Foreign caregivers draw attention to permanent residency backlog

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Migrant caregivers are wondering why it’s become so difficult to get permanent residency in Canada.

Technically, after two years working in Canada, foreign nannies can apply to stay in Canada permanently.

But back in 2014, the policy governing foreign caregivers was changed, to allow only 5,500 caregivers permanent residency every year.

Before it was changed, roughly 10,000 caregivers every year would apply to be permanent residents.

Bootz Estrella is helping to organize a weekend rally highlighting the backlog and says Canada’s childcare problems aren’t going away any time soon.

“Caregiving is not temporary, it’s permanent. For Canadian families who have children, who take care of these children when their parents work?”

She points out the longer foreign nannies wait for permanent residency, the longer they must wait to bring their own families into Canada, which can only happen once they have permanent status.

“It’s really sad for the caregivers, who are also mothers themselves. They are waiting for their families, to be reunited.”

The changes four years ago also introduced language and education requirements for caregivers wanting permanent residency.

The rally will be held Saturday, at the Joyce Street SkyTrain station, between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.

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