Caring for Children Program is one of Canada’s immigration programs for caregivers to become permanent residents.
Table of Contents
Who can apply
- Applicants who have provided full-time childcare for children under 18 in a Canadian home for at least 24 months.
- Applicants must have done 30 or more hours of paid work every week.
- An applicant who has performed the job as a nanny, babysitter, live-in caregiver, or related jobs whose description of tasks matches the description found in National Occupation Classification code 4411.
Additional information
- Applicants can have employment breaks such as sick leave or parental leave during the 24 months.
- Work experience performing as a full-time student will not be counted in the required period.
- Foster parents are not eligible
- The applicant does not need to live in an employer’s home to qualify for this pathway.
Requirements for application
Language
English or French language skills must meet the minimum level of Canadian Language Benchmark 5 to be eligible for the Caring for Children program. Those who haven’t done so should schedule a test and pay relevant fees. Results less than two years after the exam date shall be included in the application.
Assessment of educational background
If an applicant did not study in Canada, it is necessary to check if the educational attainment (it can be a degree, diploma, certificate, or other proof of his or her education) is valid and equivalent to a one-year Canadian post-secondary education credential. This is done through an Educational Credential Assessment by an organization accredited by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada:
- Comparative Education Service – University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies
- International Credential Assessment Service of Canada
- World Education Services
- International Qualifications Assessment Service
- International Credential Evaluation Service
How to apply
Before applying, candidates must review the application package (click here) as a guide and includes all forms needed to fill them out properly.
- Using a computer, the applicant must fill out the forms completely; blank fields that are required will be highlighted in red.
- Fill out the forms on the computer. When done:
- Validate the Generic Application Form for Canada online by clicking the ‘Validate’ button on the form. If there are any fields candidates still need to fill out, they will be outlined in red.
- Print the validated application form, including the barcode page which will appear after the candidate successfully validated the form online.
- Sign and date the form on sections of the document as required.
- Include all the pages of the application form, including the barcode page(s) with the application.
- Print the other forms, and sign and date where asked.
- Answers in the form must be complete and true.
- Applicants must fill out all the forms listed in the application package.
To make sure no document gets left out, check the list of documents/forms for reference. This is important because if any document, test result, signature, or assessment document is missing, the application will not proceed and will be returned to the applicant.
Pay application fees
Processing of application for permanent resident involves payment of fees. These include:
- processing fee for applicant and others included in the application
- the Right of Permanent Residence Fee which is currently C$490
- biometrics (covers fingerprinting and digital photos)
Other fees may include:
- Payment for a medical exam
- Payment for police certificates
- Payment for educational assessment
- Payment for language test
Submission of application
The submission of the application is by postal mail. Before applying, candidates should ensure all questions are answered, affixed required signatures, paid required fees and include supporting documents. Incomplete submissions will be sent back to the applicant.
Reminders
- Applicants must validate the Generic Application Form for Canada online by clicking on the “Validate” button on the form
- Print the barcode page(s)
- Include all pages of the application form, including the barcode page(s) with the application.
Address of Case Processing Centre
Case Processing Centre in Edmonton
Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada
c/o PR (CG), Station 801
9700 Jasper Avenue NW, Suite 55
Edmonton, AB T5J 4C3
Note: Only send applications to the above address.
