If you want to know everything about the caregiver program in Canada, you are in the right place. Canada just launched brand new pilot programs in 2025 that completely changes the game for caregivers. Instead of working for years before applying for permanent residence, you can now get PR status upon arrival. No more waiting around wondering if you’ll get to stay permanently.
Whether you’re a nanny in the Philippines dreaming of life in Toronto, or a home support worker in Nigeria looking for better opportunities, the caregiver program in Canada might be your ticket to a new life. And honestly? The timing couldn’t be better – Canadian families are desperate for help, and the government finally created programs that actually work.
Let’s get into it!
What’s Actually New About the Caregiver Program in Canada in 2025
The old caregiver programs were a mess. You’d come to Canada, work for specific employers, and then maybe, possibly, if you were lucky, you could apply for permanent residence after jumping through a million hoops. Many caregivers got stuck in immigration cycle for years.
The new caregiver program in Canada fixes most of these problems. Applications for the “Workers in Canada” stream started March 31, 2025, at 10 a.m. ET, and the response has been incredible.
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The Two Main Programs
Canada now has two separate pilot programs under the caregiver program in Canada umbrella:
Home Child Care Provider Pilot: For people who want to take care of kids in private homes Home Support Worker Pilot: For those helping elderly or disabled adults with daily living
Both programs offer the same thing – a direct path to permanent residence without having to work temporarily first.
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Why This Matters
Under the old system, you’d:
- Get a work permit tied to one employer
- Work for that employer for years
- Apply for permanent residence and wait
- Hope everything works out
Under the new caregiver program in Canada, you:
- Apply directly for permanent residence with a job offer
- Get approved and come to Canada as a permanent resident
- Start your new life immediately
It’s honestly revolutionary for the industry.
Read also: What is the Canada Visitor Visa Processing Time?
Who Can Actually Apply for the Caregiver Program in Canada
The requirements for the caregiver program in Canada are pretty straightforward, but you need to check every box. Missing even one requirement can sink your application.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
You need a minimum CLB level 4 in English (IELTS: 4 in writing/speaking, 4.5 in listening, 3.5 in reading) and a high school diploma equivalent to Canadian standards verified through an Educational Credential Assessment.
Education Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) showing Canadian equivalency
- Any relevant caregiving certifications or training
Language Requirements:
- English or French at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4
- Recent language test results (within 2 years)
- All four skills tested: reading, writing, listening, speaking
Experience Requirements: Candidates must have at least 6 months of relevant and recent experience or a credential for performing similar duties that home care workers would perform on a day-to-day basis.
This experience can include:
- Previous work as a nanny, babysitter, or childcare provider
- Home support work for elderly or disabled adults
- Relevant training programs or certifications
- Volunteer work in caregiving roles
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The Job Offer Requirement
You need a genuine, full-time job offer from a Canadian family or employer outside of the province of Quebec that offers at least 30 hours per week and clearly states the job duties match the NOC code (44100 for child care, 44101 for home support).
What Makes a Valid Job Offer:
- It must be from a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- It must be outside Quebec (Quebec has its own system)
- The job has to be full-time (minimum 30 hours per week)
- It must be in a private household setting
- The job has to match specific National Occupational Classification codes
- The job has to include proper wage and working condition details
Red Flags to Avoid:
- Job offers that seem too good to be true
- Employers asking you to pay fees upfront
- Vague job descriptions that don’t match NOC codes
- Employers who won’t provide proper documentation
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The Two Streams of the Caregiver Program in Canada
The caregiver program in Canada has different streams depending on your situation. Understanding which one applies to you is important.
Stream A: Workers Already in Canada
Stream A is for caregivers already working in Canada under previous work permit programs. If you’re already in Canada working as a caregiver, this is probably your stream.
Who Qualifies:
- Currently working in Canada as a caregiver
- Have valid work authorization
- Meet all other program requirements
- Can prove Canadian work experience
Advantages:
- No need to prove ties to home country
- Already familiar with Canadian workplace culture
- Can continue working while application processes
- Easier to meet employer face-to-face
Read: 30+ Highest Paid Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship in 2025: Your Complete Guide
Stream B: Workers Outside Canada
Stream B, starting in 2027, is for qualified candidates outside Canada. This stream is for people applying from their home countries.
