New Pathways to Canadian Permanent Residence for Home Care Workers Announced
Home care workers seeking permanent residence in Canada now have more information about the upcoming immigration pathways.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has revealed updated details on the new Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (HCWP), including lowered requirements for language, work experience, and education.
Launch Date and Application Process
The Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots are set to launch on March 31, 2025. These LMIA-exempt pathways will allow foreign home care workers to secure employment and gain permanent residence upon arriving in Canada. Initially, applications will only be accepted from candidates already living in Canada, with applications for those outside the country opening at a later stage.
IRCC advises prospective applicants in Canada to prepare by completing an approved language test and obtaining an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) before the program opens.
Available Streams in the HCWP
The HCWP offers two distinct streams:
- Workers in Canada stream: This stream will begin accepting applications in March 2025.
- Applicants not working in Canada stream: This stream will open later in 2025, with more details to be announced by IRCC.
Eligibility Requirements for HCWP
Candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Work Experience: At least six months of recent, relevant work experience, or a credential from at least six months of home care training.
- 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 a qualified organization that hires full-time home care workers.
- Education: A secondary school diploma or equivalent.
Eligible Organizations for Job Offers
Applicants can receive job offers from:
- Home health care service providers
- Home care support services
- Direct care agencies
- Residential personal care services
- Pediatric home health care providers
Job offers from recruitment and placement agencies will not be eligible, and no Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is required.
Special Considerations for Out-of-Status Workers and Previous Applicants
Home care workers already in Canada who are out of status may still qualify for the HCWP under a public policy, with a limited number of spots available.
Additionally, applicants from the previous Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker Pilots (closed in June 2024) may still be eligible. Those who applied under the “Gaining Experience Category” before June 2024 and have since accumulated enough work experience can submit proof to IRCC for permanent residence consideration.
Stay Informed
IRCC emphasizes that program details may change, so candidates should regularly check official web pages for updates and application guidelines.
This new opportunity offers a simplified path to permanent residence for home care workers, making it easier for skilled caregivers to build a future in Canada.
