Canada’s New Caregiver Pilot Program

Canada introduced the Caregiver Pilot Program, a transformative initiative designed to address the growing demand for skilled home care workers. This new program replaces the former Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot, simplifying the pathway to permanent residency (PR) and creating better opportunities for caregivers and Canadian families alike.

Note: IRCC has paused new intake for the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots. 

The pilots will NOT reopen in March 2026. Applications already submitted will continue to be processed. No new applications are being accepted until further notice. Prospective applicants should monitor IRCC announcements at canada.ca for updates on when or if the program reopens.

The Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (Launched March 31, 2025)

Starting March 31, 2025, Canada introduced the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots, a transformative initiative designed to address the growing demand for skilled home care workers. This new program replaced the former Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot, simplifying the pathway to permanent residency (PR).

There are two pilot programs under the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots:

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

Why the Caregiver Pilot Program is a Game-Changer?

This groundbreaking program offers:

• No more long waits. Caregivers will receive PR status immediately upon entering Canada.
• Opportunities in both private homes and healthcare facilities, with options for part-time or temporary roles.
• Streamlined application procedures and clear eligibility criteria.
• Bring your immediate family members for a stable, secure future in Canada.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Caregiver Pilot Program, you must meet the following requirements:

• Language Proficiency – Minimum CLB level 4 (IELTS: 4 in writing/speaking, 4.5 in listening, 3.5 in reading).
• Education: High school diploma equivalent to Canadian standards (verified via an Educational Credential Assessment – ECA).
• Work Experience: Relevant caregiving experience, preferably in home care settings.
• Job Offer: A full-time job offer from a Canadian family or home care organization.
• Financial Means: Demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself and accompanying family members
• Admissibility: No criminal or immigration violations, medically admissible

Eligible NOC codes include:

• NOC 44100 – Home Child Care Providers
• NOC 44101 – Home Support Workers

Application Streams

Stream A (Workers in Canada): Available to caregivers already working in Canada with eligible experience. This was the only stream that opened on March 31, 2025.

Stream B (Applicants Outside Canada): Designed for qualified candidates outside Canada or without Canadian experience. This stream has never opened and remains closed.

Annual Application Caps

For the 2025-2026 cycle, each pilot was capped at 2,610 applications. Both pilots filled their caps within hours of opening on March 31, 2025. Starting 2026, each class was planned to process up to 2,750 applications per year.

Note: On December 19, 2025, IRCC announced that it will pause intake for the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots until further notice. Key points:

• The pilots will NOT reopen in March 2026 as previously anticipated
• New applications will not be accepted until further notice (the pause runs through at least March 30, 2030 per Ministerial Instructions)
• IRCC will continue to process all applications received before the pause
• The pause is intended to prioritize existing applications and prevent further inventory growth
• Both the Child Care and Home Support streams are affected, including Stream B which has never opened

What Can Caregivers Do Now?

If you are a caregiver seeking immigration to Canada, consider these alternatives while the pilots are paused:

• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Some provinces, such as Ontario, have streams that include caregiving roles (e.g., NOC 44101 under in-demand skills streams)
• Maintain your current status: If already in Canada, extend your open work permit well in advance of expiry
• Monitor IRCC announcements: Subscribe to IRCC updates for news on when pilots may reopen
• Consult a licensed RCIC: An RCIC can help you identify alternative pathways to PR

Why Choose ImmigCanada?

At ImmigCanada, led by Eivy Joy Quito ((#R512178), we provide comprehensive immigration consulting services:

• Expert Guidance
• Seamless Process
• Up-to-Date Information

Your Canadian dream starts here. Let ImmigCanada be your trusted partner.

FAQs About the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots Program