There are a lot of caregiver jobs in Canada available to foreigners who meet the necessary requirements.
Canada is synonymous with high quality of life, inclusive culture, and a great healthcare system. If there is any country that is particular about providing quality care for vulnerable members of the society, it’s Canada.Â
You see it in everything the country does, its policies, healthcare system and social welfare system. This is one of the reasons getting a job as a care worker in Canada is possible.
As the country grapples with an aging population and increasing healthcare demands, the need for skilled caregivers has increased.
So, to attract qualified caregivers, caregiving agencies and other employers offer several incentives including visa sponsorship in some cases.
If you’re interested in working as a caregiver in Canada, we are here to help. This article explores caregiver jobs in Canada that offer visa sponsorship to Africans and everything you need to know about them.Â
Why Does Canada Need Foreign Caregivers?
Canada has one of the most rapidly aging populations in the world. According to 2023 statistics, seniors make up 19.3% of Canada’s total population.
Many attribute this to their high standard of living and the quality of healthcare available to Canadian citizens.
However, this has also created a high demand for home support workers who will help take care of this age demographic.
Apart from senior citizens, there is also a persistent shortage of qualified childcare providers in Canada, especially in large urban areas where the demand for daycare services is high.
Because all of these caregiving needs cannot be met domestically, especially in rural and remote areas, agencies and healthcare facilities are currently open to employing foreign caregivers.
To support this need, the Canadian government allows foreign employees to work in Canada with a Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) permit.
With this program, foreign employees can be sponsored by their employers to come into the country and work.Â
Also Read: Barbering Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship
Caregiver Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship
Here’s our best picks for caregiver jobs in Canada that have the potential to give you visa sponsorship alongside.
1. Home Support Worker
Home Support Workers are caregivers that provide essential services to seniors, people with disabilities, or those recovering from illnesses.
As a home support worker, your responsibilities include assisting with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and medication management. You may also provide companionship and support for social activities.
The average salary for a Home Support Worker in Canada ranges from CAD $33,000 to CAD $44,000 per year, depending on your experience and the kinds of tasks you will take on.
Companies that may potentially hire with a visa sponsorship offer include Paramed Home Health Care, Bayshore Home Healthcare, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Kindred Home Care, Comfort Home Care etc.
Requirements for getting job as a home support worker
- A high school diploma or equivalent.
- Completion of a training program in home support or healthcare.
- Basic first aid and CPR certification.
- Good communication skills in English or French.
- Compassionate and patient demeanor.
2. Personal Support Worker (PSW)
Like home support workers, personal Support Workers assist individuals with personal care tasks such as grooming, feeding, and mobility.
The only difference is that instead of working only in homes, they also work in long-term care facilities and community settings. Here, they provide support to the elderly and individuals with chronic illnesses or disabilities.
In Canada, PSWs earn between CAD $19,000 and CAD $60,000 annually, depending on their experience and the employer.
Companies to check include Bayshore, Extendicare, Revera, Paramed Home Health Care, SRT MED Staff, Sienna Senior Living, and VON Canada.
Requirements for getting job as a personal support worker
- Certification from a recognized PSW program.
- Experience in providing personal care.
- Proficiency in English or French.
- Kind demeanor, patience and a positive attitude.
- Ability to offer companionship and support.Â
Also Read:Â Cleaner Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship
3. Live-In Caregiver
As the name suggests, live-in caregivers provide round-the-clock care and support to clients in their homes.
They assist with daily living activities, provide companionship, and help with household tasks. This role often involves living in the employer’s home and being available for assistance at all times.
If you work in this role, you can expect to earn around CAD 1,000 to CAD 2,000 per month. Usually, you will get free accommodation and sometimes free meals with the job.
Check out Care.com, Home Instead Senior Care and Comfort Keepers and even job postings from Private families for suitable positions. However, be sure to inquire about the possibility of getting visa sponsorship during your interviews.
