Canada is introducing a new Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot (HCWP), set to launch on March 31, 2025. This initiative aims to streamline permanent residency (PR) for foreign home care workers and their families, addressing growing labor shortages in the sector. Unlike previous caregiver programs, this pathway allows eligible applicants to obtain PR upon arrival in Canada, eliminating the requirement for prior Canadian work experience.
Admissions Target and Application Streams
The government has set an admissions target of 2,750 principal applicants for 2025, continuing its commitment to supporting home care professionals. The HCWP will operate under two streams:
- Workers in Canada Stream – For applicants currently employed in Canada.
- Applicants Not Working in Canada Stream – For those applying from outside Canada.
Initially, the program will only accept applications from individuals already working in Canada. A timeline for accepting applications from overseas candidates is expected to be announced later.
Eligibility Requirements for HCWP
To qualify for the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Work Experience: At least six months of recent, relevant experience in home care.
- Education: A credential equivalent to a Canadian high school diploma.
- Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 4 in English or NCLC 4 in French.
- Job Offer: A full-time job offer from a private household or eligible organization (excluding recruitment agencies). Notably, an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) is not required.
Regularization for Out-of-Status Home Care Workers
A special allocation of 150 spots is designated for home care workers who are currently out of status in Canada. This measure recognizes their valuable contributions and offers them a pathway to regularize their status.
Future Prospects
Government officials have indicated that if successful, this pilot could become a permanent immigration pathway. This initiative not only fills essential labor gaps but also offers a stable future for skilled foreign home care workers seeking to build their lives in Canada.