Caregiver Immigration to Canada: Home Child Care and Home Support Programs

Canada has dedicated immigration programs for caregivers — nannies, personal support workers, and home care workers. If you have experience caring for children, elderly people, or individuals with medical needs, Canada's caregiver immigration pathways may be your route to permanent residence.

Two Main Caregiver Pathways

• Home Child Care Provider Pilot: For nannies, babysitters, childcare workers in a private home (NOC 44100)
• Home Support Worker Pilot: For workers caring for elderly or disabled individuals in a private home (NOC 44101)

Both programs allow caregivers to apply for permanent residence after 24 months of eligible Canadian work experience within 36 months.

Eligibility Requirements

• Genuine full-time job offer from a Canadian employer (NO LMIA required)
• At least 1 year of post-secondary education
• Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in English or French
• Sufficient funds to support yourself and family

Open Work Permit

Once you have applied for PR under a caregiver program, you may qualify for an open work permit, allowing you to change employers without affecting your PR application.

Path to Permanent Residence

1. Find a Canadian employer willing to hire you
2. Obtain a work permit through the caregiver pilot
3. Work in Canada for at least 24 months
4. Apply for permanent residence — your family can accompany or join you later

Your Rights as a Caregiver

• Must be paid at least provincial minimum wage per hour
• Your employer cannot confiscate your passport
• You can change employers if you have an open work permit
• Contact provincial employment standards authorities if your rights are violated

Finding Caregiver Jobs

Use Care.com, Indeed, Kijiji, and nanny agencies specializing in international placements. Filipino, Caribbean, and other diaspora community networks are effective for finding caregiver employer connections.

Official: IRCC Caregiver Programs.