Changes to Live-in Caregiver Program

Do you know the details entailing the changes to the Live-In Caregiver Program? Here are some fine points on the latest developments implemented in November 2014.

The program name has changed to In-Home Caregivers.

Living in is no longer a mandatory requirement:

• The caregiver can now live-out depending on employer requirement
• Caregivers currently in the Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP) may choose to live out. To do so, they would need to apply for a regular work permit to replace their LCP-specific work permit.
• Employers who requires the employee to live-in cannot charge the employee for accommodations
• Advertising must be proven whether hiring a foreign worker that is already in Canada

There is no longer a specific caregiver wage, but must now follow the Job Bank prevailing median wage for the specific NOC in the province/location of employment.

• Home Support Worker 4412/6471 – i.e. $18.00 in Vancouver Island and Coast Region
• Home Child Care Provider 4411/6474 – i.e. $10.50 in Vancouver Island and Coast Region

There are new pathways to permanent residence:

• 5,500 applicants for permanent residence per year (2,750 applicants per pathway) plus their family members will be accepted
• Applications will have a service standard processing time of six months
• If your application has already been submitted and prefer one of the new pathways, your may be eligible to apply

The two pathways for permanent residence are:

1. Caring for Children Pathway.
2. Caring for People with High Medical Needs Pathway.

Caring for Children Pathway:

If you have provided child care (children below 18) in a home, either living in the home or not. Eligibility:

Work experience:
Minimum of 2 years out of past 4 years of work experience in Canada as a home childcare provider NOC 4411/6474, with a work permit, including periods of unemployment, long periods of sickness, parental leave inside or outside your home. Does not include Foster Parents.

Language level: CLB 5

• CELPIP-G 2015 : Level 5
• IELTS General Training : Speaking, Listening and Writing: Band 5  / Reading: Band 4

Education:
Completed Canadian post-secondary education credential of at least one year, or a completed foreign education credential, and an original Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).

Caring for People with High Medical Needs Pathway:

If you have provided care for the elderly or those with disabilities or chronic disease at higher skill levels in health facilities or in a home. Eligibility:

Work experience:
Minimum of two years of Canadian work experience as a registered nurse, registered psychiatric nurse, licensed practical nurse, nurse aide, orderly, patient service associate, home support worker or other similar occupation, with a work permit.

• Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses (NOC 3012)
• Licensed practical nurses (NOC 3233)
• Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates (NOC 3413)
• Home support workers and related occupations (NOC 4412/6471)

Note: Only Home support workers are eligible under NOC 4412/6471.

Language:

• NOC 3012  – CLB 7
• NOC 3222, 3413, 4412/6471  – CLB 5

Education:
Completed Canadian post-secondary education credential of at least one year, or a completed foreign education credential, and an original Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).

If you are currently a Live-in Caregiver applicant who has applied on a Labour Market Impact

Assessment before November 30th, you will be assessed under the old LCP criteria, if you wish.

Reference:

• www.cic.gc.ca
• www.esdc.gc.ca