been greater. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) made an important change in its caregiver immigration framework, ending the long-standing Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot on June 17, with new, stronger pilots to be introduced in March 2025.
These reforms, meant to simplify entry and solve labour deficiencies (expected to impact more than nine million retirees by 2030), create a direct route to permanent residency. With more than 15,000 caregiver slots in the 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan, and nearly 5,700 caregivers already transitioned since 2019, understanding the requirements is essential. Below is the structured breakdown of eligibility and process.
Legacy Pilots Closure: What 2024 Meant to Existing Applicants
Introduced in 2019, the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot allowed foreign workers to gain Canadian experience prior to PR. However, processing delays of 19–21 months caused criticism. On June 17, 2024, IRCC closed these to new applications but processed those received before that date. A significant 2024 change: the work experience requirement was reduced to only six months (down from 24 months), effective June 16. The closure came after clearing a 60,000-case backlog from the Live-in Caregiver Program. Applicants already in Canada may still transition to PR without interruptions.The Proposal of the 2025 Pilots: A Direct PR Pathway
On June 3, 2024, Minister Marc Miller announced new pilots (launching March 31, 2025):- Home Child Care Provider Pilot
- Home Support Worker Pilot
- Targeted at NOC 44100 (home child care providers) and NOC 44101 (home support workers).
- Capacity: 15,000+ caregivers within 3 years.
- Processing time: 6–12 months.
- Families are included for PR from the start.
Complete Requirements List: Who Qualifies in 2024/2025?
Job Opportunity and Hiring Requirements
- Full-time opportunity (30+ hrs/week) with a Canadian employer.
- Direct care duties in a home setting.
- No LMIA for PR stream; employer must provide a support letter.
- Part-time/temporary positions are allowed in limited cases.
Work Experience
- Minimum six months of paid caregiving in the last 3 years.
- Foreign or Canadian experience accepted.
- Legacy pilots: proof of 6–24 months via stubs/contracts.
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent (ECA required if foreign).
- One year post-secondary in child/health care preferred.
Language Proficiency
- Minimum CLB 4 in English or French.
- Accepted tests: IELTS, CELPIP, TEF Canada.
Other Requirements
| Category | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Age | Minimum 18 years |
| Medical | IRCC-approved health check |
| Financial | $13,757 (individual) + $3,560 (per family member) |
| Security | Clean police record, biometrics |
| Family | Spouse & dependents included for PR |
Application Documents
- Passport/ID
- Job offer/support letter
- Language test results
- ECA report (if needed)
- Proof of work/training
- Application forms & fees
Application Process: Step-by-Step
- Check eligibility: Complete language/ECA tests early.
- Secure job offer: Through Job Bank or agencies.
- File PR/Work Permit: Apply via the IRCC portal, pay fees.
- Biometrics & medicals: Post-submission step.
- Wait for decision: Interim work permit issued.
- Arrival & settlement: Apply for SIN/health card.
Changes in 2024 and Why They Matter
These reforms respond to decades of advocacy, addressing exploitation and isolation issues in prior programs. Caregivers now receive recognition as vital contributors to Canada’s future. Minister Rechie Valdez emphasised their importance, while surveys show growing shortages in caregiving roles nationwide. Advice for 2025 Applicants:- Gain relevant experience.
- Prepare for and pass language tests.
- Plan finances with settlement support (e.g., Windmill Microlending).