A few days ago I’ve been informed by a reader that the Live-in Caregiver Program is closed for new applicants. The next best thing a blogger can do is to update a relevant blog post.
So I updated How to Apply as Caregiver in Canada from the Philippines and move on with other “to write overdue post” list.
In the back of my mind I knew I have to do more than that.
I ignored the thought till a reader asked “What does the change in the Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP) means for new applicants.”
Good, significant question cannot be ignored anymore. Really, what happens next?
I have to put myself in the shoe of a caregiver applicant years ago, staring at the future of the Live-in Caregiver Program, in order to answer this important questions leading to more questions.
- If the Live-in Caregiver Program is closed how can a caregiver apply for permanent residence? Is it still possible?
- What replaced the Live-in Caregiver Program?
- For new applicants, is it still worth it to apply as a caregiver in Canada?
More questions will arise as I go through writing the post. Some will have answers. Others will have to rely on time and changes in immigration policy.
Either way, have patience. We’ll get to the bottom of this.
Changes in the Live-in Caregiver Program
Stay with me because I have to review the past changes in the program before we can understand why the Live-in Caregiver Program is closed and what direction is it headed.
I hope things will make sense because I am also confused and concerned of the many changes, while there’s still a backlog in granting permanent residency.
Since November 30, 2014 two new pathways were created for the application of permanent residence:
- Caring for children
- Caring for people with high medical needs
Those who came to Canada as caregivers can still apply for permanent residency through old process under the Live-in Caregiver Program if they prefer to do so.
Otherwise, they have to meet the qualifications for permanent residency under the two new pathways which have more requirements in terms of work experience and language proficiency.
The Effect of the Changes
I hope you are not getting lost. Bear with me here.
If I were a caregiver, I’ll definitely apply for permanent residency through LCP and open work permit at the same time, so I can submit the application and the processing can start immediately.
Till this day, I’m not sure how the processing is handled.
(Old application first; first in first out. New application first; last in first out. Make a guess.)
It would be nice if the immigration can release a report on how many have taken the two new pathways for caregivers.
What New Caregiver Applicants Should Know
Since the Live-in Caregiver Program is closed as of this writing and we’re not sure if it will reopen, lesser people will apply for permanent residency under the LCP.
Is it easier to conclude that the Live-in Caregiver Program has ended which is somewhat predicted in a Metronews article in 2015?
So with the demise (just an assumption) of LCP, what will happen to the new caregiver applicants?
It’s frustrating but I CANNOT find a direct answer. I had to jump from one pages to another to make sense of what is going on.
This is not an authoritative answer and do correct me if I’m wrong.
The new caregiver applicants can apply for a regular work permit. OK so Canada is still accepting applicants there’s nothing to worry about.
If you have work experience in Canada as a home child care provider, you may be able to apply for permanent residence through the Caring for Children Program.
Or
If you have work experience in Canada caring for people with high medical needs, you may be able to apply for permanent residence through the Caring for People with High Medical Needs Program.
SPONSORED ADS
Caregivers can still apply for permanent residency that’s one thing for sure.
Tip: If you are applying or thinking of applying make sure to check the permanent residency requirements for each path so you can apply for PR after completing the 24-month employment requirement and other conditions.
In the past, caregivers can take care of children or elderly while meeting the same requirements.
The good news is you don’t have to worry about the cumulative duration (4 years) limit to apply for permanent residency.
Before the change in policy, temporary foreign workers should have applied for PR within 4 years; otherwise, they have to leave Canada once the work permit is no longer valid.
What You Should Focus On Instead
We are getting near the end of the post and the most crucial part.
I get this question a lot but I hesitate to answer. It is more important than the different pathways for caregivers.
Should I still APPLY as a caregiver in Canada? Will I be hired? Is it worth it?
Maybe now you would understand why I can’t give a straightforward answer.
I knew how long and tedious the tasks are in applying as a caregiver from studying, practicum, to getting the required documents. (It’s all coming back to me now. I’m not singing. Just trying to make things less intense yet still significant.)
Not to mention the costs of tuition fees, authorization, medical fees, etc.
Le’s not forget that there are employee and employer costs. The employer has to pay $1,000.00 for Labour Market Impact Assessment.
If you are the employer, would you be willing to pay that much for the application of LMIA which is not refundable?
You must FIRST try to hire a Canadian citizen or permanent resident in the available job. When you apply to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) for permission to hire a foreign worker, you will be asked to show what efforts you made in this regard.
Click here for the detailed information.
Excuse the capitalization.
Is this the reason of the decline of application to hire foreign caregivers?
And even if a positive LMIA is released, there’s NO guarantee that the applicant can get a visa to go to Canada and have an interview at the airport for the work permit.
Should hiring foreign caregivers be formally stopped to spare the applicants and employers the trouble of spending time, money, effort, and hope?
Final Thoughts
Honesty doesn’t come easily. What do the immigration wants to do to the caregiving program?
Making changes (that are more of disadvantages) bit by bit makes people anxious.
I am personally grateful for the Live-in Caregiver Program and wish future applicants to equally benefit or even more from it.
With whatever was discussed in this post, may you be able to make an informed decision after weighing facts and conditions.
Take your time. And once you decide remember that nothing WORTH pursuing is easy.
I haven’t written a personal blog post for a long time. I’m glad I did because this kind of thoughts can open up a conversation. I would love to know your ideas and experiences in the comment.
What do you think of the changes in the Live-in Caregiver Program?
Hello,
Can you advise, is it harder to get a regular working visa that with the LCP? How about the timeline? I just really wanted to know… I enrolled in a caregiving training because I really wanted to move in Canada, together with my family…. and I am saddened by the news that there’s no LCP anymore… :'( I don’t know what to do, I don’t even know how to start…
It’s hard to tell Sam the possibility of getting a working visa. Although LCP is closed, you can still apply as a caregiver provided you and your employer meet the qualifications and requirements. While the LCP is closed at the moment, it is uncertain whether it will reopen. I do hope that you can make the right decision. Take your time. You may want to read my timeline for your reference.