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    High Demand Shuts Applications for Home Child Care Workers Until 2026

    In a striking display of demand for immigration pathways in Canada, the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot: Child Care (HCWP: CC) reached its application cap on March 31, 2025—the day it opened for submissions.

    Prospective applicants hoping to secure permanent residency under this pilot must now wait until 2026 to apply again.

    A Highly Sought-After Pathway Closes Within Hours

    The HCWP: CC, which facilitates permanent residency for qualified child care workers in Canada, had a total of 2,750 application spots available this year. Of these, 150 places were specifically allocated for out-of-status workers, providing an opportunity for those already in the country without valid status to apply for regularization.
    However, the sheer volume of applications led to the program hitting its limit within mere hours of opening.

    Backlog over The Past six Months

    For a broader perspective, here is the trajectory of the backlog over the past six months:

    Month Immigration Backlog Change Relative to Previous Month
    September 2024 1,097,000 +1.73%
    October 2024 1,056,100 -3.73%
    November 2024 1,006,500 -4.70%
    December 2024 942,300 -6.38%
    January 2025 892,100 -5.33%
    February 2025 821,200 -7.95%
    With a total of 2,029,400 applications in its inventory, IRCC has successfully processed 1,208,200 applications within its service standards, demonstrating a firm commitment to efficiency.

    Limited Alternative Application Options Still Open

    While the standard online application portal has been shut down, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) continues to accept submissions through alternative formats. These include paper applications, braille, and large-print formats, which are designed for individuals requiring special accommodations.
    However, these cases are exceptions rather than the rule, as IRCC primarily mandates the use of the online permanent residence portal for applications.

    Applicants Not Working in Canada Still in Limbo

    Despite the swift closure of the HCWP:CC for those currently working in Canada, there has been no official announcement on when the “Applicants Not Working in Canada” stream will open. This means that many potential candidates who wish to immigrate under this program remain uncertain about their next steps.

    A Temporary Program with the Potential for Permanence

    The HCWP:CC is part of a broader five-year pilot initiative designed to address labor shortages in Canada’s child care sector while offering eligible workers a pathway to permanent residency. Given the program’s popularity, immigration experts speculate that the government may consider transitioning it into a permanent immigration stream in the future, much like the successful Atlantic Immigration Program.

    The Rationale Behind the Change

    The removal of CRS points for job offers follows concerns raised by former Immigration Minister Marc Miller in December 2024 about fraudulent job offers being used to manipulate the Express Entry system. Miller highlighted that some candidates were attempting to “purchase an LMIA,” a practice that is illegal in Canada.

    By eliminating job offer points, the government aims to:

    This move aligns with broader efforts by IRCC to combat immigration fraud. Earlier this year, the department proposed stricter regulations, including the establishment of a compensation fund for individuals who fall victim to fraudulent immigration consultants.

    What’s Next for Prospective Applicants?

    With the 2025 intake now closed, individuals interested in applying under the HCWP:CC should start preparing for next year’s application cycle. Keeping an eye on government announcements and ensuring all required documentation is in order well in advance will be crucial for those looking to secure a spot in 2026.
    For now, the overwhelming response to this program highlights the continued appeal of Canada as a destination for skilled foreign workers, particularly in sectors experiencing labor shortages.
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