Canada reveals changes in caregiver program

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MANILA – The long-awaited changes to the Live-In Caregiver Program are recently revealed by the Canadian government.

During a press conference in Toronto, Immigration Minister Chris Alexander said that they have decided to end the live-in requirement, making it optional for both caregivers and employers.

“That’s an end to the live-in requirement which among other benefits, will help ensure that caregivers are better protected against abuse,” Alexander said.

He also shared two new pathways to permanent residency for caregivers – one for families that need childcare, while the other one is meant for seniors or healthcare facilities.

Both will provide faster route towards permanent residency once the caregiver completed the two-year contract.

“One pathway for childcare providers and another pathway for those supporting individuals of high medical needs. Not only will these pathways lead to six months processing time, but caregivers will have better career opportunities and increased wages,” Alexander said.

The changes will also allow the government to catch-up on their backlog for applications under the caregiver program.

Alexander noted that the new program will cap the number of applicants to 5,500 every year.

“The Caregivers’ Action Centre and caregivers in general are truly disappointed by the recent announcement by the Minister of Immigration on the changes to the Live-In Caregiver Program. We are disappointed because we have been asking for permanent residency for caregivers on arrival. It wasn’t given, and there were so many vague announcements we could not understand,” said Pura Velasco, spokesperson for the Caregivers’ Action Centre.

The new pathways will be implemented by November 30.