Under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), people in Canada are allowed to bring foreign workers into the country to work as caregivers through special, separate immigration programs:

1. In-Home Caregiver Program
2. Home Care Worker Immigration pilots for Child Care and Home Support help

These Programs are run by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). To be approved, both the employer and the caregiver must satisfy several criteria, as well as complete the application process. To get help with completing the application process, ask a lawyer now.

1.  In-home Caregiver Program

According to Canada Immigration, families can hire a foreign In-Home Caregiver:

“to provide care, in a private residence, to children, seniors or persons with certified medical needs, when Canadians and permanent residents are not available.”

Foreign caregivers can be hired under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), if, along with working in the private household where the care is being provided, they also:

• provide care on a full-time basis (minimum 30 hours per week)
• meet the requirements set by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) / Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

2. Home Care Worker Immigration pilots for Child Care and Home Support help

These are new pilots created to help those skilled workers who have a job offer in the field immigrate to Canada and receive permanent residency.

You may be eligible to apply if you have:

• a full-time job offer in home care
• relevant work experience or training
• the required language skills and education

IRCC has begun accepting applications March 31, 2025. More information for applicants and employers who wish to hire qualified home care workers through these pilots can be found from Canada.ca.

Closed pilot programs

These programs ended on June 17, 2024, however, IRCC will continue to process applications they received on or before this date.

• Home Child Care Provider Pilot, and
• Home Support Worker Pilot.

For more information, visit Canada.ca

Application process to bring a caregiver to Canada

Once the employer has found a suitable caregiver, there are a number of steps that must be completed in order for the caregiver to be allowed to come to Canada and begin their employment:

1.  There must be a contract between employer and caregiver.
2.  Employer submits an LMIA application to ESDC.
3.  A processing fee must be paid.
4.  Caregiver must obtain work permit.

More info

The application process and other requirements to bring a caregiver to Canada may be different depending on the Program. Visit Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for more information including:

• requirements to become a caregiver;
• requirements for employers to hire a caregiver; and
• how to apply for temporary residence through each program.

To find foreign consulates and embassies in your province, click here.

Get help

A criminal record will delay, and can even prevent you from getting your immigration status. To erase your criminal record, call toll-free 1-888-808-3628 or learn more at Pardon Partners. It’s easier than you think.

For legal advice and representation with your application, contact our preferred Immigration experts, Bright Immigration Consultants .

Immigration law in Canada is complex. Issues such as getting permanent residence or citizenship, sponsoring someone, and coming to Canada to study or work involve many steps and can be overwhelming. To get help, ask a lawyer now.

								
You now have 3 options:
								

									
More answers about Immigration Law
									
Master List: 2,500 Legal Answers
																													
																		
Government Links