New Pilot Programs For Caregivers Announced

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced it will open new immigration pilot programs for caregivers. According to IRCC, the new pilot programs will offer home care workers permanent residence status on arrival in Canada (instead of requiring a certain amount of work experience in Canada before applying for permanent residence). They will also be allowed to work for organizations that provide temporary or part-time care for individuals who are semi-independent or recovering from an injury or illness (which is not currently allowed under existing caregiver programs). To be eligible, applicants must attain a minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark level 4 (whereas currently they must attain level 5); hold the equivalent of a Canadian high school diploma (whereas currently they require a post-secondary credential); have recent and relevant work experience; and receive an offer for a full-time home care job. A timeframe for implementation of the