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Updated 2026-02-11
Caregiver Program Processing Time: 12-18 Months
Pathway to permanent residence for child care providers and home support workers
Current Time
12-18 months for PR (after 24 months work experience)
Last Updated
2026-02-11
Trend
Times are stable
Processing Time Overview
About Caregiver Processing
The Caregiver Program processing times in 2026 include two pathways: the initial work permit application (2-6 months depending on country) and the permanent residence application after gaining qualifying work experience (12-18 months). The program includes two categories: Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot, both offering pathways to permanent residence for caregivers who gain 24 months of full-time Canadian work experience within 4 years of arriving in Canada.
For the initial work permit stage, processing times vary by country but typically take 2-6 months. Applicants must have equivalent of Canadian high school education (Educational Credential Assessment required), relevant training or work experience, and meet language requirements (CLB 5 in English or NSLC 5 in French). The work permit is employer-specific for the first employer but becomes open after the first employer relationship or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Once caregivers have completed 24 months of qualifying full-time work experience (minimum 30 hours per week) in Canada within 4 years of arrival, they can apply for permanent residence. This PR application currently takes 12-18 months to process. Common delays occur when applicants have gaps in employment, work experience doesn't meet the qualifying criteria (must be in approved caregiving duties), or language/education requirements aren't properly documented. The program has annual intake caps, so early application is crucial.
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Historical Data
Processing Time Trends
Track how processing times have changed over recent months
January 2026
12-18 months PR stage
Q4 2025
13-19 months PR stage
Q3 2025
14-20 months PR stage
Q2 2025
13-18 months PR stage
Q1 2025
12-17 months PR stage
2024 Average
14-24 months PR stage
Processing Factors
What Affects Processing Time?
Understanding these factors can help you prepare a stronger application
Completeness of work experience documentation (employment letters, pay stubs, T4s)
Whether duties performed match approved caregiver duties (TEER 40010 or 44100)
Educational credential assessment quality and language test results
Country of residence for initial work permit application
Annual program intake caps and application volume
Background checks and medical examination processing
Expert Tips
How to Avoid Processing Delays
Follow these best practices to keep your application moving smoothly
Maintain detailed employment records: hours worked, duties, pay stubs for full 24 months
Ensure duties match TEER 40010 (Home Child Care Provider) or 44100 (Home Support Worker)
Get Educational Credential Assessment before applying for work permit
Take language test early and aim for scores above minimum (CLB 5)
Apply for PR as soon as you reach 24 months of qualifying experience
Keep all employment contracts, termination letters, and references from employers
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Caregiver processing times
How long does the Caregiver Program take to get PR?
The Caregiver Program pathway to PR takes approximately 36-42 months total: 2-6 months for initial work permit, 24 months to gain qualifying Canadian work experience, and 12-18 months to process the PR application after submitting. You must work as a caregiver in Canada for 24 months (within 4 years of arrival) before you're eligible to apply for permanent residence. The 24 months must be full-time work (minimum 30 hours per week) in approved caregiving occupations.
What qualifies as caregiving work experience?
Qualifying caregiving work experience must be in approved occupations: Home Child Care Provider (TEER 40010) - providing care for children in private homes including feeding, bathing, supervision, and development activities; or Home Support Worker (TEER 44100) - providing care for seniors, persons with disabilities, or those needing assistance in private homes including personal care, meal preparation, housekeeping, and companionship. The work must be full-time (minimum 30 hours per week), paid, and performed in Canada. Volunteer work, self-employment, and work outside private homes doesn't qualify.
What are the requirements for the Caregiver Program?
To apply for a caregiver work permit you need: equivalent of Canadian high school education (Educational Credential Assessment required), relevant work experience or training (1 year for child care; 6 months or education for home support), language test results (CLB 5 English or NSLC 5 French), and a genuine job offer from a Canadian employer. To apply for PR after working as a caregiver, you need: 24 months of qualifying full-time work experience in Canada within 4 years of arrival, maintained language proficiency (CLB 5), maintained education credential assessment, and clear medical and criminal checks.
Can I switch employers during the Caregiver Program?
Yes, you can switch employers. Your initial work permit is employer-specific for your first employer. After you've left your first employer or worked for 6 months (whichever comes first), your work permit becomes an open work permit allowing you to work for any employer in home child care or home support positions. You don't need to apply for a new work permit when switching employers after this point. All qualifying work experience with any employer counts toward your 24 months required for PR eligibility, as long as the work meets the approved duties and occupation requirements.
What happens if I don't complete 24 months within 4 years?
If you don't accumulate 24 months of qualifying full-time caregiving work experience within 4 years of arriving in Canada on your caregiver work permit, you're not eligible to apply for permanent residence under the Caregiver Program. Time outside this 4-year window doesn't count. Common reasons for not meeting this requirement include: employment gaps, part-time work (under 30 hours/week), working in non-qualifying occupations, or work permit expiration. Plan carefully to ensure you can complete 24 full months well before your 4-year deadline, and maintain employment continuously to avoid gaps.
Related Programs
Other Processing Times
Check processing times for related immigration programs
Ready to Start Your Caregiver Application?
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