Canada recognizes the essential contributions of caregivers in supporting children, seniors, and individuals with medical needs. Through the Special Groups category in the Work section, caregivers can access dedicated work permit and immigration pathways that acknowledge their important role in family and community well-being. Caregivers can enter Canada via two main pilot programs: the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot. These five-year programs offer a clear pathway to permanent residence for eligible caregivers and their family members.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:
A key advantage of these pilot programs is that they allow qualified candidates to apply for an occupation-restricted open work permit while gaining the two years of Canadian work experience required for permanent residency. This flexibility makes it easier to transition from a temporary worker to a permanent resident without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Applicants who have 24 months of eligible Canadian work experience at the time of application can apply directly for permanent residence. Those who do not yet meet the work experience requirement may still qualify under the gaining-experience category by obtaining a work permit tied to caregiving.
Spouses and dependent children may also be eligible to accompany caregivers and can apply for open work permits or study permits, supporting family reunification.
Caregivers already residing in Canada may have the opportunity to access bridging options or apply to change their status, provided they meet program requirements. These pathways are highly competitive and subject to annual caps, making early preparation essential.
