Foreign nationals hoping to immigrate to Canada as home care workers can now access the full details of the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot (HCWP). This program offers opportunities for Permanent Residency (PR) through two main pilot programs, with clear eligibility criteria, professional training requirements, and application instructions.
Understanding the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot (HCWP)
The HCWP is now divided into two pilot programs:
- Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot: Child Care
- Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot: Home Support
Each of these pilot programs has two streams:
- Workers in Canada Stream
- Applicants Not Working in Canada Stream
Applications for the Workers in Canada Stream will open at 10 a.m. EDT on March 31, 2025, and close on March 30, 2026, or when the application cap is reached. Details for the Applicants Not Working in Canada Stream will be released later.
This article will explain the eligibility requirements, occupations covered under the HCWP, professional education standards, job offer conditions, settlement fund requirements, and application fees.
Eligibility Requirements for HCWP
Below is a summary of the key eligibility criteria for both streams under the HCWP.
| Eligibility Criteria | HCWP Child Care | HCWP Home Support |
|---|---|---|
| Status in Canada (for Workers in Canada Stream) | Must be in Canada with valid work authorization (some exceptions for out-of-status workers). | Same requirement. |
| Language Requirement | CLB 4 | CLB 4 |
| Education | Secondary school diploma or equivalent. | Secondary school diploma or equivalent. |
| Work Experience | Six months as: |
- Home child care provider; and/or
- Early childhood educator/assistant. | Six months as:
- Home support worker/caregiver; and/or
- Nurse aide/orderly/patient service associate. | | Professional Training Requirement | Six-month relevant credential if lacking eligible work experience. | Same requirement. | | Settlement Funds (for Applicants Not Working in Canada Stream) | Must show adequate funds based on family size. | Same requirement. |
Eligible Occupations for HCWP
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has specified eligible occupations for each pilot program.
HCWP: Child Care
To qualify under this stream, applicants need six months of full-time, relevant work experience within the last three years or a six-month educational credential. Eligible occupations include:
- Home Child Care Providers (NOC 44100): Includes babysitters, nannies, and parent’s helpers working in private households. Experience as a foster parent does not qualify.
- Early Childhood Educators and Assistants (NOC 42202): Work experience as daycare teachers or supervisors does not count.
HCWP: Home Support
Applicants to this stream must have experience or training in one of the following eligible occupations:
- Home Support Workers, Caregivers, and Related Occupations (NOC 44101)
- Nurse Aides, Orderlies, and Patient Service Associates (NOC 33102)
Work experience gained in institutional settings like nursing homes may count toward eligibility.
Professional Training Requirements
Foreign nationals without qualifying work experience can still apply if they have completed an eligible post-secondary credential. This training must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least six months in duration.
- Be completed within the past two years.
- Be in a field related to the NOCs listed above.
- Involve full-time study (minimum 15 hours per week) and be delivered primarily in-person.
Applicants must be at least 17 years old when starting their education and cannot use credentials aimed at occupations outside the eligible NOCs.
Ineligible Credentials
Credentials that do not qualify include:
- Training for unrelated occupations.
- Credentials earned primarily online.
- On-the-job training.
Job Offer Requirements
To apply for the HCWP, applicants must have a valid job offer that meets these conditions:
- Job Type: Must be for an eligible NOC in an eligible setting.
- Location: Must be outside Quebec.
- Work Hours: Must be full-time (30+ hours per week) with no fixed end date.
The job offer should outline the main duties, hourly wage, and employment conditions. Applicants must demonstrate they can fulfill the job duties based on their past experience or training.
Genuine Job Offers
To be considered valid, the job offer must meet the following criteria:
- Employer Need: The employer must show a legitimate need to hire the applicant.
- Employer Capability: The employer must be able to pay the offered wage.
- Legal Compliance: Employers must follow all relevant federal and provincial laws.
Eligible Employers
Employers issuing job offers must have a Canada Revenue Agency business number. Eligible employers include:
- Private Households: Families hiring care providers directly.
- Businesses and Non-Profit Organizations: Must have a direct employer-employee relationship.
Examples include home health care agencies and personal care service providers.
Ineligible Employers
The following employers cannot issue valid job offers:
- Recruitment or placement agencies.
- Diplomats and accredited foreign officials.
- Employers found non-compliant with Canadian immigration rules.
- Family members of the applicant (e.g., spouses, parents).
Special Provisions for Out-of-Status Workers
The HCWP allocates 140 spots per stream for out-of-status workers who meet the eligibility criteria. To qualify, applicants must:
- Have lived continuously in Canada since December 16, 2021.
- Have held a valid work permit at some point after that date.
- Not be inadmissible for reasons beyond overstaying their status or working without authorization.
This policy aims to regularize out-of-status workers and their families.
Settlement Funds
Applicants not working in Canada must prove they have enough funds to support themselves and their families. The required amount depends on family size:
| Family Size | Required Funds (CAD) |
| 1 | $14,690 |
| 2 | $18,288 |
| 3 | $22,483 |
| 4 | $27,297 |
| 5 | $30,690 |
| 6 | $34,917 |
| 7 | $38,875 |
| Add $3,958 for each additional family member. |
Application Fees
Applicants must pay the following fees unless exempted:
- Processing Fee: $1,525
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee: $575
- Biometrics Fees:
- $85 for individuals.
- $170 for families applying together.
Additional fees may apply for medical exams, police certificates, and language tests.
Employers cannot charge recruitment fees to applicants under Canadian law.
If you want to learn more about your eligibility for the HCWP or need personalized advice, schedule a work permit consultation here.
By understanding these updated guidelines, you can take informed steps toward achieving permanent residency in Canada through the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot.
