How to Get the Best Caregiver Jobs in Canada

Do you have what it takes to be a caregiver in Canada?

The Great White North is ideal since there's a growing demand for child and home care providers across the country in the most attractive cities. In addition, Canada tries to overcome the shortage of caregivers by implementing immigration pathways that enable foreign nationals to work and live in Canada through the Caregiver Immigration Pilot.

In this blog, we will share top tips on caregiver jobs in Canada and the requirements of the immigration pathways needed to successfully apply for permanent residence in Canada.

Types of Caregiver Jobs in Canada

Caregivers in Canada provide essential care and services required by the elderly, people with disabilities, and children. Canada's rapidly aging population means many seniors are looking for in-home caregivers. At the same time, we have working parents constantly hiring child caregivers to take care of their children.

Below are the type of Caregiver Jobs in Canada:

Home Support Worker

Home support workers provide personal care and companionship for seniors, persons with disabilities, and convalescent clients. Care is provided within the client's residence, where the home support worker may also reside. In addition, they are employed by home care, support agencies and private households.

Home Child Care Provider

Home childcare providers care for children on an ongoing or short-term basis. They care for children's well-being and physical and social development, assist parents with child care and may assist with household duties.

For more information on these programs, take a look at this extensive guide for your convenience.

According to Job Bank, Canada, home support workers, housekeepers, and related occupations (NOC 4412) could earn between $13.46 per hour and $23.08 per hour in Canada.

Eligibility Requirements for the Child Care Provider Pilot

To qualify for this pilot, a candidate must have worked full-time at least 30 hours of paid work weekly as a Home childcare provider along with the right work experience in the stipulated occupation listed in the National Occupational Classification (NOC). The applicant must:

  • Ensure they have the proper work experience as home child care providers based on the NOC 4411. Our immigration experts can advise and guide you on this.
  • Applicants must have experience in providing in-home care to children under the age of 18 - this care can be in their own home or the employee's or child's home.

Note:

Foster parents cannot apply under the Home Child Care Provider Pilot.

Eligibility Requirements for the Home Support Worker Pilot

Candidates applying under this pilot must have the necessary work experience as home support workers and related occupations falling under NOC 4412. Our knowledgeable immigration experts can advise and guide you on this, and as part of your eligibility assessment, you will receive a curated CV with your past NOC experience included.

Let's take a closer look at the standard requirements below:

  • Language proficiency: Minimum scores of CLB 5 in English or NLCL 5 in French.
  • Education: Post-secondary education credential of at least one year.
  • Valid job offer: There must be a genuine need to hire you, and the job offer must be made using an IMM 5983 document.
  • Ability to work: Canadian officials use your experience or training to decide if you can do the work described in the job description.
  • Medical examination: A medical exam must be done by an approved panel physician in your country.
  • Police clearance: Needed for all countries you have lived in for six months or longer.

Note:

You may be eligible for permanent residence if you have recently worked as a home childcare provider or support worker.

Gain Permanent Residence as a Care Provider

The above-mentioned care providers can continue working in Canada with valid temporary resident status. However, to live and work in Canada, you must apply to extend your permit or change the conditions before the expiry date. For "maintained status" (or implied status), you can apply for a new work permit instead of waiting for your current permit to expire while keeping the same conditions as your previous work permit.

The Home Support Worker Pilot Program (HSWPP)

Candidates can apply for permanent residence under this program, but they must have at least two years of work experience while working in Canada with an HSWPP work permit. Alternatively, you should be approved for your first HSWPP work permit, in which your LMIA will serve as proof.

Once you meet the work experience requirements, you can apply for permanent residence through the HSWPP. The following are the requirements:

  • You must show that you have 24 months of full-time valid live-in employment, or
  • You must show that you have 3,900 hours of authorized full-time employment, and these hours can be completed within a minimum of 22 months. When you calculate your hours, you can include your overtime hours as well.
  • You must show that your work experience was obtained within four years of your arrival in Canada.

Candidates who want to live and work in Canada will receive a temporary work permit. This work permit will:

  • You must be restricted to a specific occupation and work only within the prescribed occupation.
  • Won't require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
  • It will allow you to gain the necessary work experience to be eligible for permanent residence.

Note:

If you meet the work experience criteria, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence through the Caring for Children or Caring for People with High Medical Needs pathway.

However, should you fail to meet the requirements mentioned above, you'd be pleased to know that with over 100 immigration visas and programs to choose from, you can find immigration suitable for you. Alternatively, contact our immigration experts for advice and guidance on a suitable pathway.

Temporary Work for Caregivers

Care for elderly in Canada

Remember, you can still work in Canada as a temporary worker if you don't meet the criteria for permanent residency as a caregiver. You can also extend your work permit through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), where you will need a positive LMIA from your employer. A positive LMIA will show that your employer is authorized to hire a temporary foreign worker after being unable to fill the role locally.

Apply for a New Work Permit as a Caregiver Through the TFWP

You can do so if you're currently in Canada and think you meet the criteria to apply for a work permit:

  • If you're outside Canada and your employer applied for an LMIA, you can apply for a new work permit.
  • Whether or not you'll be working in Quebec.

