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Don’t Get Misled: Common Questions About Canada’s Caregiver Immigration Program

torontocoder

Newbie
Mar 24, 2025
2
0
1. Is it difficult to apply for caregiver immigration in Canada?


The caregiver immigration program is neither as difficult as some agents claim—those who try to push you into other programs like the SUV (Start-Up Visa) by saying things like “tens of thousands are in line already” (which is untrue, since applications are first-come, first-served each year, so there’s no such “queue” or “pool”)—nor is it as easy as others might claim when trying to charge you a service fee, promising things like “you’ll get PR as soon as you land,” or “no requirements at all,” or “you can apply from overseas.” PR doesn’t fall from the sky.


Caregiving has long been one of the most in-demand occupations in Canada. The government continues to adjust the requirements to filter out applicants who are only seeking PR and have no real intention of working as a caregiver.


If you’re older or don’t have strong English skills, don’t be discouraged. If you’re determined, hardworking, patient, and can provide honest and clear supporting documents, you can succeed with your application.



2. When can I apply for caregiver immigration?


The next application opening is March 31, 2026. The 2025 quota was already filled on March 31, 2025.



3. When will overseas applications be accepted?


Currently, the official website has no announcement on when caregiver applications from overseas will be accepted again.


There is, however, a quota plan for 2025–2029, and starting in 2027, applicants who do not meet the condition of “being in Canada with a work permit” may be allowed to apply. But does “not meeting the condition” mean they’re overseas applicants? Not necessarily. It could also mean someone who is already in Canada on a study permit. So, stay tuned—nothing is confirmed yet.



4. What are the current eligibility requirements for the caregiver immigration program?


To be eligible, you must:


  1. Be physically in Canada
  2. Hold a valid Canadian work permit (Important)
  3. Have a job offer from a Canadian employer (Important)
  4. Have at least 6 months of related caregiver work experience or 6+ months of in-person caregiver training
  5. Have a high school diploma or higher
  6. Demonstrate English language proficiency at CLB level 4 or above

There’s also a very real practical barrier: the caregiver program has a limited number of spots each year. That means applying is essentially a race against time—you need to submit as soon as the portal opens.
Avoid hiring consultants or lawyers who are unfamiliar with this program, especially if they are not tech-savvy or are slow to operate. They might not be able to secure a spot for you.



5. How long does it take to get approved?


According to the IRCC, the average processing time is 23 months. However, if you have strong caregiving or medical-related experience, many applicants get approved in just over a year.



6. What if my work permit expires while waiting for PR approval?


If your work permit expires while waiting for your PR to be approved—and you want to continue working as a caregiver in Canada—you will need to ask your employer to support an LMIA-based caregiver work permit application.
 

olijan

Full Member
Apr 24, 2023
41
9
Question about: 6. What if my work permit expires while waiting for PR approval?If your work permit expires while waiting for your PR to be approved—and you want to continue working as a caregiver in Canada—you will need to ask your employer to support an LMIA-based caregiver work permit application.
My Case:


I applied for Permanent Residency (PR) through the pilot program, using qualifying work experience starting from January 1, 2024. I am currently employed as a child care provider. However, my employer has not applied for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
I initially came to Canada on an open work permit as the spouse of an international student (my husband is on a study permit). Before my work permit expired, I applied for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) in connection with my PR application. At present, I am on implied status while waiting for the outcomes of both my work permit and PR applications.
Given this situation, does my employer need to apply for an LMIA?
Note: My PR application has stopped moving, as of Sept 2024 it is still in process and medical passed