Important Changes to Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker Pilots

The Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot have officially closed to new applications as of June 17, 2024. This decision marks a significant transition, but there are positive changes ahead for those currently in the process. Read on to understand what these changes mean for caregivers and their pathways to permanent residence in Canada.

Key Updates to the Caregiver Pathways

Starting June 24, 2024, new changes have been implemented for applications still under review:

1. Reduced Work Experience Requirement: Caregivers now only need 6 months of work experience to qualify, down from the previous 12 months. This change significantly accelerates the timeline for caregivers seeking permanent residence.
   
   

2. Flexible Experience Recognition: For the "Gaining Experience" category, eligible work experience from both inside and outside Canada will be accepted. The qualifying period for this experience is any time within the 36 months before submitting the permanent residence application and up to the date proof of work experience is provided.

If you’ve applied under the "Gaining Experience" category and now meet the new experience requirement, you can submit your proof of eligible work experience right away.

Understanding the Pilots: Gaining Experience vs. Direct to PR

1. Gaining Experience Category:

• For those with less than 12 months of eligible Canadian work experience at the time of applying, this category assesses your permanent residence eligibility before you begin working in Canada.
• After acquiring 6 months (previously 12) of eligible work experience under an occupation-restricted work permit within 36 months, you gain a direct pathway to permanent residence.
  
  

2. Direct to Permanent Residence (PR) Category:

• This applies to individuals who already have at least 12 months of eligible work experience in Canada within the last 36 months at the time of applying.
• Applicants in this category can proceed to permanent residence without needing additional work experience under these pilots.
  
  

Considerations for Applicants in Quebec

For those intending to live and work in Quebec, it’s important to note that these pilots are not applicable. Applicants must demonstrate an intention to reside in a province outside Quebec. However, if you have gained eligible work experience in Quebec but currently reside or plan to move outside Quebec, you can still qualify for these pilots.

Share Your Journey

There are specific application forms and instructions depending on:

• Whether you are applying from within or outside Canada.
• The category you are applying under ("Gaining Experience" or "Direct to PR").

We encourage you to review these forms carefully to ensure your application is complete and accurate.

Stay Updated and Informed

While the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot are no longer accepting new applications, these changes demonstrate our commitment to providing caregivers with a streamlined path to permanent residence.

This blog aims to keep caregivers and their families informed about the evolving opportunities for permanent residence in Canada. Share your experiences and stay connected for the latest updates.