February 10, 2023 – Scarborough, Ont. – For decades, expatriate carers have played an invaluable role in supporting families in Canada. In recognition of their immense sacrifices, Canada has offered pathways to permanent residency in return.
On behalf of the Honorable Sean Fraser, Secretary of State for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, MPs Salma Zahid and Rechie Valdez announced today that the amount of work experience in Canada required for a carer to be eligible for permanent residency in Canada has increased from 24 months is reduced to 12 months. In addition, some places within the existing care pathways have been reserved for caregivers who already have work experience in Canada through a previous work permit, allowing them to apply for permanent residency. The change will come into effect on April 30, 2023 and will apply retrospectively to nurses who have already applied.
As a result, caregivers and their families benefit from a faster path to permanent residency and successful residency in Canada. By reducing the work experience required in Canada, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) also aims to improve processing and application. This update is expected to benefit around 90% of currently pending applications, a benefit for both those caregivers who are just starting out and those who have already provided care in Canada.
As we approach the end date of existing caregiving programs, we will continue to make any necessary changes to show our appreciation for the caregivers who are helping to alleviate some of the stress in the lives of Canadian families in need. Work is currently underway on the future of mentoring programs to plan what comes next after the completion of the pilots in June 2024.
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