With the aim of encouraging home support providers to move to Canada and utilize their skills in this country, the Canadian government has introduced two new programs in June 2019. Those who have a valid job offer or have already worked in Canada as a caregiver can apply for permanent residence through this program.
The new immigration pilots available to Home Care Providers are:
Both are five-year pilots designed to help skilled and experienced home care providers and home support workers from other countries relocate to Canada for permanent residency.
Home care providers are expected to help people and seniors with various disabilities and individuals in rehabilitation by providing care, attention, and companionship during the recovery process. Their services are availed when someone in the family needs personal attention because of an illness, disability, or family disruption.
Home care providers are expected to carry out the following duties:
Care is given in clients’ homes, and in many cases, the home care provider may have to live in the same place to provide round-the-clock support. Some home care providers may also be asked to care for children in the family. However, it is not seen as their primary responsibility.
The most significant advantage of the Home Care Provider Pilot Program is that applicants can change their employers if they wish to. They can also bring in their family members into Canada to join them.
You must meet the following eligibility requirements to be able to apply for Home Care Provider Program:
You must hold an official job offer from a qualified Canadian employer. The offer must clearly mention that it is a full-time position and requires you to work a minimum of 30 hours a week.
The person to be cared for may be served in your own home or the employer’s home. It is not binding on you to live in your employer’s home.
Your admissibility to Canada will be decided when you apply for a Visa or an eTA or Electronic Travel Authorization. The customs agent will go through your papers to check if they are in order. If there are discrepancies or the documents, do not meet the requirements as stated by the government. You may be barred from entering the country if you have a criminal history, suffer from health issues, or if the authorities have reasons to believe you are a threat to the country’s security. That’s the reason why the authorities insist on a medical exam and police certificate.
Language proficiency is a must in English or French for at least the level 5 benchmark. As you will have to communicate with people daily, it is essential to have fluency in the local language. A language test will help the authorities check if you have the skills needed, such as writing, reading, listening, and speaking proficiency. You have the option of choosing English or French to get tested in language proficiency.
Completion of one year of post-secondary school education is necessary for home support workers. Some secondary school education in combination with home care training is also required.
Alternatively, your application may be considered if you can prove that you have past experience or training in home management. However, in this case, you will have to complete one year of post-secondary school education in Canada.
The above certification is not mandatory, but it is advisable that you get trained to improve the chances of getting approved. It will enhance the value you bring to your role as a professional home care provider.
With a string of immigration programs and pilots, the chances of getting approved as a home care provider can be tough as the processes can be complex and confusing. As one of the top Immigration laws and immigration processes experts, we can help you improve the chances of getting selected for the program. Contact us to know how we can make a difference to your chances.
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