Pathways to Permanent Residency in Canada for Home Support Workers

Canada is a welcoming country with a variety of immigration pathways for skilled workers in many sectors, including healthcare. For Home Support Workers (HSWs), there are several options to pursue permanent residency in Canada, even though the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot has closed. While this specific pilot program is no longer accepting applications, there are still several viable pathways for Home Support Workers to become permanent residents through other programs like the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) In-Demand Occupations Stream, and the Saskatchewan Immigration Nominee Program (SINP) Health Talent Pathway.

In a recent interview on Omni News, Mr. Apol Apuntar from Gateway to Canada discussed these options and emphasized that, despite the closure of the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot, other programs still offer excellent opportunities for Home Support Workers to secure permanent residency in Canada.

1. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is an employer-driven immigration program designed to attract skilled workers to the four Atlantic provinces of Canada: Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. Home Support Workers can take advantage of this program, especially if they have a valid job offer from an employer in one of these provinces.

Eligibility Requirements for the AIP:

• Job Offer: You must have a full-time, permanent job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces.

• Language Proficiency: You must meet the minimum language requirements (usually Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 for Home Support Workers).

• Work Experience: You must have relevant work experience in your field.

• Education: At least a high school diploma or equivalent.

• Settlement Plan: You must work with your employer and an Atlantic province settlement agency to create a settlement plan to help you integrate into your community.

By working in one of Canada’s Atlantic provinces, Home Support Workers can gain valuable Canadian work experience, which can further support their permanent residency application.

2. Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) – In-Demand Occupations Stream

Ontario is one of Canada’s most populous provinces and offers a wide range of immigration pathways for skilled workers through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). The In-Demand Occupations Stream is specifically tailored for workers with skills in high-demand professions like healthcare, which includes Home Support Workers.

Eligibility Requirements for the OINP In-Demand Occupations Stream:

• Job Offer: You must have a valid, full-time job offer from an Ontario employer in one of the eligible in-demand occupations (NOC 44101 - Home support workers, caregivers and related occupations is currently included in the list).

• Work Experience: You must have at least 9 monhs of work experience in your occupation.

• Language Proficiency: A minimum of CLB 4 in English or French is typically required for Home Support Workers.

• Employer Requirements: The employer offering the job must be based in Ontario, and the job must meet certain criteria set by the province.

• Other Criteria: You need to demonstrate your intention to live and work in Ontario and meet the eligibility criteria of the provincial program.

Home Support Workers can apply for permanent residency under this program by obtaining a provincial nomination from Ontario. The nomination significantly boosts your chances of securing permanent residency through the Express Entry system or applying directly to the federal government for permanent residency. As Mr. Apuntar noted, Ontario remains a key destination for skilled healthcare workers, and the OINP stream is a great pathway to permanent residency.

3. Saskatchewan Immigration Nominee Program (SINP) – Health Talent Pathway

The Saskatchewan Immigration Nominee Program (SINP) offers an attractive immigration option through the Health Talent Pathway for workers in the healthcare sector, including Home Support Workers. Saskatchewan has a growing demand for healthcare professionals, and the Health Talent Pathway is designed to fill these gaps by attracting skilled workers to the province.

Eligibility Requirements for the SINP Health Talent Pathway:

• Job Offer: You must have a valid job offer from a Saskatchewan employer in a healthcare-related occupation, such as a Home Support Worker.

• Work Experience: You need to have work experience in the field. While this varies by occupation, at least one year of relevant work experience is typically required.

• Language Proficiency: Applicants must meet language requirements (CLB 4 or higher for Home Support Workers).

• Education: You must have completed secondary school, and in some cases, you may need additional certifications or qualifications.

• Connection to Saskatchewan: Preference may be given to those who have lived in Saskatchewan or have a close connection to the province.

Once nominated by Saskatchewan, you can apply for permanent residency through the Express Entry system or directly to the federal government. This pathway is a great option for those looking to settle in Saskatchewan, which boasts a high quality of life and affordable living costs. Mr. Apuntar also highlighted that Saskatchewan’s demand for healthcare workers makes it an attractive destination for Home Support Workers looking for new opportunities.

General Tips for Home Support Workers Seeking Permanent Residency

1. Secure a Job Offer: In most of these pathways, a valid job offer from a Canadian employer is a crucial requirement. Home Support Workers should consider reaching out to employers in their desired provinces to explore job opportunities.

2. Evaluate Language Proficiency: Ensure that you meet the required language benchmarks. If needed, take a language test like the IELTS for English or the TEF for French to prove your language proficiency.

3. Gain Canadian Work Experience: If you are already working in Canada temporarily, consider gaining Canadian work experience to improve your eligibility for the provincial programs. This experience is often valued by provincial nominee programs.

4. Prepare Documentation: Keep your work experience, education, and language test results updated and ready for your application.

5. Consider Settlement Services: Many provinces require you to work with settlement agencies as part of your immigration process. These agencies can help you integrate into your new community and provide assistance with the paperwork.

Conclusion

Though the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot has closed, there are still many opportunities for Home Support Workers to pursue permanent residency in Canada. Programs like the Atlantic Immigration Program, Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program, and Saskatchewan Immigration Nominee Program Health Talent Pathway are excellent alternatives for skilled workers in this field. As highlighted by Mr. Apol Apuntar from Gateway to Canada in his recent Omni News interview, by securing a job offer, meeting language requirements, and following the necessary provincial procedures, Home Support Workers can successfully navigate the immigration system and build a new life in Canada.