Home Caregiver
Canada is launching the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots on March 31, 2025, aimed at providing a direct pathway to permanent residence for qualified home care workers. These pilots replace previous caregiver programs and consist of two streams: the Workers in Canada Stream for foreign home care workers already in Canada, and the Applicants Not Working in Canada Stream for those applying from outside the country. Initially, the Workers in Canada Stream will open, with the second stream to follow later. To be eligible, applicants must have at least six months of recent, relevant work experience or complete a six-month home care training program, possess a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 in English or French, have an education equivalent to a Canadian secondary school diploma, and secure a full-time job offer from a private household or organization. Applicants are not required to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The program will accept applications until March 30, 2026, or until the intake cap of 2,750 home care workers is reached, with 150 spots reserved for out-of-status workers. Detailed guidelines are available on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
About
The Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot is a new Canadian immigration pathway set to launch on March 31, 2025. This pilot program aims to provide qualified home care and child care workers with a streamlined process to obtain permanent residence in Canada. Designed to address the growing demand for caregiving professionals, the program provides an opportunity for skilled workers to come to Canada and contribute to the care of children, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities. The pilot will target both foreign workers already in Canada and those living abroad, offering them an opportunity to apply for permanent residence after meeting the necessary requirements.
Eligibility
- Worker Status
- For Workers in Canada: Applicants must be currently residing in Canada and be employed as a home care worker.
- Language Proficiency
- CLB Level 4: Applicants must demonstrate language proficiency at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 in English or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) level 4 in French.
- Job Offer
- Full-time Job Offer: You must have a valid fullttime, permanent job offer in the home care sector (Child Care or Home Support).
- Job Details: The job offer should be for work in home care within a private household or eligible home care service provider.
- Work Experience
- Relevant Experience: You must have at least 6 months of continuous, full-time work experience in home care (child care or home support) in the last 3 years before applying.
- Eligible Experience: The experience must be in one of the following National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes:
- NOC 44100: Home child care providers
- NOC 44101: Home support workers
- NOC 33102: Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates (Work experience in NOC 33102 gained in an institutional setting like long-term care may also be eligible).
- Eligible NOC Codes
- Child Care: NOC 44100
- Home Support: NOC 44101
- Nurse Aides, Orderlies, and Patient Service Associates: NOC 33102 (work in an institutional setting, such as long-term care, may be eligible).
- Experience within the Last 3 Years
- The work experience used to qualify must have been gained within the 3 years prior to submitting your application.
- High Demand
- This program has high demand, and spots fill up quickly. Be sure to prepare your application as early as possible to increase your chances of success.
- The Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots offer permanent residence to skilled workers in two categories: Child Care and Home Support. To qualify for either of these pilots, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
How to Apply
- Check Eligibility
- Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria mentioned above.
- Secure a Job Offer
- Obtain a valid job offer from an eligible Canadian employer, such as a home care organization or a private household.
- Prepare Documentation
- Collect the necessary documents, including proof of language proficiency, work experience, education credentials, and your job offer.
- Submit Application
- Applications will be accepted starting March 31, 2025. You will need to apply through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)’s official platform.
- Wait for Decision
- Once your application is submitted, IRCC will process it, and you will be informed about your application status.
Documents
- Valid Job Offer
- Proof of employment from an eligible Canadian employer.
- Proof of Work Experience
- Documentation of at least six months of relevant work experience in home care or child care.
- Language Test Results
- A valid language test report showing CLB/NCLC level 4 or higher in English or French.
- Educational Credential
- Proof of educational qualifications equivalent to a Canadian high school diploma.
- Police Certificates
- You may need to provide police certificates from countries where you’ve lived for more than six months.
- Medical Examination
- You may need to undergo a medical exam if requested.
- Passport and Identification
- Valid passport or identification document.
Application Fees
- The application fees for the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot are as follows:
- Permanent Residence Application Fee: CAD $1525
- Biometrics Fee: CAD $85 (if applicable).
- Additional Fees: Depending on your specific circumstances, there may be additional fees for things like medical exams or police certificates.
Processing Time
- Factors Affecting Processing Time:
- Application Volume: The number of applications received can impact processing times.
- Document Completeness: Incomplete or inaccurate documentation may cause delays, so it's important to ensure that all required documents are submitted correctly.
- Applicant's Country of Origin: Processing times may vary depending on the applicant's country, as additional checks may be required.
- Additional Factors: Special circumstances such as medical exams or background checks could further affect processing times.
- General Processing Time: Processing times for the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots typically take 6 to 12 months from the time of application until a decision on permanent residency is made.
Advantages
The Home Care Immigration Pilot Program 2025 offers several advantages for both immigrants and the healthcare sector. It provides a pathway for skilled foreign workers, particularly those in the home care industry, to gain permanent residency in Canada. This program addresses the growing demand for caregivers, allowing them to provide essential services to elderly or vulnerable individuals in need of support. It also benefits the Canadian healthcare system by ensuring a stable and reliable workforce. Additionally, the pilot program promotes family reunification by enabling caregivers to bring their families along, helping them settle and integrate into Canadian society. The program is designed to offer a clear, structured pathway to permanent residency, improving job security and stability for home care workers, while contributing to Canada's aging population's healthcare needs.