Note:

You can only apply to this program if you are already living and working in Canada. IRCC will not issue you a temporary permit if you are outside Canada.

Below are some of the scenarios we outline where you cannot apply for a new work permit that will require an LMIA:

  • If your employer applied for an LMIA, and you're applying for a work permit through the TFWP outside Canada, and
  • if you're looking to work in a province/territory other than Quebec.
  • If you apply for a work permit at a port of entry on or after April 22, 2022.
  • If you are visiting Canada and applying for your first work permit on or after April 22, 2022.

Therefore, we urge applicants to double-check their eligibility before applying for these immigration pathways and ensure they meet the occupation criteria they are applying for. Contact our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) to offer program guidance and make the necessary recommendations based on your experience and other factors.

How to Apply for a Work Permit


  • Step 1: Secure a valid job offer and get a positive LMIA from your employer.
  • Step 2: Once you secure your LMIA, you must consider whether you're applying inside, outside Canada, or at the port of entry. You will also be given other options, such as whether or not you are a Ukrainian national, if your post-graduation work permit has expired or if you are another type of worker. Once you select the appropriate option, you continue to the next step.
  • Step 3: Get the application to work in Canada and apply online. Alternatively, you can have the support of our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) to advise and guide you through the process.

Find out more about the IRCC processing times and what to expect after you submit your application.

Current In-demand Jobs for Caregivers in Canada

If you're going to live and work in Canada as a caregiver, you need to know what the current job market looks like and your chances of landing a caregiver job in Canada. According to Canada Job Bank, we have listed some current active jobs for caregivers below:

Family Caregiver

Salary: 20.00 to 22.00 hourly for 40 to 45 hours per week.

Child caregiver - Private Home

Salary: $15.65 to 18.00 hourly for 40 hours per week.

Home Support Caregiver - Seniors

Salary: $1,200 to 1,280 bi-weekly for 35 to 40 hours per week

Family Caregiver

Salary: $14.25 hourly for 40 hours per week

Child caregiver - Private Home

Salary: $17.17 hourly for 40 hours per week

Child caregiver - private home

Salary: $17.00 hourly for 35 to 40 hours per week

For your convenience, feel free to explore the current active caregiver jobs in Canada here.

Note

Our immigration experts will not find you a job in Canada. Still, you can contact them to assist you with curating your resume according to Canadian standards, maximizing your chances of getting a job as a caregiver in Canada.

Top Canadian Job Application Tips

Job Tip #1

Make your job hunt easier by looking for a job in the right places. Be sure to research the provinces or regions currently looking for in-demand caregivers. While we are not a recruitment company, Our immigration experts can assist you with choosing the best province, as they collaborate closely with the latest news and updates around Canadian immigration.

Job Tip #2

You can explore employee placement agencies, which will help match you to suitable jobs in Canada based on the position you're looking for. Canadian families trust these agencies to handle the entire placement process. Note that the agencies cannot apply for your work permit on your behalf, as this is your responsibility. But with the help of our RCICs, you can rest assured that this is well handled.

Job Tip #3

Employers in Canada and job placement agencies are more likely to hire caregivers with formal training and work experience. Remember to update your resume with contactable references and ask your past employers for recommendations.

Remember, should you choose to partner with Canadianvisa.org, we will curate your curriculum vitae for you, listing past experience as well as the appropriate NOC codes.

Immigrate to Canada as a Caregiver

The applicants who meet all requirements and submit complete applications on time are the most successful candidates. At CanadianVisa.org, we specialize in assisting our international clients with their visa and immigration applications to ensure quicker and more promising results. While we cannot find you a job, we can help you maximize your chances of securing a job offer by curating your resume based on the Canadian standard.

Get in touch with our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) today for the right support and guidance throughout the process.

FAQS

Can you change jobs in Canada?

When you are a caregiver, you form personal relationships with those you look after. Therefore, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have made an exception to grant care providers a special open work permit allowing them to switch when they are not happy with their current employers.

Can you become a caregiver without post-secondary education?

Yes, you most certainly can. If you have experience or training in childcare or home support that you have done in the past, you will also be considered. However, you will need to complete a year of post-secondary education in Canada to work there officially.

How much is the salary of a caregiver in Canada?

According to Job Bank, home support workers, housekeepers, and related occupations (NOC 4412) could earn between $15.50 per hour and $23.08 per hour in Canada. Caregivers usually live with their employers depending on their contract, meaning rent may or may not be an expense they will most likely not have to deduct from their paycheck.

What are the requirements for caregivers when working in Canada?

Caregivers are multifaceted and must do some things that are not always in their job description. Here are the basics of what a caregiver does:

  • Help with basic needs
  • Assist with housekeeping
  • Monitor medications or school work
  • Have a care plan in order
  • Offer companionship
  • Monitor medication

Is there an age limit for caregiver patients in Canada?

Yes, there is. You will have to look after those under 18 if you are a home childcare provider and elderly persons above the age of 65 if you are a home support worker provider. There are patients with disabilities that will not fall in any specific age bracket and might have different needs than your job specification entails.

Time is of the essence, and there is no better time than now to apply and chase your dreams. Not only will you be chasing your dreams, but you will be helping someone else in the process. So let us help you work in Canada as a caregiver and get started on your future today.