Canada is a popular destination for foreigners to live, study, and work. There are several programs run by the Canadian government to attract foreign skilled workers to apply for permanent residence.
Express Entry is an online system used to manage applications for 3 federal skilled immigration programs such as the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. The system allows prospective immigrants currently living abroad, and many temporary residents (former international students and temporary workers) already in Canada, to apply for permanent residence (PR).
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issues Invitations to Apply for PR to candidates who have specific skills, training or language abilities linked to an economic goal. The invites are sent through category-based invitation rounds, supplementing other Express Entry invitation round types.
When it comes to reporting on jobs for international workers and study abroad news, Financial Express Online has been at the forefront.
Financial Express Online received a query from a reader looking for an expert opinion. To provide the correct solution, the query was sent to an industry expert.
Reader’s Query
I have 5 years of experience as a Home Caregiver for a Parkinson’s patient and I am currently enrolled in the Personal Support Worker (PSW) program with Canadian Imperial College.
I have fully paid my tuition fees and am preparing my documents responsibly.
As someone serious about contributing to Canada’s healthcare system, I want to know the most appropriate work pathway for someone with my background.
Query’s Response
Sanjay Laul, Founder of MSM Unify, replies:
Since the reader already has 5 years of caregiver experience and is now studying the Personal Support Worker (PSW) program, the most suitable legal pathways to work and eventually settle in Canada are:
a) Home Support Worker (HSW) Pilot – Direct PR Pathway: In case the applicant satisfies the requirements of education, experience and language test, they can apply straight to the HSW Pilot, leading to the obtaining of a permanent resident visa, with or without a job offer, depending on the category.
b) Work Permit Through an LMIA-Based Job Offer: Several employers need caregivers who hold a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Upon completion of the PSW course, the student can submit a work permit application if he/she receive a job offer approved by LMIA from the employer.
c) Provincial Opportunities (Example: Ontario): Ontario has a high demand for PSWs and Home Support Workers. Completing a PSW program can lead to jobs in long-term care homes, home support agencies, assisted living, etc.
Once enough work experience is gained, the candidate can transition to PR through:
- HSW Pilot,
- Canadian Experience Class, or
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Next recommended steps for the candidate:
- Complete the PSW program successfully.
- IELTS General test with at least CLB 4 (to be able to enroll in caregiver programs) is required.
- Professional résumé that caters to home care and long-term care employers has to be prepared.
- Apply to caregiver or PSW positions in the companies that are ready to support the LMIA or HSW Pilot.
- Be at hand with all the documents: proof of previous employment, degrees, police clearance, health check-up, etc.
Disclaimer
The information on this page is intended to be broad and educational in nature, and should not be construed as legal or immigration advice. Readers should seek guidance from a registered immigration specialist or the relevant authorities based on their specific circumstances. The expert comments cited are based on the information provided by the reader and may differ depending on other circumstances.
