Work permit · Canada

Caregiver Programs

Canada's caregiver programs provide a pathway to permanent residence for foreign nationals who provide care for children, elderly persons, or those with medical needs in private homes. These programs are designed to fill labour market gaps in home care services.

Processing

1–2 years

Where

Canada

Official fee

CA$155

Updated

May 2026

Overview

Best for: Permanent residence pathway for home caregivers

Program Overview

Canada's caregiver programs provide a pathway to permanent residence for foreign nationals who provide care for children, elderly persons, or people with medical needs in private homes. Two streams are available: Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker. Caregivers can apply for an occupation-specific work permit and later apply for permanent residence.

Key Benefits

Pathway to permanent residence after qualifying work experience
Occupation-specific work permit to start working in Canada
Can bring immediate family members (spouse and dependent children)
Addresses critical labour shortage in Canada's home care sector
No requirement for LMIA in some cases

Eligibility

You must meet every required item below. A licensed consultant can confirm your fit in minutes.

Work experience

Caregiving ExperienceRelevant experience required
Relevant work experience or training in caregiving (child care, home support, nursing aide, etc.)

Language

Language ProficiencyCLB 5
CLB 5 in all four abilities for the work permit stage

Education

Education1-year post-secondary minimum
Minimum 1-year Canadian post-secondary credential, or equivalent foreign credential assessed by a designated organization

Process

Typical processing time: 1–2 years.

Get a Job Offer
Obtain a genuine job offer to provide home child care or home support work in a Canadian private home.
1–6 months
Apply for Work Permit
Apply for an occupation-specific work permit using the caregiver stream.
1–4 months
Work in Canada
Work as a caregiver in Canada and accumulate the required work experience (typically 24 months).
2 years
Apply for Permanent Residence
Once you have met the work experience requirement, apply for permanent residence.
1–4 weeks
Processing & Decision
IRCC processes your PR application. Processing can take 12-24 months.
1–2 years

Fees & costs

Paid to the government and third parties. Our professional fee is separate and fixed upfront.

Fee	Per	Amount
Work Permit Processing Fee	applicant	CA$155
PR Application Fee	applicant	CA$1,365
Right of Permanent Residence Fee	applicant	CA$515
Biometrics Fee	applicant	CA$85

Government fees change from time to time — we confirm the current amounts before you pay anything.

Caregiver Programs FAQs

Yes. You can include your spouse and dependent children when you apply for PR. They may also be eligible for study and work permits while you are on your caregiver work permit.

You generally need to accumulate 24 months of qualifying full-time home care work experience in Canada before you can apply for permanent residence under the caregiver pathway.