Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots

Program Status: Intake Paused Until Further Notice

IRCC paused intake for the Home Care Worker Immigration pilots until further notice in a notice dated December 19, 2025. IRCC's pilot page lists both streams as closed and says the stream for applicants not working in Canada will open at a later date. No reopening date has been announced as of November 6, 2026. IRCC continues to process applications received to date.

Enhanced Caregiver Pilots (2025) Enhanced

On March 31, 2025, Canada launched the Home Care Worker Immigration pilots (Child Care and Home Support) to replace the earlier Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker pilots. They were designed as a more direct pathway to permanent residence for qualified home care workers. Intake has been paused since December 19, 2025.

The sections below describe the pilots' published features and requirements for reference. They do not allow a new application while intake is paused.

Key Features of the Pilots

Permanent Residence on Arrival: IRCC's June 2024 announcement said the pilots would provide home care workers with permanent residence on arrival in Canada, and IRCC said there would be no specific in-Canada work experience requirement
Work Experience: 6 months of continuous, full-time work experience in the past 3 years, which can be gained in Canada or abroad
Training Alternative: A relevant training credential of at least 6 months, completed in the past 2 years, can be used instead of work experience
Job Offer: A full-time job offer in home care is required
Location: You must plan to live and work in Canada outside Quebec

Application Streams

Stream A (In Canada)

For applicants already working in Canada. IRCC lists this stream as closed while it processes existing applications.

Opened March 31, 2025. Intake paused since December 19, 2025

Stream B (Outside Canada)

For applicants who are not working in Canada, for example home care workers living abroad with a job offer. IRCC says this stream will open at a later date.

Closed. No opening date announced

Eligible Occupations

The pilots cover two main caregiver occupations under NOC 2021:

NOC 44100 - Home Child Care Providers: Care for children in the employer's or caregiver's home, including feeding, bathing, dressing, and supervising activities
NOC 44101 - Home Support Workers: Provide personal care and companionship to elderly, disabled, or convalescent clients in their homes

IRCC also accepts certain work under NOC 42202 (child care) and NOC 33102 (home support), and some jobs under NOC 42202 are not eligible. Check IRCC's work experience page for the exact duties.

Eligibility Requirements

Work Experience

At least 6 months of continuous, full-time work experience in an eligible caregiver occupation within the 3 years before applying. Experience can be gained inside or outside Canada.

Training Alternative

A credential from a relevant training program of at least 6 months, completed within the 2 years before applying, can substitute for work experience.

Job Offer

Full-time job offer from a Canadian home care organization or private family in NOC 44100 or 44101.

Language

Minimum CLB Level 4 in English or French (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking).

Education

Canadian high school diploma or equivalent foreign credential (with ECA).

Family Members

Spouse/partner and dependent children can be included in the PR application.

Options While Intake Is Paused

                 What Applicants Can Do Now
                Already applied: IRCC continues to process applications received before the pause.
In-Canada Workers Initiative: Announced May 4, 2026, it prioritises permanent residence applications already filed under the caregiver pilots, among other programs, from work permit holders who have lived in smaller communities for at least 2 years. No action is needed from applicants.
2027 workers cohort: IRCC's November 5, 2026 release says provinces and territories can identify workers who already applied under home care worker programs.
New applications: Other routes such as Express Entry, a Provincial Nominee Program or the Rural Community Immigration Pilot may be possible, depending on your profile and job offer.

            

Caregiver Immigration Pilots