People who should apply are those who are-
- Living outside Canada
- Have qualifying job offer from Canadian employer
- Meet all education and language requirements
- Can prove ties to home country
Special Considerations:
- Longer processing times potentially
- Need to coordinate timing with employer
- May require more extensive background checks
- Travel arrangements more complex
Read: AOR Canada Immigration: Your Complete Guide
Application Numbers and Your Chances in the Caregiver Program in Canada
Let’s talk numbers because they matter. Each class (Child Care and Home Support) will process up to 2,750 applications per year starting in 2026. For 2025–2026, the intake cap is slightly lower at 2,610 per class.
The breakdown-
- Total spots available in 2025: 5,220 (2,610 for child care + 2,610 for home support)
- Expected applications: Likely 10,000+ based on demand from previous programs
- Your odds: Roughly 50% if you apply early and meet all requirements
Canada’s broader pilot category’s annual quota will see a slight reduction, dropping from 10,920 in 2024 to 10,875 in 2025, but the caregiver program in Canada still represents a significant portion of these spots.
Read: The Easiest Way to Immigrate to Canada with Visa Sponsorship in 2025
Step-by-Step Application Process for the Caregiver Program in Canada
Applying for the caregiver program in Canada isn’t rocket science, but it requires attention to detail. Here’s exactly what you need to do.
Step 1: Secure a Valid Job Offer
This is the hardest part. You need to find a Canadian family willing to hire you and go through the immigration process. Many people use:
- Reputable employment agencies
- Online job boards like Care.com or Sitter.com
- Referrals from friends or family in Canada
- Community connections through churches or cultural groups
Read: Canada Express Entry: Immigration Eligibility: How to Get a Canadian Passport
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
Personal Documents:
- Valid passport
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Police clearance certificates from every country you’ve lived in for 6+ months since age 18
Education Documents:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Educational Credential Assessment from designated organization
- Any caregiving certifications or training certificates
Language Test Results:
- IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF results showing CLB 4 minimum
- Tests must be less than 2 years old
Work Experience Proof:
- Employment letters from previous caregiving jobs
- Reference letters detailing duties performed
- Training certificates or professional development courses
- Portfolio of work experience if self-employed
Read: Canada Express Entry: Immigration Eligibility: How to Get a Canadian Passport
Step 3: Complete the Application
Applications can be submitted online or by alternate (paper-based) means, but online is faster and easier to track.
Online Application Tips:
- Create your account early and familiarize yourself with the system
- Save your progress frequently
- Upload clear, high-quality document scans
- Double-check all information before submitting
Read: 15+ High Paying Companies Offering Job Sponsorship in Canada: Your Complete 2025 Guide
Step 4: Pay the Fees
Application fees for the caregiver program in Canada include:
- Principal applicant fee: $1,325
- Spouse or partner fee: $825 (if applicable)
- Each dependent child: $225
- Biometrics fee: $85 per person
Step 5: Submit and Wait
After submission, you’ll get a confirmation and application number. Processing times vary, but expect 12-18 months for most applications.
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What Canadian Families Need to Know About Hiring Through the Caregiver Program in Canada
If you’re a Canadian family wanting to hire through the caregiver program in Canada, you have responsibilities too. This isn’t like hiring a regular employee.
Employer Obligations
Financial Requirements: Employers in expensive areas likely need to make over $150,000 to afford paying a caregiver unless they own their home. You need to prove you can afford:
- Caregiver’s salary (minimum wage or higher)
- Additional employment costs
- Suitable accommodation if providing housing
- Other benefits as required by provincial law
Legal Obligations:
- Follow all provincial employment standards
- Provide safe working environment
- Respect caregiver’s rights and dignity
- Allow caregiver to work for multiple employers if desired
- Cannot confiscate passport or other documents
Documentation Required:
- Job offer letter with specific duties and conditions
- Proof of income and ability to pay
- Copy of valid government-issued ID
- Signed contract outlining terms of employment
Read: Companies Sponsoring Work Visas in Ireland for Foreign Workers in 2025 | Apply Now
While the new caregiver program in Canada DOES NOT require Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) for permanent residence applications, some temporary work situations still might. Employers must pay $1,000 for each position requested to cover the cost of processing an LMIA application when required.
