Interim Pathway for Caregivers in Canada Now Open

From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Canada’s New Opportunity for Caregivers

On March 15, 2019, in Ottawa, caregivers working in Canada with aspirations of becoming permanent residents are invited to apply through the Interim Pathway for Caregivers (IPC). This pathway is tailored for caregivers who are currently ineligible for other existing caregiver programs. Interested applicants should ensure they meet the criteria and prepare their applications by the June 4 deadline.

Application Requirements and Deadline

Potential applicants must fulfill specific criteria, including:

• A valid work permit
• One year of experience as a home childcare provider or home support worker, or a mix of both
• A minimum Canadian Language Benchmark 5 in English or French
• A foreign equivalent or Canadian high school diploma
• If unable to obtain an Educational Credential Assessment before the deadline, proof of application is required
• If language test results are delayed, proof of a scheduled test appointment and date must be shown

The IPC allows for applications for permanent residency to be processed within 12 months, with no limit on the number of accepted caregivers, their partners, or children.

Official Statement

“Caregivers came to Canada to provide care to families that need it, and it’s time for Canada to care for them in return. To demonstrate our commitment, we are finally providing them and their family members the opportunity to apply to become permanent residents.” – The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Key Information

• In October 2017, there was a backlog of approximately 9,000 cases in the Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP), affecting 24,000 caregivers and their families. This backlog has been reduced by about 95%, leaving 495 cases and 2,655 individuals.
• New applications from those grandfathered into the LCP are processed within 12 months compared to the previous 60 months. The Caring for Children and Caring for People with High Medical Needs pilots are processed in 6 months or less.
• In June 2019, the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot will launch, replacing the previous pilots. Each will accept 2,750 applicants annually, totaling 5,500 applications. Spouses and children are not included in this cap.
• Under the new pilots, caregivers will receive occupation-specific work permits, allowing job flexibility. Spouses can apply for open work permits, and children can apply for study permits.

Additional Resources

• News release: Caregivers will now have access to new pathways to permanent residence
• Application: Interim Pathway for Caregivers
• Public policy: Interim Pathway for Caregivers
• Table: Compare your options for permanent residence as a caregiver

Contact Information

Media Contacts

Mathieu Genest
Minister’s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-954-1064

Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
IRCC.COMMMediaRelations-RelationsmediasCOMM.IRCC@cic.gc.ca