Canada has long recognized the invaluable contributions of home care workers—those dedicated professionals who support children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, enabling them to lead comfortable and independent lives.
In response to the evolving needs of Canadian families and to address labor shortages in the home care sector, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is set to launch the new Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots on March 31, 2025.
A Streamlined Pathway to Permanent Residency
One of the most significant features of these new pilots is the introduction of a one-step immigration process. Qualified home care workers and their families can obtain permanent residency upon arrival in Canada, eliminating the previous requirement of acquiring Canadian work experience before applying. This change underscores Canada’s commitment to attracting skilled caregivers from around the world and providing them with a clear and direct route to becoming permanent residents.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 4 in English or French.
- Educational Background: Canadian high school diploma equivalent or higher.
- Relevant Experience or Training: At least six months of recent and relevant work experience or completion of a caregiver training program of at least six months.
- Job Offer: A full-time job offer in the home care sector within Canada, excluding Quebec.
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is not required, simplifying the process for both employers and prospective immigrants.
Flexible Employment Opportunities
The pilots offer flexibility in employment, allowing home care workers to serve in various settings where their skills are most needed. Eligible job offers can come from:
- Private households
- Organizations that directly hire full-time workers to provide short-term or occasional home care for individuals who are semi-independent or recovering from an injury or illness, including:
- Home health care service providers
- Home care support service providers
- Direct care agencies
- Personal care services in residential settings
- Pediatric home health care service providers
Recruitment or placement agencies are not eligible employers under these pilots.
Application Streams
The Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots will feature two distinct streams:
- Workers in Canada – For individuals already residing and working in Canada. Applications for this stream open March 31, 2025.
- Applicants Not Working in Canada – For those not currently employed in Canada. The opening date for this stream will be announced later.
Initially, only applications for the Workers in Canada stream will be accepted. Prospective applicants should prepare their documentation to ensure a smooth application process once the pilots commence.
Transition from Previous Programs
The introduction of these new pilots follows the conclusion of the Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker Pilots, which ended on June 17, 2024. Applications submitted under the previous pilots before this date will continue to be processed. For those who did not apply under the former programs, the new Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots offer a renewed opportunity to pursue permanent residency in Canada.
Looking Ahead
As Canada prepares to welcome a new cohort of dedicated home care workers, these pilots represent a significant step toward strengthening the country’s healthcare support system and providing meaningful opportunities for caregivers worldwide.
Prospective applicants should stay informed by regularly checking official IRCC updates to ensure they have the most current information and are well-prepared for the application process.
#Immigration #CanadaPR #HomeCareWorkers #CaregiverPathway #IRCC #CaregiverImmigration #ImmigrationNews #CaregiverLife #ImmigrateToCanada #CaregiverVisa