Thank you so much for inviting me. Good afternoon, everyone.
The processing times for all immigration programs have consistently been updated by the IRCC, but the caregiver program's processing time has never been updated. This indicates that the caregiver program is not a priority and is being disregarded. Equity should be the goal in this case.
I would like to recommend that IRCC consider issuing an open work permit for all those applications that have been sitting in the system for years and years. Canada needs caregivers now. In order to reduce the processing time, let the caregiver come to Canada as a permanent resident. Forcing caregivers to be tied to one employer creates opportunity for exploitative working conditions.
I would also like to recommend that IRCC look into the express entry program. Modification of this express entry program will make it possible for caregivers or migrant workers who are also working in the greenhouses across Canada to have a route to permanent residency. In the introduction of the TR to PR pathway last year, most of the international students were able to apply for the PR, but not the caregivers and the migrant workers working in greenhouses. It was because of the COVID-19 restrictions during that time. Community centres, libraries and organizations like ours were closed because of the restrictions. Opening a new or similar TR to PR pathway will give them an opportunity to apply for PR.
For caregivers applying for permanent residency, the English-language proficiency and university degree criteria should be eliminated, or at least reduced to CLB level 4 and secondary education. Caregivers, once in Canada, will gain their English proficiency. IRCC officers should also consider or accept the band score of CLB level 4 once that band score is achieved. It doesn't matter if it isn't a perfect equivalency. We've seen a lot of refusal. Even though the applicants met the CLB level 5 band score, they were still refused because they did not meet the perfect equivalency of CLB level 5.
I would also like to recommend that IRCC create a specific PR portal for the caregiver program. For consistency in their assessments, make sure that the officers are trained in this program and are familiar with it. In order to fill out information, increase the number of characters in the boxes in the PR portal. Enhance the portal's uploading system, which now rejects files because they are too large or do not support the IRCC tech system.
I would also like to recommend regularization for all migrant workers and caregivers. Create a unique humanitarian scheme where caregivers or migrant workers who might not be eligible can apply for permanent residency. Reduce the demands and create an amnesty program for them.
I would also like to recommend that IRCC remove the cap per program for the home support and home child care programs, or at least increase the number of PR applications for caregivers within the immigration levels.
I would also like to recommend removing the two-year work experience requirement through the caregiver program. No other economic program stream forces people to work for two years before they can obtain permanent residency. The program should be more equitable for our immigration stream, including the caregiver program.
Recognize, also, the importance of the work done by caregivers and avoid labelling them as low-skilled workers. Caregivers are those individuals who look after the most important people in our lives: our parents, our children. They are highly skilled in soft skills and so they must be a top priority in the immigration industry.
I would also like to strongly recommend that IRCC provide outright an open work permit for the principal applicants and dependants who are also applying from outside Canada.
I would also like to recommend the elimination of LMIA processing if the applicant is in Canada and applying for a renewal of a work permit. Most of the caregivers who are not able to provide new LMIAs to renew their work permit are losing their status.