Pathway to Permanent Residence

Supporting Canadian Families and Caregivers

The Home Childcare Program addresses Canada's growing need for qualified childcare providers while creating opportunities for skilled foreign workers to build a new life in Canada. This program recognizes the valuable contribution that caregivers make to Canadian families and society.

Unlike previous caregiver programs, the Home Childcare Program provides a clearer and more direct pathway to permanent residence. Caregivers can gain valuable Canadian work experience while working toward their immigration goals, with the support of their employer families.

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Job Requirements

Employment Criteria

Job Offer

You must have a valid job offer to work as a home childcare provider in Canada. The job offer must be genuine and from a Canadian employer who needs your services to care for their children in their home.

The position must be classified under National Occupational Classification (NOC) code 4411 - Home childcare providers. Your employer must also meet certain requirements, including demonstrating the need for a childcare provider.

Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

Your employer must obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) before hiring you. This assessment confirms that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the position and that no Canadian worker is available to do the job.

The LMIA process includes requirements for the employer to advertise the position to Canadians first and to meet certain wage and working condition standards.

Personal Requirements

Applicant Criteria

Education

You must have a post-secondary education credential equivalent to Canadian standards. This typically means at least one year of post-secondary education. Your foreign credentials will need to be assessed through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to determine their Canadian equivalency.

Relevant Experience

You must have at least one year of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in child caregiving within the past three years. This experience can be gained either in Canada or abroad.

Your experience should demonstrate your ability to provide care for children, including activities such as supervising and engaging with children, preparing meals, maintaining hygiene, and organizing activities.

Language Proficiency

You must demonstrate proficiency in either English or French by achieving at least Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in all language abilities (speaking, reading, writing, and listening). This must be verified through an approved language test, such as the IELTS or CELPIP for English, or the TEF for French.

Admissibility

You must pass health and security clearances to be admissible to Canada. This includes medical examinations and background checks to ensure you do not pose a risk to Canadian security or public health.

Criminal background checks will be conducted, and you may be required to provide police certificates from countries where you have lived for six months or more since the age of 18.

Financial Requirements

You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependents during your initial settlement in Canada, unless you are already working in Canada.

The amount required varies depending on the size of your family and is updated regularly by IRCC. These funds must be readily available to you and not borrowed from another person.

Intent to Reside

You must demonstrate your intention to reside in Canada as a permanent resident if your application is approved. This means showing ties to Canada and a genuine intention to make Canada your home.

Your application should reflect your understanding of life in Canada and your plans for settlement, including how you will continue your career and integrate into Canadian society.

Work Permit Requirements

Before applying for permanent residence, you will need to obtain a work permit to work as a childcare provider in Canada. This work permit is occupation-restricted, meaning you can only work as a childcare provider for the employer specified on your permit.

You must maintain legal status in Canada throughout your work period and comply with all conditions of your work permit.

Canadian Work Experience

To qualify for permanent residence through the Home Childcare Program, you must gain at least 24 months of full-time Canadian work experience as a home childcare provider within 36 months of receiving your work permit.

This work experience must be in the same occupation as your job offer (NOC 4411) and must be gained while working with a valid work permit.

Family Members

Your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children may be included in your application for permanent residence. They may also be eligible for open work permits or study permits to accompany you to Canada while you complete your work experience.

Family members must also meet admissibility requirements, including health and security clearances.

Step 1: Find an Employer

The first step is to find a Canadian employer who is willing to hire you as a home childcare provider. This employer must be willing to support your application by obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) and providing you with a valid job offer.

You can search for potential employers through job boards, networking, or with the help of a recruitment agency that specializes in caregiver placements.

Step 2: Employer Obtains LMIA

Your employer must apply for and receive a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). This process confirms that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the position.

The employer will need to advertise the position to Canadians first, demonstrate why they need to hire a foreign worker, and pay the LMIA application fee. This process can take several months.

Step 3: Meet Language Requirements

Take an approved language test to demonstrate your proficiency in either English or French. You must achieve at least Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in all language abilities.

Approved tests include the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) for English, and the Test d'Évaluation de Français (TEF) for French.

Step 4: Educational Credential Assessment

If you were educated outside of Canada, you must have your educational credentials assessed through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). This assessment determines the Canadian equivalency of your foreign education.

You must use an organization or professional body designated by IRCC to conduct ECAs, such as World Education Services (WES) or the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS).

Step 5: Apply for Work Permit

Once you have a job offer and a positive LMIA, you can apply for an occupation-specific work permit. This application must include your job offer, LMIA, proof of education, language test results, and other required documents.

language test results, and other required documents.

You will need to undergo medical examinations and provide police certificates as part of the work permit application process. Processing times vary depending on your country of residence, but you can check current processing times on the IRCC website.

Step 6: Gain Canadian Work Experience

After arriving in Canada with your work permit, you must gain at least 24 months of full-time Canadian work experience as a home childcare provider within 36 months. This experience is crucial for your permanent residence application.

During this time, you must maintain legal status in Canada and comply with all conditions of your work permit. Keep detailed records of your employment, including pay stubs, tax documents, and reference letters.

