Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots

What is the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots Program?

The Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots are new immigration pathways designed to provide permanent residence to home care workers upon their arrival in Canada.

There will be two streams:

• Workers in Canada
• Applicants not working in Canada

This initiative replaces previous caregiver programs, such as the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot, which concluded on June 17, 2024. Starting March 31st, 2025, the new pilots offer a more direct route to permanent residency, eliminating the need for prior Canadian work experience in the occupation.

However, only applications for the Workers in Canada stream will be accepted from March 31, 2025. The stream for applicants not working in Canada will open at a later date, which is yet to be determined.

Why are These Programs a Great Opportunity for Caregivers? 

The Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots offer some fantastic benefits for caregivers looking to build a future in Canada. Here’s why this program stands out: 

• Permanent Residency Right Away – No need to wait or complete years of work experience before applying. If you qualify, you and your family get permanent resident (PR) status as soon as you arrive in Canada. This means more security and a clear path to settling down. 

• Designed for Workers Who Struggle with Other Immigration Programs – Many caregivers don’t qualify for programs like Express Entry because those focus on higher education, advanced job skills, and strong English or French proficiency. This program is different—it recognizes the essential role of home care workers and makes immigration easier for those who might not meet the strict requirements of other programs. 

• Easier Language and Education Requirements – You only need a CLB 4 language score (basic English or French skills) and a high school diploma. No university degrees or high-level language tests required! 

• No LMIA Hassle for Employers – The Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is usually a big obstacle when hiring foreign workers, but this program doesn’t require one. That makes it easier for employers to hire you and for you to secure a job. 

What You Will Need to Qualify For the New Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots:

To apply for the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots, you’ll need to meet a few key requirements. This program is designed to be more accessible than previous caregiver programs, making it easier for qualified workers to immigrate. 

Here’s what you need to qualify: 

1. Have a minimum level of language ability

You must demonstrate basic English or French skills by scoring at least Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 on a recognized language test. 

2. Have a minimum level of education

You need at least the equivalent of a Canadian high school diploma (secondary school completion). 

3. Have applicable work experience or training

You can qualify in one of two ways: 

• Option 1: Recent Work Experience – You must have at least six months of full-time, relevant work experience in home care. 

• Option 2: Recent Training – If you don’t have work experience, you can qualify if you’ve completed a credential of at least six months in a related home care training program.  

4. Have a valid job offer

You must have a full-time job offer in home care from an employer in Canada (outside Quebec). 

5. Meet General Admissibility Requirements

You must meet Canada’s general immigration rules, which include medical, security, and background checks. 

Required Documents for Your Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots Application 

This information has not yet been released but it will likely include (but not limited to) the following documents: 

Identity and Civil Status Documents 

• Valid passport (biographical page) 
• Birth certificates (applicant and family members) 
• Marriage certificate (if applicable) 
• Legal name change documents (if applicable)  

Job Offer Documentation 

• Signed employment contract  

Language Proficiency 

• Approved language test results (less than two years old) demonstrating at least CLB level 4 in all 4 areas. 

Educational Credentials 

• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) (if education was completed outside Canada) with a copy of the original certificate and transcripts  
• Canadian diplomas, degrees, or certificates and transcripts (if applicable) 
• Proof of related Home Care Training 

Proof of Work Experience 

• Reference letters from previous employers 
• Pay stubs or tax documents  

Proof of Settlement Funds  

• Recent bank statements or financial certificates  

Police Certificates 

• Background checks (for each country where you’ve lived for six+ months since age 18)

Medical Examination 

• Medical report from an approved panel physician

Photographs 

• Immigration approved photo for each family member 

Completed Application Forms 

• Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008) 
• Additional Family Information (IMM 5406) (main applicant and any dependent over the age of 18) 
• Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669) (main applicant and any dependent over the age of 18) 
• Supplementary Information – Your travels (IMM 5562) (main applicant and any dependent over the age of 18) 
• Plus, program specific forms  

 Payment of Processing Fees 

• Government processing fees, the right of permanent residence fee, and biometric fee for you and accompanying family members. 

Any document that is not in English or French must be translated by a certified translator. 

Can Family Members Be Included in the Application? 

Yes, the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots allows for eligible family members to be included in the application for permanent residence.  

Eligible family members include:  

• Your Spouse or Common-Law Partner  
• Dependent Children  
• Your spouse or partner’s dependent children  

Each family member will need to provide the necessary supporting documents, and additional fees may apply.    

Is It Necessary To Show Proof of Settlement Funds? 

Based on the announcement of the new pilots, there is no mention of a requirement to show proof of settlement funds. Since applicants must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer, it is likely that they will be exempt from demonstrating financial resources. However, it’s always best to check the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website for the most up-to-date requirements. 

The Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots Application Processing Times 

There is no data on how long applications under the HCWIP will take to process.  

We expect that applications will take between 6 to 12 months from the date the applicant gives their biometrics.   

Application Costs for the HCWIP 

Currently, there is no specific information on the exact costs to apply for permanent residence under the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (HCWIP). However, applicants should expect to pay for: 

• Government processing fees 
• Right of permanent residence fee 
• Biometrics fee 
• Any costs related to gathering required application documents (e.g., language tests, educational credential assessments, medical exams, etc.) 

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots 

Applying for permanent residence under the HCWIP involves several key steps. Here’s a simple, easy-to-follow guide to help you through the process: 

Secure a Job Offer 

Find Employment: Obtain a full-time, non-seasonal job offer in a home care profession 

Prepare and Submit Your Permanent Residence Application  

Gather Required Documents: Collect all necessary documents, including your job offer, language proficiency results, educational credentials, and proof of funds (if applicable).  

Complete Application Forms: Fill out the required forms accurately.  

Submit Application: Apply online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal, ensuring all information is complete to avoid processing delays.  

Provide Biometrics  

Biometric Fee: Pay the biometric fee when submitting your application if you have not already provided biometrics. 

Biometric Collection: Upon receiving a biometric instruction letter from IRCC, provide your fingerprints and photograph within 30 days at an authorized collection center.  

Application Processing and Decision  

IRCC Review: Your application will be assessed for eligibility and completeness.  

Additional Information: Respond promptly to any requests for further information or documentation.  

Decision Notification: Receive a decision on your application. If approved, you’ll be issued the necessary documents to travel to Canada.  

Arrival in Canada  

Travel Documents: Ensure you have your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and, if required, a permanent resident visa.  

Port of Entry: Present your documents to the Canada Border Services Agency upon arrival for verification and admission into Canada OR activate your status from within Canada. 

What to Expect After Applying for HCWIP  

After your application is submitted, the process continues as follows:   

Review Process: Immigration officers review your application to ensure that all eligibility and documentation requirements are met.   

Additional Requests: You may be contacted for further documentation or to attend an interview.   

Decision Notification: Once a decision is made, you will receive confirmation of your permanent residence along with instructions on the next steps.   

Staying informed about your application status and responding promptly to any requests is crucial for a smooth application. 

How Many HCWIP Applications Will IRCC Accept?  

There is information on the number of HCWIP applications that IRCC will accept. However, as these are pilot programs, they will only be available for a limited period of time. 

Can Applicants Get a Work Permit While Waiting for Their Application to Be Processed? 

The pilot announcement does not confirm whether applicants eligible for permanent residence under the HCWIP can apply for a work permit while waiting for their application to be processed.