By Atty. Henry Moyal
PERMANENT RESIDENCE FOR CAREGIVERS IS NO LONGER AUTOMATIC
Live in Caregivers in Canada have received some bad news lately. The Canadian government did warn the public that major changes were being drafted to amend the live in caregiver program but it now seems that caregivers will not automatically become permanent residence after two years of work. The old system essentially guaranteed that a caregiver would become an immigrant after completing 24 months of employment. Years ago, the Canadian government removed the medical requirement for caregivers so it was really a no brainer to qualify. However, under current laws, caregivers now must jump through some hoops in order to eligible under the class.
To make matters worse, even if a worker has all their requirements they may be ineligible as there is now a quota imposed on the number of people who can qualify per year. So, for example, a caregiver who has only been able to meet their 24 months of employment late in the four year window prior to arrival may not be able to file an application if the quota has already been filled. Further, caregivers no longer are required to live in their employer’s home. Eligible work can be live out which begs the question as to where all caregivers will go after work. Having to rent an apartment will mean added expenses and many caregivers may prefer to live in the employer’s house. It remains to be seen if the trend will be to live in or out.
Highlights of the new programs are:
CARING FOR CHILDREN CLASS
To be eligible for this case a worker must:
1. have acquired 2 years of work experience within the four years of arrival as a home care provider/nanny
2. pass an English test with a minimum CLB of 5
3. obtain an accredited educational assessment from designated institutions to show a Canadian equivalent of at least one year post secondary studies
4. Caregivers are not required to be live in
There is a quota of 2750 applications for this stream.
CARING FOR PEOPLE WITH HIGH MEDICAL NEEDS CLASS
1. Have acquired 2 years of work experience within the four years of arrival as a nurse or licensed practical nurse or home support worker (not housekeeper)
2. pass an English test with a minimum CLB of 7 if nurse
3. obtain an accredited educational assessment from designated institutions to show a Canadian equivalent of at least one year post secondary studies
4. Caregivers are not required to be live in There is a quota of 2750 applications for this stream.
Attorney Henry Moyal is a certified and licensed immigration lawyer in Toronto, Ontario.The above article is general advice only and is not intended to act as a legal document.Send questions to Attorney Moyal by email canada@moyal.com or phone 416 733 3193
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