Canada has announced its Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot (HCWP), a new pathway to permanent residency (PR) for foreign home care workers. Under this program, 2,750 home care workers will be granted PR, including 150 out-of-status workers already in Canada.
This initiative aligns with Canada’s efforts to address labor shortages and regularize undocumented workers, making it one of the most accessible PR pathways for home care professionals.
Read on to learn about the eligibility criteria, application process, and what this means for foreign home care workers looking to immigrate to Canada.
What Is the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot (HCWP)?
The HCWP is a new immigration program designed to provide a direct pathway to permanent residency for home care workers in Canada and abroad.
✅ 2,750 PR admissions, with 150 reserved for out-of-status workers.
✅ Two application streams:
- Workers in Canada stream (for those already in Canada).
- Applicants not working in Canada stream (for foreign applicants).
✅ No Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) required for eligible job offers.
✅ Aiming for permanent implementation, based on pilot performance.
Official opening date: 31 March 2025
Important: Initially, only applications through the Workers in Canada stream will be accepted. The second stream will open later (date not yet announced).
Who Is Eligible for the HCWP?
The HCWP has simple and accessible eligibility requirements, making it one of the easiest PR pathways in Canada’s immigration system.
1️⃣ Work Experience
You must have:
✔️ At least six months of recent, relevant work experience in home care (in Canada or abroad); OR
✔️ A minimum six-month educational credential related to home care training.
2️⃣ Language Proficiency
You need a minimum language proficiency of:
✔️ CLB 4 in English (Canadian Language Benchmark); OR
✔️ NCLC 4 in French (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens).
3️⃣ Job Offer
You must have a full-time job offer from either:
✔️ A private household; OR
✔️ A qualified organization that directly hires home care workers.
Important:
Recruitment & placement agencies are NOT eligible.
No LMIA required for job offers under HCWP.
4️⃣ Other Requirements
✔️ Meet Canada’s general immigration eligibility, including medical and background checks.
✔️ Further requirements will be announced when the HCWP officially opens on 31 March 2025.
Why Is Canada Introducing the HCWP?
The Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot aligns with Canada’s strategy to fill labor shortages in essential sectors. The home care sector is experiencing a growing demand due to an aging population and healthcare worker shortages.
Additionally, the HCWP contributes to Canada’s regularization efforts by allowing out-of-status foreign workers to regain legal status and settle permanently.
Other Recent Regularization Programs in Canada:
✔️ Out-of-status construction worker PR pathway: Allows 6,000 undocumented construction workers to apply for PR.
✔️ Temporary to Permanent Resident (TR to PR) pathways: Help temporary workers in key sectors gain PR status.
These programs help meet immigration targets while addressing housing and labor shortages without adding excessive population pressure.
How to Apply for the HCWP?
The Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot (HCWP) application process will open in phases.
Step-by-Step Application Process:
✅ Step 1: Check eligibility based on work experience, language skills, and job offer.
✅ Step 2: Gather supporting documents (passport, work experience proof, language test results, job offer letter).
✅ Step 3: Submit your application through IRCC’s online portal (starting 31 March 2025).
✅ Step 4: Wait for processing and PR approval.
✅ Step 5: Receive your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and settle in Canada.
Foreign home care workers outside Canada will need to wait for further announcements before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When will the HCWP officially open for applications?
The HCWP will open on 31 March 2025 for the Workers in Canada stream. The stream for foreign applicants will open later (date TBA).
2. Can I apply if I am an undocumented worker in Canada?
Yes! 150 PR spots are reserved for out-of-status home care workers in Canada under the HCWP.
3. Do I need an LMIA for my job offer?
No, a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is NOT required for job offers under the HCWP.
4. What kind of job offers are accepted under the HCWP?
✔️ Private households
✔️ Home health care providers
✔️ Direct care agencies
✔️ Personal care services in residential settings
Recruitment and placement agencies are NOT eligible.
5. Can I apply for the HCWP if I live outside Canada?
🔹 Not yet. The Workers in Canada stream will open first on 31 March 2025.
🔹 The Applicants not working in Canada stream will open at a later date (TBA).
6. What is the minimum work experience required for HCWP?
🔹 You need at least six months of recent, relevant home care work experience (Canada or abroad).
🔹 OR An educational credential (6 months minimum) related to home care training.
7. What is the minimum language requirement for HCWP?
CLB 4 in English OR NCLC 4 in French.
8. How long does it take to process HCWP applications?
IRCC has not yet announced processing times, but most PR applications take 6–12 months on average.
9. Is the HCWP a temporary or permanent program?
The HCWP is a pilot program, but the government may make it permanent based on its success.
Final Thoughts: A Great Opportunity for Home Care Workers
The Canada Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot (HCWP) is an excellent opportunity for foreign home care workers to gain permanent residency. With simple eligibility requirements, no LMIA, and a streamlined process, this could be your chance to settle in Canada.
Don’t miss out! If you’re a home care worker looking for PR in Canada, now is the time to prepare your application. Need help? Contact our immigration experts at apply online now.