Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot Programs

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 pilots:

• Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot: Child Care
• Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot: Home Support.

Each stream has two application streams:

• Workers in Canada- for those in Canada with legal status and those in Canada with no legal status.
• 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 at 10 am ET, 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 an undisclosed later date, however, we can conclude from the reported quotas that the applicants not working in Canada stream will only open in 2027.

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. 
• Out of Status and Unauthorized Workers Are Eligible- Under these new pilot programs, applicants who are out of status in Canada or working without authorization may still qualify. However, only a limited number of applications (125) will be accepted under this category.

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 qualifying Job Offer

You must have a full-time job offer in home care from a Canadian employer (outside Quebec) in a suitable NOC, based on the pilot program you are applying to.

• For the Home Child Care Provider Pilot: The job offer must be under NOC 44100 as a Home Child Care Provider. The job cannot be in an institutional daycare or involve working as a foster parent.
• For the Home Support Worker Pilot: The job offer must be under NOC 44101 as a Home Support Worker, Caregiver, or related occupation. Jobs in institutional settings are not accepted.

    2. 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.

3. Have a minimum level of education

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

4. 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. The type of relevant experience depends on the pilot you are applying to:

• For the HCWIP: Child Care Pilot – Experience must be as a Home Child Care Provider (NOC 44100) or Early Childhood Educator and Assistant (NOC 42202).
• For the HCWIP: Home Support Pilot – Experience must be as a Home Support Worker, Caregiver, or Related Occupation (NOC 44101) or Nurse Aide, Orderly, or Patient Service Associate (NOC 33102).

Option 2: Recent Training
If you do not have the required work experience, you may qualify if you have completed a credential of at least six months in a home care–related training program.

5. Have legal authorization to work in Canada or have previously held legal work authorization. 

You must have entered Canada on or before December 16, 2021, and hold a valid work permit or previously held a valid work permit.

6. 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)  

Proof of Residence in Canada

• Workers in Canada Stream- proof that you are a resident and authorized to work in Canada.
• Workers in Canada Stream – Public policy stream (for out-of-status and unauthorized workers)- Proof of legal entry and previous work authorization in Canada.

Job Offer Documentation 

• Signed employment contract  
• Employment Information Form- either the IMM0267 for an individual employer or the IMM0268 for a business or non- profit employer.

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:
  • For those with current legal work authorisation to work in Canada-
    • Document checklist (IMM 0270)
    • Schedule 21: Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot (IMM 0271)
  • For those in- Canada who have previously held a work permit-
    • Document checklist (IMM 0273)
    • Schedule 21: Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot (IMM 0271)
    • Schedule 22: Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot- Public Policy (IMM 0272)

 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?  

A total of 5,500 applications will be accepted across both programs from March 31, 2025, to March 30, 2026, as outlined below:

Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot (HCWIP): Child Care

Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot (HCWIP): Home Support

Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, it is essential that anyone interested in applying to these new programs has their application ready for submission by 10 AM ET on March 31, 2025.

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. 

Can You Apply To These Pilots If You Are In Canada But Out Of Status?

Yes — you may still qualify under a special public policy.

However, based on the quota information for 2026 to 2030, out-of-status applications will only be accepted between March 31, 2025, and March 30, 2026.

Given this limited window and the cap on available spots, out-of-status applicants should prepare their applications in advance to apply as soon as the program opens.

How Long Will These Pilot Programs be Available?

Both pilot programs are scheduled to run until March 30, 2030, with new quotas available each year.

However, based on the quotas for 2026 to 2030, it is unclear whether out-of-status applicants will be eligible to apply after 2026.