Requirements for getting job as a live-in caregiver
- Relevant two to three years experience in caregiving.
- Ability to live in the employer’s home.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Training in caregiving or a related field is advantageous.
- Patience, kindness and the ability to drive.
4. Nursing Aide
Nursing Aides, or Nursing Assistants are some of the most popular caregivers around. They support registered nurses and other healthcare professionals by providing basic patient care in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
As a nursing aid, your duties include assisting with patient hygiene and monitoring vital signs. You will also help with mobility and exercise, especially if you work in a health care facility for the elderly.
Nursing Aides earn between CAD $38,000 and CAD $52,000 annually, based on their experience and the healthcare facility.
Companies to send your applications to include Kavin Group, Horizon Health Network, Alberta Health Services, Northern Health, Revera, Sienna Senior Living. You can also apply to health authorities across various provinces to strengthen your chances of finding an employer with a visa sponsorship offer.
Requirements for getting job as a nursing aide
- Completion of a certified nursing aide program.
- Relevant clinical experience.
- Good physical stamina and the ability to handle patients safely.
- Kind demeanor and a patient and positive attitude.
- Ability to adhere to hospital sanitation practices.
5. Child Caregiver
Unlike other caregivers, child caregivers particularly work with children. They look after children in private homes or child care centers. If you love to take care of children, this may make a good caregiving career path for you.
The core responsibilities of child caregivers include planning activities, preparing meals, helping with homework, and ensuring a safe environment.
As a child caregiver, you can earn between CAD $33,000 and CAD $48,000 per year. Keep in mind that what you earn will depend on your negotiation with the agency employing you and the years of experience you have.
Companies with the potential to offer employer visa sponsorship include CBI Health, Mckernan Child Care Society, YMCA Child Care etc.
Requirements for getting job as a child caregiver
- Experience in childcare or early childhood education.
- First aid and CPR certification.
- A diploma or certification in early childhood education or a related field is beneficial.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Natural inclination towards children and teenagers.
How to Apply for Caregiver Jobs in Canada from Nigeria
Follow these steps below to apply for a visa sponsorship job in Canada.Â
1. Conduct a thorough research
Begin your search for hiring companies with the companies we listed in this article.
Then, continue with job boards like Glassdoor, LinkedIn and Glassdoor to search for more companies. Ensure you also filter for those that come with visa sponsorship by default.
2. Apply online
When you find companies that offer great incentives, read up their requirements and apply immediately.
Before you apply, ensure that your resume highlights relevant caregiving experience and qualifications the employer mentioned in their job posting.
3. Involve recruitment agencies
There are several Canadian recruitment agencies that specialize in securing placements to help you find employers that offer visa sponsorship.
Reach out to them to help you if you do not have the time to search for hiring companies yourself.
4. Prepare for your interviews
After your resume, interviews are another opportunity to make a lasting impression on your prospective employers. Read up interview questions, take up courses and certifications in preparation for your interviews.
You want to show the company representative that you have a lot of value to offer. Don’t forget to inquire about their visa sponsorship policy, especially if it was not initially in the job posting.
5. Visa application
After securing an offer, follow the Canadian immigration guidelines to apply for a work visa. Visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal to apply for a work permit.
Ask your employer to provide you with a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to strengthen your visa application.Â
Also Read:Â Factory Worker Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship
Secure a Caregiver Job in Canada
There’s no denying that Canada’s caregiver sector is expanding rapidly. First there’s an aging population and other individuals with varying healthcare needs who need some level of assistance in their day to day living.
Then, there is also Canada’s promotion of a high quality of life which encourages those in need of care to access it.
If you are a skilled and compassionate individual from Nigeria and other countries, these caregiver roles can be a pathway to contribute meaningfully to Canadian society.
Once you’ve applied to various healthcare facilities and caregivers agencies with a proof of your expertise and value, you can begin your journey into having a fulfilling career in Canada’s healthcare sector.