Pausing Home Care Worker Immigration pilots application intake
Immigrate Through the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots
Canada continues to be a top destination for skilled workers worldwide, and the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot (HCWP) offers an excellent pathway to permanent residency (PR) for foreign nationals interested in providing care services.
Overview of the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot
- Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot: Child Care
- Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot: Home Support
Each of these programs has two distinct streams:
- Workers in Canada Stream: Open for applications from March 31, 2025, to March 30, 2026, or until the cap is reached.
- Applicants Not Working in Canada Stream: Details to be announced at a later date.
Eligibility Criteria for HCWP Applicants
General Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | HCWP Child Care | HCWP Home Support |
|---|---|---|
| Status in Canada (For Workers in Canada Stream) | Must have valid work authorization (exceptions for some out-of-status workers) | Same as Child Care |
| Language Proficiency | Minimum CLB 4 in English or French | Same as Child Care |
| Education | Secondary school diploma or equivalent | Same as Child Care |
| Work Experience | 6 months as Home Child Care Provider (NOC 44100) or Early Childhood Educator Assistant (NOC 42202) | 6 months as Home Support Worker (NOC 44101) or Nurse Aide/Orderly (NOC 33102) |
| Professional Training (For Those Without Experience) | A post-secondary credential of at least six months in a related field | Same as Child Care |
| Settlement Funds (For Applicants Outside Canada) | Proof of funds required based on family size | Same as Child Care |
How This Work Permit Can Help You Get Canada PR
Several occupations listed above fall under Canada’s STEM category-based Express Entry draws. If you gain Canadian work experience in these roles, you may significantly improve your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. To qualify under a STEM-focused Express Entry draw, you typically need:
- At least six months of full-time continuous work experience in an eligible occupation
- Eligibility under one of the Express Entry programs
- Strong CRS-boosting factors such as Canadian experience, age, and language scores
For many skilled workers, the GTS becomes the first step toward Canada PR in 2026.
Occupations Eligible for the HCWP
One of the most significant policy shifts is the requirement for upfront medical examinations for all Express Entry candidates who are submitting their final PR application.
1. Child Care Pilot
- Home Child Care Providers (NOC 44100)
- Early Childhood Educators and Assistants (NOC 42202) (Experience as a foster parent is not counted)
2. Home Support Pilot
- Home Support Workers, Caregivers, and Related Occupations (NOC 44101)
- Nurse Aides, Orderlies, and Patient Service Associates (NOC 33102) (Work experience in long-term care facilities may be eligible)
Work Experience Conditions To qualify, work experience must:
- Be within the last three years.
- Be continuous and full-time (at least 30 hours per week).
- Not be gained through self-employment or as a full-time student.
Education and Professional Training Requirements
- Be related to an eligible NOC.
- Be at the post-secondary level.
- Be a full-time program (at least 15 hours per week).
- Be completed primarily in person.
- Be aligned with the Child Care or Home Support pilot.
Ineligible Education Credentials A credential is not eligible if:
- It does not relate to the eligible occupations.
- It was earned primarily online.
- It was part of on-the-job training.
Also Read Pausing Home Care Worker Immigration pilots application intake | Top 20 Highest-Paying Jobs in Canada | Avoiding Recruitment Scams and Fake Attestation Letters for Canada Jobs | Canada Updates Rules for Immigration Medical Exams and Biometrics | Two-Week Work Permit Processing Available for Skilled Workers
Job Offer Requirements for HCWP Applicants
- Full-time, continuous employment (minimum 30 hours per week) with no end date.
- Located in Canada (outside Quebec).
- Clearly outlines hourly wages, job duties, and employment conditions.
Job Offers Must Align with Specific NOCs
- HCWP Child Care
- HCWP Home Support
- Home Child Care Providers (NOC 44100)
- Home Support Workers (NOC 44101)
Exclusions:
- Child Care: Early childhood educators and daycare supervisors (NOC 42202) are not eligible.
- Home Support: Institutional roles (such as in hospitals or long-term care homes) are not eligible.
What Makes a Job Offer "Genuine"? A job offer is considered valid if:
- The employer has a real need to hire a care worker.
- The employer complies with all provincial and federal employment laws.
- The offered wage meets or exceeds the median wage for that occupation.
Eligible and Ineligible Employers
Eligible Employers:
- Private households hiring care providers.
- Businesses and non-profit organizations that directly employ home care workers.
Ineligible Employers:
- Staffing agencies and recruitment firms.
- Embassies, consulates, or diplomats.
- Employers found non-compliant with labor laws.
- The applicant’s own family members.
Special Provisions for Out-of-Status Workers
- They entered Canada on or before December 16, 2021, and have continuously resided in the country.
- They previously held a work permit after this date.
- They are not inadmissible to Canada for reasons other than overstaying their status or unauthorized work.
Who is Not Eligible? Applicants cannot qualify under this policy if:
- They made a refugee claim.
- They are subject to a removal order.
- They currently hold a valid study permit.
Settlement Fund Requirements
| Number of Family Members | Required Funds (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $14,690 |
| 2/td> | $18,288 |
| 3 | $22,483 |
| 4 | $27,297 |
| 5 | $30,690 |
| 6 | $34,917 |
| 7+ | $38,875 (+$3,958 per additional member) |
Application Fees for HCWP Programs
| Fee Type | Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Processing Fee | $1,525 |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee/td> | $575 |
| Biometrics | $85 per applicant ($170 max per family) |
| Additional Costs | Medical exams, police certificates, educational assessments, and language tests |
Note: Employers are prohibited from charging recruitment fees.
Conclusion
The HCWP provides a crucial opportunity for home care workers to secure permanent residency in Canada. With specific eligibility requirements, a structured application process, and clear job offer conditions, understanding the nuances of this pilot program can help applicants navigate their path to Canadian PR successfully. If you’re considering applying, make sure to gather all necessary documents, secure a valid job offer, and prepare your application well before the program cap is reached.
Applicants planning to move to Canada, either through Express Entry, PNPs, or Canada Work Permit pathways, should stay informed and take timely action to ensure a smooth process. If you need guidance tailored to your profile, partnering with the Best Immigration Consultants in India can help you move forward with confidence and accuracy.
