Canada’s Caregiver Pilot Programs will require only lesser work experience in order to become eligible for Permanent Residence. This means that the period of work experience required is now 12 months. Earlier, it was 24 months.
However, the change will likely take place with effect from April 30, 2023, and will apply even to those who have already applied. Additionally, IRCC will supervise and ensure that all applicants fulfill the essential work experience requirement for the same.
Canada’s Caregiver Pilot Programs
The presently available caregiver pathways also consist of reservations for those who have already acquired Canadian work experience under their former work permit. This approach will enable them to apply for Permanent Residence.
Overall, nearly 90 percent of applicants in the middle of the caregiver programs’ processing will experience the impact of this change.
These pilot programs came into being in 2019 and will expire in June 2024. Moreover, with the help of these programs, around 1,600 caregivers, along with their families have gained permanent residency in Canada. In 2022, around 1,100 caregivers and their families also gained PR through these two pilot programs.
Sean Fraser reiterated the significance of caregivers by stating that Canadian families have a vital option in the form of caregivers. They have contributed immensely to aging parents, children, and those who require extra care. The reduction of the work experience requirement for caregivers will essentially enable them and their families to shift to permanent residences faster. Hereafter, they shall settle and begin a new phase in their lives.
Canada’s Caregiver Pilot Programs- their eligibility requirements
However, the rest of the eligibility requirements under the caregivers will remain the same. Both programs demand the candidates prove the following:
- Canadian Language Benchmarks under the language tests must equal a score of 5 points.
- Post-secondary education in Canada for up to 1 year or equivalent to a foreign standard of education.
- They must clear the admissibility checks concerning health, criminal records, and security.
On the other hand, candidates must demonstrate the following regarding their work experience:
- Work experience must be under the NOC category.
- Additionally, the work experience must adhere to one specific job under NOC and it can’t be a combination of two jobs.
- The candidates must display that their job position aligns with the NOCs job description. They must ensure that they can prove that they have performed the maximum of their job duties.
- Thirty hours of paid work every week will equal full-time work experience.
The aging population in Canada
According to the 2021 Census, nearly 861,395 individuals residing in Canada are beyond the age of 85 years. Furthermore, there are around 2.1 million individuals who are between the age group of 75 and 85.
A majority of these individuals reside in senior residences and use caregiver facilities. Reportedly, data from 2016 proves that around 500,000 residents were confined to long-term care facilities. Mostly, 9 million Canadians will reach the age of 65 years by 2030. All of these predictions point toward the requirement of caregivers to assist the current aging population and the one in the near future.
Additionally, another requirement is childcare because most Canadian parents fall under two categories. This means they could be single parents or earn dual incomes. Those earning double incomes are the ones who go to work. Most family members largely depend upon private care or daycare systems as they have no close relatives to look after their kids.
Consequently, Canada continues to recruit professionals in the social assistance and healthcare sectors. Per the latest reports, nearly 7,000 newcomers were hired this year in January. Also, as of November 2022, around 131,800 vacant job positions remained available.
