No, as of March 2025, the Caregiver PR Pathway is paused. However, applications submitted before the pause are still being assessed.
Important Notice: The Caregiver PR Pathway program is currently paused. After a single intake round in March 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that no new applications are being accepted at this time. Applicants already in process will continue to be assessed.
Canada has long recognized the essential contribution of caregivers to our society and economy. For decades, pathways have existed to allow foreign nationals to work in Canada as caregivers and eventually transition to permanent residence. These programs are designed not just to fill labor shortages, but to welcome those who provide vital care to children, the elderly, and those with medical needs into the Canadian family.
Navigating the shifting landscape of caregiver immigration requires deep historical knowledge and up-to-the-minute expertise. At Career Plus Immigration, this is one of our strongest areas of practice. We have successfully guided countless nannies, childcare providers, and home support workers through the complex journey from temporary work permits to permanent residence. Our extensive history with these programs means we understand the nuances that can make or break an application.
The road to permanent residence for caregivers has undergone significant changes over the years. Understanding this evolution is key to understanding your current options.
The Live-In Caregiver Program (LCP)
For many years, the LCP was the gold standard. It allowed caregivers to come to Canada if they had an employer and agreed to live in the employer’s home. After completing 24 months of authorized live-in work, caregivers could apply for permanent residence.
Transition to LMIA-Based Work Permits
As the LCP phased out, the focus shifted to standard work permits supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Caregivers no longer had a mandatory live-in requirement, which reduced vulnerability to abuse, but the clear pathway to PR became more fragmented. Caregivers had to rely on “Caring for Children” or “Caring for People with High Medical Needs” pilots, which had strict caps and higher criteria.
The 2019 Pilot Programs
In 2019, the government launched two five-year pilot programs: the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot. These were game-changers because:
In 2024, the caregiver pilot programs were renewed for an additional five years, intended to run until 2029. However, after a single intake round in March 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the program is now paused and is not currently accepting new applications.
As of June 2024, the 2019 pilot programs have concluded. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced intentions to make these pilot programs permanent and introduce new pathways, but as of this moment, the previous intake caps have been reached or the pilots have expired.
While specific criteria change with each pilot launch, the core requirements for caregiver permanent residence generally focus on three pillars:
Qualifying Work Experience:
Language Proficiency:
Education:
While many consultants dabble in various immigration streams, Career Plus Immigration has built a niche stronghold in caregiver applications.
The rules for caregivers are currently in a state of transition. Relying on outdated advice or “word of mouth” from friends can be disastrous. You need a legal team that understands the history of the program and monitors daily changes in government policy.
At Career Plus Immigration, your journey is our expertise. We honor the care you provide to others by providing you with the highest standard of legal care. Let us help you secure the permanent residence you have earned.