Immigrating to Canada through the Care Provider Pilot gives you the opportunity to live and work in the country. The Care Provider Pilot is split into two categories: Home Support Worker and Child Care Provider. You will need a valid job offer to request an Open Work Permit as a care provider.
You can then request permanent residency through one of the two pilot programs at the same time as you do your work permit. You are allowed to change employers and after you have accumulated two years of work experience in Canada, you will become eligible for permanent residency.
Home child care providers help parents look after children and may be required to help out with household duties. Care can be provided either in their own homes or in their employer’s homes which is different from the Live-in Caregiver Program which requires caregivers to live in their employer’s home.
Home support workers help seniors, people with disabilities, and individuals in rehabilitation by providing personal care and companionship during times of recovery, incapacitation, and family disruption. Duties include but are not limited to preparing meals, feeding, bathing, changing dressings, administering medications, and other routine housekeeping duties. Care is in their employer’s or client’s homes, in which the home support worker may be required to live. Home support workers may also care for children however it must not be their primary responsibility.
These two pilot programs permit you to change employers, if so desired, as well as allows your family members to join you in Canada.
You may be eligible to apply for the Home Child Care Pilot or the Home Support Worker Pilot if you meet the following requirements.
You will require an official offer from a Canadian employer which shows it will be a full-time position wherein you work a minimum of 30 hours a week. It needs to be clear that there is a real need to hire you and may not be from an embassy, high commission, or consulate. The offer may not be for work in the province of Quebec.
Language Proficiency in English or French (at least benchmark level 5)
As you will be in contact with children and adults daily, the ability to communicate effectively is important. You will need to take a language test to prove you possess the necessary language skills which include writing, reading, listening, and speaking. You have the option of testing in English or French.
Completion of 1 year of post-secondary school education