Starting from 9:00 AM ET on January 1, 2024, new applications will be accepted for the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot. These are pilot programs running for five years, inviting qualified caregivers and their families to come to Canada with the prospect of becoming permanent residents.

If you’ve received a job offer as a caregiver in Canada or have prior caregiving experience in the country, you might be eligible to apply for permanent residence through either of these pilot programs. The application process varies based on your situation and the amount of qualifying work experience you possess.

To qualify, you must have full-time work experience in Canada in one of the specified National Occupational Classification (NOC) jobs.

For Home Child Care Providers (NOC 44100), this involves caring for children in either your own home or your employer’s private home, excluding institutional settings like daycares.

As for Home Support Workers (NOC 44101), you need to provide assistance to someone requiring home support in your employer’s private residence, excluding institutional settings such as nursing homes.

It’s important to note that living in your employer’s home is not a requirement for qualification, and experience as a foster parent doesn’t count.

The caps for these pilots reset on January 1, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. ET, and the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will accept new applications until the caps are reached or until the conclusion of the pilots on June 17, 2024.

Since the caps are reached quickly, it’s advisable to prepare thoroughly before the reset date. You can choose to submit your application independently or seek assistance from a professional.