The Canadian government has introduced new intake rules for its home care worker pilot programs, set to begin on March 31, 2025. These programs aim to create a more structured and accessible path to permanent residence for caregivers, ensuring that essential workers can build a future in Canada while meeting the country’s growing demand for in-home care services.
New Home Care Worker Programs
The two pilot programs replacing the outgoing caregiver pilots include:
- Home Care Worker Immigration (Child Care) Class
- Home Care Worker Immigration (Home Support) Class
These pilots will offer a streamlined pathway for caregivers, with clear eligibility requirements and annual intake limits outlined in the Canada Gazette on March 22, 2025. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has structured the intake to balance applicants with and without Canadian work experience.
Annual Application Limits (2025–2030)
Each program has specific intake caps, ensuring manageable processing times and fair access to permanent residency:
| Year | Total Applications per Class | Stream A (Canadian Experience) | Stream B (No Canadian Experience) |
| 2025–2026 | 2,610 | 2,610 | N/A |
| 2026–2027 | 2,750 | 2,750 | N/A |
| 2027–2030 | 2,750 | 1,375 | 1,375 |
Applications can be submitted online or via paper-based means. However, all submissions count toward the annual cap.
Eligibility Requirements for Applicants
To qualify, applicants must meet specific criteria under either Stream A or Stream B, depending on their work experience.
Common Requirements for Both Streams
- Language Proficiency: A minimum CLB/NCLC level 4 in all four skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing) from an IRCC-approved test taken within the last two years.
- Education: A Canadian educational credential or a foreign equivalent assessed within the last five years.
- Work Experience or Training:
- At least six months of continuous full-time work in an eligible occupation within the last three years, or
- Completion of at least six months of in-person training, leading to a post-secondary credential, completed within the last two years. Applicants must have been at least 17 years old when the training began.
- Job Offer: A valid, full-time, non-seasonal job offer from an employer who:
- Is a private household or business
- Is based outside Quebec
- Pays at or above the prevailing median wage for the occupation
- Is not related to the applicant
- Proof of Funds: Required only for Stream B applicants, covering at least 50% of the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for their family size.
Stream A: With Canadian Work Experience
Applicants in this stream must be:
- Residing in Canada at the time of application
- Authorized to work full-time in a non-seasonal role
- Maintaining eligibility throughout the application process
This stream benefits caregivers already working in Canada, allowing them to transition to permanent residency based on their experience.
Stream B: Without Canadian Work Experience (Starting 2027)
This stream is for applicants who:
- Meet the education, language, and job offer requirements
- Provide proof of settlement funds
- Maintain eligibility throughout the process
Stream B offers an opportunity for qualified caregivers outside Canada to move directly into employment and work toward permanent residence.
Eligible Occupations
To apply, candidates must have work experience or a job offer in the following roles:
Child Care Class
- NOC 44100 – Child care providers (excluding foster parents)
- NOC 42202 – Home child care providers (excluding daycare teachers, supervisors)
Home Support Class
Occupational duties must align with Canada’s National Occupation Classification (NOC) system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When do the new caregiver pilots start?
Applications open on March 31, 2025, with the first intake cycle running until March 30, 2026. The programs will continue annually until 2030.
Q2. How many applications will be accepted?
Each class (Child Care and Home Support) will process up to 2,750 applications annually, with 2,610 in the first year.
Q3. What’s the difference between Stream A and Stream B?
Stream A is for caregivers already in Canada with qualifying work experience. Stream B, opening in 2027, will allow qualified candidates outside Canada to apply directly.
Q4. What are the language test requirements?
Applicants must achieve CLB/NCLC level 4 or higher in all skills using an approved language test taken within the last two years.
Q5. Is a job offer required to apply?
Yes. Applicants must secure a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a qualified employer that meets wage and occupational standards.
These new caregiver pilots ensure that Canada continues to support essential workers while offering them a stable future. With clear eligibility requirements and structured intake limits, caregivers can plan their immigration pathways with confidence. For the latest updates, and developments, stay tuned with ImmigCanada!
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