Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced two pilot projects that would see people who come to Canada as caregivers automatically given permanent residency upon their arrival to Canada.
Miller announced the pilot projects on Monday, which are enhanced versions of two existing government programs that are slated to expire on June 17.
Anyone coming to take care of seniors, children or disabled people will be offered permanent residence upon their arrival into Canada under the new programs, which aim to expedite the journey newcomers settling in Canada.
Caregivers employed by organizations that provide part-time or temporary care for people recovering from an illness or injury will be qualified to enter the new programs.
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, over 15,000 caregivers will be admitted as permanent residents over the next two years.
“Caregivers play a critical role in supporting Canadian families, and our programs need to reflect their invaluable contributions,” said Miller in a statement.
“As we work to implement a permanent caregivers program, these two new pilots will not only improve support for caregivers, but also provide families with the quality care they deserve.”
The Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot are the two existing programs scheduled to expire, which already allow caregivers who qualify to come to Canada with the long term goal of receiving permanent residency, along with their families.
However, it’s not granted automatically, it’s contingent on the applicant’s position and their experience which allow them to qualify.
Caregivers must pass the English test at level 5 under the current programs, which is above the level required to obtain citizenship, as well as have already worked for two years and have the equivalent of one year of postsecondary education.
The new programs will only require the equivalent of a Canadian high-school diploma, recent and relevant work experience and to meet the language requirements to receive permanent residency, as long as they have been offered a full-time caregiver job.
“This new pathway means that caregivers can more easily find proper work with reliable employers and have a clear, straightforward access to permanent-resident status as soon as they arrive in Canada,” said the immigration department in a statement.
Almost 5,700 caregivers and their families have become permanent residents since 2019, under the existing pilot programs.