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Enhanced Caregiver Pilot Programs
The Enhanced Caregiver Pilot Programs are new immigration pathways in Canada that will allow home care workers to receive permanent residency (PR) upon arrival. The programs are designed to address Canada’s growing demand for caregivers, especially for home care services. The demand for caregivers in Canada is growing due to the aging population. In the next six years, over nine million Canadians are expected to retire, leading to an increasing need for additional care for individuals in their homes or care facilities.
To be eligible, caregivers must:
- attain a minimum of level 4 based on the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB). This standard has been lowered from the previous level 5 required.
- hold the equivalent of a Canadian high school diploma, replacing the previous requirement of a one-year post-secondary credential.
- have recent and relevant work experience
- receive an offer for a full-time home care job
These changes represent a significant step forward in meeting Canada’s home care demands while providing greater support to caregivers entering the workforce.
Rural Community Immigration Pilot
The program aims to make it easier for individuals to immigrate to rural Canada and strengthen local economies. The Rural Community Immigration Pilot will provide pathways to Permanent Residency for newcomers who can help overcome labour shortages and want to live long term in small rural communities in Canada.
Status Requirements
- Applicants must have valid temporary resident status when applying and maintain this status until permanent residency is granted.
- Applicants must prove their intention to live in a designated rural community.
Work Experience
- Applicants must demonstrate at least one year of continuous full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in the past three years
- Experience must align with the National Occupational Classification (NOC) requirements. This includes actions described in the NOC lead statement and a substantial number of main duties
- TEER-specific matching is required for job offers:
- TEER 0/1: Experience in TEER 0,1,2, or 3
- TEER 2/3: Experience in TEER 1,2,3, or 4
- TEER 4/5: Experience must match the NOC unit group
- Nursing professionals may qualify for related occupations with specific NOC codes.
- International Graduate Exemption:
- Graduates from eligible full-time programs within the past 18 months may be exempt from the work experience requirement if the program duration and location criteria are met
Language Proficiency
Applicants must achieve minimum language benchmarks based on the job’s NOC TEER category and the Language test results must be less than two years old.
- TEER 0/1: Benchmark 6
- TEER 2/3: Benchmark 5
- TEER 4/5: Benchmark 4
Education
Applicants must demonstrate completion of at least secondary school education:
- Canadian credentials: Provide a copy of the credential.
- Foreign credentials: Provide an equivalency assessment no older than five years
Financial Requirements
The amount must be at least half of the low-income threshold for rural areas outside major cities, as published annually by Statistics Canada, for one year.
Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIC)
Francophone immigration plays a crucial role in strengthening our national identity. This is why Canada is redoubling its efforts to welcome French-speaking newcomers who will enrich the linguistic, social, cultural and economic fabric of Francophone minority communities (FMCs). The FCIC is for newcomers who wish to settle in francophone communities outside Quebec. Candidates will require a job offer and recommendations in order to be eligible. Also, newcomers admitted through this pathway must intend to reside in the community that nominates them.
Candidates must have:
Work Experience
An applicant must have work experience that meets specific conditions. The required level of an applicant’s work experience is also determined by the level of the occupation they are being hired for, as described in Canada’s TEER criteria. This requirement can also be waived for international graduates who meet certain conditions.
Education
- Education must be proven by either providing a Canadian credential, or the international credential with an Education Credential Assessment (ECA). The ECA must be less than five years old at the time of application.
Genuine offer of employment
- The offer must be from a designated employer that meets specific conditions
Language proficiency
- French language ability equivalent to a Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) level 5 in all language abilities.
Necessary funds
funds equivalent to one-half of the most recent Low-Income Cut-off (LICO) criteria relevant to their designated community, for one year.
If you’re interested in applying or need guidance on how to navigate these new immigration pathways, Jackson Group–CIS is here to help.
Contact us today to learn more about your eligibility and get expert advice tailored to your needs!
