Foreign home care workers looking to build a future in Canada now have updated immigration pathways to apply for permanent residence. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially released details on the new Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (HCWP), which will launch on March 31, 2025.
These new Home Care Worker pathways offer foreign caregivers a streamlined process for moving to Canada and securing a job. The new programs have reduced language, work experience, and education requirements, making it easier for qualified workers to obtain permanent residency (PR) in Canada.
IRCC has clarified that when the HCWP opens on March 31, 2025, it will initially only accept applications from workers already in Canada. Applicants outside Canada will get an opportunity to apply at a later stage.
This article will cover:
- The two available streams under the HCWP;
- Eligibility requirements including language scores, work experience, and job offers;
- Special provisions for out-of-status workers in Canada;
- What past applicants of Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker Pilots need to know.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a licensed immigration consultant to assess your eligibility for the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots.
What Are the Two Streams of the HCWP?
The Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots will have two primary streams:
- Workers in Canada Stream – This stream will open for applications on March 31, 2025, and is for foreign caregivers who are already working in Canada.
- Applicants Not Working in Canada Stream – This stream will accept applications later in 2025, allowing candidates from outside Canada to apply for home care worker jobs and permanent residence.
If you are applying through the Workers in Canada Stream, IRCC recommends taking an approved language test and obtaining an Education Credential Assessment (ECA) before the application process begins.
IRCC has yet to announce the full application process for the Applicants Not Working in Canada Stream. More details will be available closer to its launch.
Eligibility Criteria for Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots
To qualify for Canada’s new home care worker PR pathways, applicants must meet the following requirements:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Work Experience | – At least six months of recent, relevant work in home care OR– A credential of at least six months of home care-related training. |
| Language Proficiency | – Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 or higher in English or French. |
| Job Offer | – Must have a valid job offer from either: 1. A private household; OR 2. An organization that hires full-time home care workers (e.g., home health care service providers, direct care agencies). |
| Education | – Minimum of a secondary school diploma. |
| Residency Requirement | – Applicants must intend to live and work in a Canadian province other than Quebec. |
Applicants can gain work experience either in Canada or abroad, making this program more accessible to foreign caregivers.
Job Offer Requirements for HCWP Applicants
Foreign home care workers applying under the HCWP must have a job offer from one of the following types of employers:
- Home health care service providers
- Home care support service providers
- Direct care agencies
- Personal care services in residential settings
- Pediatric home health care service providers
Important: Job offers from recruitment and placement agencies will not be accepted under this program. However, a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is not required for the job offer.
Special Considerations for Out-of-Status Workers
A key change in the HCWP is the inclusion of out-of-status workers who are currently in Canada. These individuals may still qualify for PR under this program through a special public policy introduced by IRCC.
However, a limited number of spots are available for out-of-status home care workers. It’s essential to apply as soon as the program opens.
What About Previous Home Care Immigration Applicants?
If you previously applied for permanent residence under the Home Child Care Provider Pilot or Home Support Worker Pilot, which closed in June 2024, you may still be eligible to transition to PR.
Applicants who applied under the Gaining Experience Category before June 2024 and have since accumulated enough qualifying work experience can submit proof of work to IRCC. This may allow them to continue their PR application process under previous guidelines.
With these updated immigration pathways, Canada continues to recognize the critical role that home care workers play in supporting families and communities.
The Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots offer a faster, more accessible way for caregivers to achieve permanent residency and build a stable future in Canada.
For expert guidance and assistance with your Canada caregiver PR application, Schedule a Free Consultation today.
