Are you looking to move to Canada as a Caregiver? Immigrating to Canada from Nigeria as a Caregiver is easier than you think.
Canada is in dire need of Caregivers, and the government is actively encouraging foreign nationals, including Nigerians with the skills and experience necessary for caregiving jobs, to move into the country permanently.
You can immigrate to Canada with a work permit if you have a job offer and meet standard criteria for economic immigration programs. Once working in Canada, you can begin gaining the required two (2) years of Canadian work experience to apply for permanent residence.
As a caregiver, you can work in any of these categories: babysitter, nanny, child-care live-in, child-care provider in a private home, parent’s helper, family caregiver, home support worker, attendant for people with disabilities, live-in caregiver for seniors, respite worker, housekeeper, personal aide as home support, etc.
Having helped many Nigerians relocate to Canada, I have decided to create the most comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to move to Canada from Nigeria as a Caregiver. Keep reading!
Table of Contents
- 1 How can a caregiver move to Canada from Nigeria?
- 2 What are the requirements for applying for a caregiver in Canada?
- 3 How do you apply as a caregiver in Canada from Nigeria?
- 4 What is the processing time for a caregiver work permit in Canada?
- 5 What is the application fee for caregiver programs?
- 6 How much can you earn as a Caregiver in Canada?
How can a caregiver move to Canada from Nigeria?
Currently, Canada has two pilot programs for caregivers: The Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker pilots.
These Caregiver Programs are specifically organized by the government of Canada for caregivers who want to work in Canada either temporarily or to live in Canada permanently.
If you are a caregiver and you want to immigrate to Canada to live and work, then you can choose from any of the new caregiver programs listed above.
But how do you immigrate to Canada from Nigeria as a caregiver? You must meet certain eligibility requirements to work in Canada and qualify for permanent residence. See below to learn about the requirements.
What are the requirements for applying for a caregiver in Canada?
To be eligible to move to Canada and obtain permanent residence under the Home Child Care Provider Pilot (NOC 44100) and Home Support Worker Pilot (NOC 44101) programs, you must have been offered a caregiver job in Canada and have two years of Canadian experience as either a Home Child Care Provider (HCCP) or Home Support Worker (HSW).
Here are the eligibility requirements for the two categories:
- You must have a full-time valid job offer in a caregiving occupation.
- You should have qualifying experience in either home child care or home support.
- The employer must be located in Canada (except Quebec) and cannot be an embassy, high commission, or consulate.
- You must be able to perform all of the job’s duties and responsibilities.
- You must take an approved language test and have a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB)/NCLC 5 in each of the four skills.
- To verify that your certification is genuine and equal to a Canadian one, you must have completed a post-secondary credential of at least one year (or equivalent) and obtained an Educational certification Assessment (ECA).
- You must be eligible to enter Canada and pass the requisite criminal and health screenings.
How do you apply as a caregiver in Canada from Nigeria?
#Step 1: Get a valid qualifying job offer.
Before applying, you must have a full-time job offer from a Canadian employer as a home child care provider or home support worker. Your employer will give you a copy of the job offer as well as the positive LMIA from the government.
#Step 2: Complete your work permit and PR application.
Create an account on the PR online application portal. You have to submit your work permit and permanent residence application online, along with any other completed forms. Even if you already have a valid Canadian work permit, you must apply for a work permit under the Caregiver pilot. You can, however, continue to work on your present work permit until you have 24 months of experience.
#Step 3: Pay the application fee and submit.
Pay the application processing fee for yourself and any family members named in your PR application. Ensure that you have paid all of the relevant fees, including the work permit charge, PR application fees, right of permanent residence fee, and, if applicable, the biometric fee. After you’ve paid, you can submit the consolidated application.
#Step 4: Get your letter of introduction for a work permit.
If your work permit application is granted, you will be given a letter of introduction at the port of entry that will allow you to enter Canada. When you arrive in Canada, you will be given your work permit. If you already live in Canada, the work permit will be mailed to you.
Once you have two years of Canadian caregiver experience, you can contact the IRCC to have your PR application processed.
What is the processing time for a caregiver work permit in Canada?
Typically, if you are processing a Caregiver work permit for Canada from Nigeria, it takes up to 12 months; thus, your employer must plan ahead before hiring you. The work permit will be eligible for three (3) years.
On the other hand, if you are applying for permanent residence under the Caregiver program, it takes IRCC between 30 and 36 months to process.
Remember that the timelines may change depending on the application volume and other factors, so visit the IRCC website for the estimated processing time.
What is the application fee for caregiver programs?
For PR applications submitted under the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot, the application fee is $1,085 (₦604,662). There is a $570 (₦317,657) processing fee as well as a $515 (₦287,005) Right of Permanent Residence fee.
See the table below for caregiver application fees for Nigerians;
Fee | Quantity | Price ($CAN & Naira) |
---|---|---|
Caregivers | ||
Your application Processing fee ($570) and right of permanent residence fee ($515) | $1,085.00 (₦604,662) | |
Your application (without the right of permanent residence fee) | $570.00 (₦317,657) | |
Include your spouse or partner Processing fee ($570) and right of permanent residence fee ($515) | $1,085.00 (₦604,662) | |
Include your spouse or partner (without right of permanent residence fee) | $570.00 (₦317,657) | |
Include a dependent child | $155.00 (per child)(₦85,616) |
How much can you earn as a Caregiver in Canada?
Your earnings as a caregiver may vary based on where you work in Canada and how many years of experience you have.
According to Canada’s Job Bank, home childcare workers in Canada earn up to $17 per hour, but your salary may go up to $23.12 per hour if you live in a high-demand city or have a lot of experience.
Similarly, the wages for home support workers start at $18 per hour and can rise to $25 per hour.
Remember that as a full-time caregiver, you will be required to work 30 to 40 hours a week, depending on your employment contract. Even though you will be living in your employer’s house, live-in caregivers are not expected to work around the clock. Your employer must follow the terms of your contract and cannot require you to work more hours or be available at all times.
Read Next: Which is the Best Province to Live in Canada?
I want to move to Canada with my family.
Gud pm… pls I want to move to Canada with my family.. I want to work as a caregiver.
Please how can I reach you am interested in moving to canada
Join my whatsapp group:https://chat.whatsapp.com/CsfxXDIIHVXB8MAAv5AmAV
As a caregiver am I allowed to go for short courses if I want to
Ofcourse you can. Happy an arrangement with your employer. Which country are you residing in?