Canada is set to launch the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (HCWP) on March 31, 2025, offering a streamlined pathway to permanent residence for home care workers. The initiatives will replace previous pathways for caregiver immigration. It provides two new LMIA-exempt immigration pathways for foreign home care workers.
What are the new streams included in the HCWP?
HCWP will offer two distinct streams for individuals seeking to work and live in Canada. They are:
- Workers in Canada Stream: The stream is for home care workers who are already residing in Canada. It will begin accepting applications on March 31, 2025.
- Applicants not working in Canada Stream: This stream is for foreign home care workers not currently in Canada. It will open later in 2025, with specific details to be announced by IRCC.
These LMIA-exempt pathways simplify the hiring process for employers and offer immediate PR to qualified applicants.
Things to Remember
- Guidance Updates: IRCC warns that application guidance may change at any time. It is crucial to check their website for updates regularly.
- Eligibility Criteria: Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria, including work experience, language proficiency, and education requirements
What are the Eligibility Criteria for the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (HCWP)?
To qualify for the HCWP, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Education: A secondary school diploma or equivalent.
- Work Experience: Six months of recent, relevant work experience OR a credential of at least six months of related home care training. Work experience can be gained either in Canada or abroad.
- Language Proficiency: Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 4 in English or French.
- Job Offer: A job offer from either a private household or an organization that directly hires full-time home care workers.
- Intent to Reside: Must intend to reside in a Canadian province or territory other than Quebec.
- No LMIA Required: Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) are not necessary for these job offers.
What are the Conditions for Eligible Job Offers in the HCWP?
Eligible job offers for the HCWP must meet specific conditions to qualify applicants for permanent residence.
Let us explore the types of organizations from which eligible job offers can be obtained for the HCWP:
- 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
Who is Not Eligible for the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (HCWP)?
Specific individuals and job offers are not eligible for the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (HCWP).
Some of the key exclusions are:
- Recruitment and Placement Agencies: Job offers from recruitment and placement agencies are not eligible. Applicants must secure a job offer directly from an organization that provides home care services.
- Applicants Outside Canada: Initially, only applicants residing in Canada can apply through the Workers in Canada stream. Applicants outside Canada will have the opportunity to apply later.
- Quebec Residents: Applicants must intend to reside in a Canadian province or territory other than Quebec to be eligible for these streams.
Who Else Is Eligible for the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (HCWP)?
The Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (HCWP) offer additional eligibility options for two specific groups:
1. Out-of-Status Home Care Workers
IRCC has extended eligibility to home care workers in Canada who are currently out of status. These individuals can apply under the HCWP through a public policy initiative, although only a limited number of spots are available.
2. Previous Applicants to Closed Pilots
Some previous applicants to the Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker Pilots may still apply under the old pathways.
Those who applied under the “Gaining experience category” before June 2024 can submit proof of their work experience to IRCC for consideration of their permanent residence application if they have gained enough experience.
Plan Yourself and Get Ready for the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots
- Take an approved language test in English or French to ensure you meet the minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4.
- Get your high school diploma assessed through an Education Credential Assessment (ECA) if necessary.
- Secure a full-time job offer from an eligible home care employer if you are in Canada.
- If you’re outside Canada, visit IRCC updates regarding the “Applicants Not Working in Canada” stream, which will open at a later date. Visit IRCC’s official page.
Caregivers are in high demand, and the home care industry is projected to reach $4.8 billion by 2030. As Canada’s population ages and the demand for home care services continues to grow, the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (HCWP) are becoming increasingly relevant.
Launching on March 31, 2025, HCWP offers a streamlined pathway to permanent residence, making it an attractive opportunity for current caregivers in Canada and those abroad looking for a fresh start.
Keep reading our blogs to stay informed about the latest news and updates on the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots.