Salary and Working Conditions in the Caregiver Program in Canada
Let’s talk money and working conditions because this matters for both caregivers and employers.
Salary Expectations
Caregiver wages vary significantly by province and specific duties:
Minimum Wage by Province (2025):
- Ontario: $17.20/hour
- British Columbia: $17.40/hour
- Alberta: $15.00/hour
- Quebec: $15.75/hour (but Quebec has separate system)
- Nova Scotia: $15.20/hour
- Manitoba: $15.30/hour
Realistic Salary Ranges:
- Child Care Providers: $35,000-$50,000 annually
- Home Support Workers: $32,000-$45,000 annually
- Live-in Caregivers: Often receive room and board in addition to salary
- Experienced Caregivers: Up to $60,000+ in major cities
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Working Conditions Standards
- Maximum Hours: Generally 40-44 hours per week depending on province
- Overtime: Required after standard work week (usually time-and-a-half)
- Vacation: Minimum 2 weeks paid vacation annually
- Stat Holidays: All provincial statutory holidays with premium pay
- Sick Leave: Varies by province but usually 3-5 paid sick days minimum
Live-in Arrangements:
- Private room with lock
- Access to common areas
- Reasonable privacy expectations
- Separate entrance preferred but not required
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Resources for the Caregiver Program in Canada
Here are the best resources to help you succeed.
Official Government Resources
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC): Canada.ca – official source for all program information and updates
- Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC): Information about Labour Market Impact Assessments and employer requirements
- Provincial Government Websites: Employment standards, worker rights, and local resources for each province
Read: Study in the UK: How to Transfer from a Nigerian University in 2026
Educational Credential Assessment Organizations
- World Education Services (WES): Most popular ECA service for immigration purposes
- International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS): Alternative ECA option
- Comparative Education Service (CES): Another designated organization for credential assessment
Language Testing
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Most widely accepted English test
- CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program): Canadian-specific English test
- TEF (Test d’évaluation de français): For French language requirements
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Job Search Platforms
- Care.com: Large platform connecting caregivers with families
- Sitter.com: Focus on childcare positions
- Indeed Canada: General job search site with caregiver positions
- Government of Canada Job Bank: Official job search resource
Community Support
- Settlement agencies: Every major Canadian city has organizations helping newcomers
- Cultural associations: Connect with others from your home country
- Religious organizations: Many provide support and networking opportunities
- Online communities: Facebook groups, Reddit forums, and other social platforms
Read: Canada Business Visa Processing Time: What You Really Need to Know
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I apply for the caregiver program in Canada if I’m already in Canada on a different visa?
A: Yes, you can apply from within Canada, but you might need to maintain your current status while processing.
Q: Do I need to live with the family I work for?
A: No, live-in arrangements are optional and must be mutually agreed upon with proper accommodation standards.
Q: Can my family come with me immediately when I immigrate through the caregiver program?
A: Yes, the new programs allow you to include your spouse and dependent children in your application.
Q: What happens if my employer terminates my employment after I arrive?
A: Under the new programs, you can work for any employer in your field, not just your original employer.
Q: How long does the caregiver program application take to process?
A: Processing times vary but typically range from 12-18 months from submission to final decision.
Q: Can I study while working under the caregiver program in Canada?
A: Yes, as a permanent resident you can study part-time or full-time at any Canadian educational institution.
Q: Are there age limits for applying to the caregiver program in Canada?
A: There are no specific age limits, but you must be able to perform the physical demands of caregiving work.
Conclusion
The caregiver program in Canada represents one of the best opportunities for skilled caregivers to build new lives in Canada. The 2025 changes make the process more straightforward and offer direct pathways to permanent residence that simply didn’t exist before.
The demand for caregivers isn’t going anywhere. Canadian families need help, the government recognizes this need, and they’ve created programs to make it work for everyone involved. If you’ve got the skills, dedication, and willingness to start over in a new country, the caregiver program in Canada could be exactly what you’re looking for.
Read: Is It Worth Moving from Canada to USA? All You Need to Know