Step 7: Apply for Permanent Residence

Once you have completed the required 24 months of work experience, you can apply for permanent residence through the Home Childcare Provider Pilot. Your application must include proof of your Canadian work experience, updated language test results, and other required documents.

You may include your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children in your application for permanent residence. Processing times for permanent residence applications vary, but you can check current times on the IRCC website.

Step 8: Permanent Residence Approval

If your application is approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a permanent resident visa (if you are outside Canada). You must complete a landing process to officially become a permanent resident of Canada.

As a permanent resident, you will have most of the rights and privileges of Canadian citizens, including access to healthcare, education, and social services. You can live, work, and study anywhere in Canada.

Personal Documents

Valid passport
Birth certificate
Marriage certificate (if applicable)
Digital photos meeting specifications

Employment Documents

Job offer letter
Positive LMIA
Employment contract
Reference letters from previous employers

Education Documents

Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
Diplomas and certificates
Transcripts
Childcare-related training certificates

Language Documents

Language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF)
Proof of CLB 5 or higher in all abilities
Language training certificates (if applicable)

Admissibility Documents

Medical examination results
Police certificates from all countries lived in
Biometrics (fingerprints and photo)

Application Forms

Work permit application forms
Permanent residence application forms
Family information form
Schedule A – Background/Declaration

Program Benefits

Advantages of the Program

Clear Pathway to Permanent Residence

The Home Childcare Program provides a clear and direct pathway to permanent residence in Canada. After completing 24 months of qualifying work experience, you can apply for permanent residence without having to meet additional criteria.

Family Inclusion

Your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children can be included in your application for permanent residence. They may also be eligible for open work permits or study permits to accompany you to Canada while you complete your work experience.

Occupation-Specific Work Permit

Unlike previous caregiver programs, the Home Childcare Program provides an occupation-specific work permit rather than an employer-specific one. This means you can change employers within the childcare field without having to apply for a new work permit.

Access to Canadian Education and Healthcare

While working in Canada, you and your family will have access to Canada's education system and healthcare services. Once you become a permanent resident, you will have the same rights and benefits as Canadian citizens, except for voting rights.

Program Challenges

Potential Obstacles

Processing Times

The application process can be lengthy, with processing times for work permits and permanent residence applications varying significantly. This can create uncertainty and require patience throughout the immigration journey.

LMIA Requirement

The requirement for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) can be challenging, as employers must demonstrate that they have tried to hire Canadians first. Some employers may be reluctant to go through this process due to the time and cost involved.

Language Requirements

Meeting the language requirements (CLB 5) can be challenging for some applicants, particularly if English or French is not their first language. Preparation and practice are essential to achieve the required scores on language tests.

Work Experience Requirement

The requirement to complete 24 months of full-time work experience within 36 months can be challenging. If you lose your job or need to take time off for personal reasons, it may be difficult to meet this requirement within the specified timeframe.

Eligibility Assessment

We conduct a thorough assessment of your eligibility for the Home Childcare Program, reviewing your education, work experience, language proficiency, and other factors to determine the best path forward.

Employer Matching

We can help connect you with potential employers in Canada who are looking for qualified childcare providers and are willing to support your immigration process through the LMIA application.

LMIA Support

We provide guidance and support to employers throughout the LMIA application process, helping them understand the requirements, prepare the necessary documentation, and respond to any inquiries from ESDC.

Application Preparation

Our experts will help you prepare a complete and accurate application package for both your work permit and permanent residence applications, including all required forms and supporting documents.

IRCC Communication

We manage all communication with IRCC on your behalf, responding to requests for additional information or clarification promptly and effectively to ensure your application continues to progress smoothly.

Settlement Support

Our support doesn't end when your application is approved. We provide guidance on settlement services, healthcare access, education, and other aspects of establishing a new life in Canada for you and your family.

Maria Rodriguez

Toronto, ON

Apni Immigration made my dream of working in Canada as a childcare provider come true. They guided me through every step of the process, from finding an employer to preparing my work permit application. Their expertise was invaluable, especially when dealing with the complex LMIA process. I'm now working with a wonderful family in Toronto and on my way to permanent residence!

Priya Sharma

Vancouver, BC

I was overwhelmed by the requirements for the Home Childcare Program until I found Apni Immigration. Their team explained everything clearly and helped me prepare for my language test, which was my biggest concern. They also connected me with a great employer in Vancouver. Thanks to their support, I've completed my work experience and just received my permanent residence approval!

James Thompson

Calgary, AB

As an employer, I was hesitant about the LMIA process for hiring a childcare provider. Apni Immigration made it simple and straightforward. They helped me understand my obligations as an employer and guided me through the paperwork. The childcare provider they helped us bring to Canada has been an incredible addition to our family, and we're thrilled that she's now on the path to permanent residence.

Ready to Begin Your Home Childcare Program Journey?

Our expert immigration consultants will guide you through every step of the Home Childcare Program application process, from finding an employer to preparing your permanent residence application.

Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward your new life in Canada.

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Home Childcare Program

Caregiver Pathway