Permanent Residence for Caregivers

Canada offers multiple immigration streams for caregivers who wish to become permanent residents. These pathways are typically linked with work experience gained through specific programs or pilot initiatives. If you meet the eligibility requirements and have valid work experience or job offers, you may qualify for permanent residence under the following programs:

Home Child Care Provider Pilot & Home Support Worker Pilot

These two pilot programs are designed for caregivers who:

• Meet the education, language, and work experience requirements;

• Have a valid job offer in one of the two eligible occupations (NOC codes 44100 or 44101);

• Wish to work in Canada and eventually become permanent residents.

Key Features:

• You receive an occupation-restricted open work permit (no LMIA required).

• The work permit allows you to come to Canada and gain the 24 months of experience needed for PR.

• Your work experience must be in the occupation specified, but you’re not tied to a single employer.

These programs are an excellent option for caregivers who are overseas and want to immigrate through a secure and well-defined pathway.

Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP) – Closed to New Applicants

The LCP is no longer accepting new applications. However, you may still apply for permanent residence under this program if:

• You have at least 2 years of full-time work experience as a live-in caregiver in Canada;

• You are already working in Canada on an LCP work permit, or

• You were approved for your first LCP work permit based on an LMIA issued on or before November 30, 2014.

If you fall outside of these conditions but have caregiving experience in Canada, there may still be other immigration pathways available to you.

Maintaining Your Temporary Resident Status

It is essential to maintain valid temporary resident status while working in Canada as a caregiver. If your current work permit is nearing expiration, you must:

• Apply for an extension before it expires, or

• Change its conditions (for example, switching employers) before it expires

If you’ve submitted an application for a new work permit before the expiry of your current one, you are under maintained status (previously known as implied status). This means you can continue working under the same conditions while waiting for a decision.

Temporary Work for Caregivers

If you don’t yet qualify for permanent residence, you may still work temporarily as a caregiver through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).

Requirements:

• Your employer must obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA);

• You can apply for a new work permit if you’re:

  • Inside Canada and eligible to apply from within;

  • Outside Canada, with an LMIA approved before June 18, 2019;

  • Intending to work in Quebec.

This route can help caregivers gain the Canadian work experience needed for future immigration applications under other programs.

Work Permit Applications Related to PR Applications

Some caregivers may be eligible to apply for occupation-restricted open work permits in conjunction with their permanent residence applications under the Home Child Care Provider or Home Support Worker Pilots. These permits allow them to gain the required work experience without needing a new LMIA.

How Our Firm Can Help

At International Immigration Law Firm, our experienced legal team provides end-to-end support in caregiver immigration cases. We assist with:

• Reviewing eligibility and choosing the best program

• Preparing and submitting PR applications

• Securing job offers from designated employers

• Applying for work permits and extensions

• Transitioning from temporary to permanent status

• Navigating maintained status and status restoration

Whether you’re a caregiver overseas or already working in Canada, we ensure your application is complete, compliant, and optimized for approval.

Start Your Canadian Caregiving Journey Today

Canada values the care and compassion that caregivers provide, and offers multiple immigration opportunities for those willing to support Canadian families. Let our experienced immigration professionals help you secure your future in Canada.