In a significant move to support home care workers, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially announced the launch of two new pilot programs aimed at providing a streamlined pathway to permanent residence (PR). These new programs, collectively referred to as Canada’s Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots, will open on March 31, 2025, replacing the previous caregiver immigration programs that recently expired.
This development is expected to provide skilled home care professionals with a direct route to Canadian permanent residency upon arrival, further strengthening Canada’s commitment to addressing the growing demand for home care workers.
Who is Eligible for the New Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots?
To qualify for the new caregiver pilot programs, foreign nationals must meet the following criteria:
✔ Language Proficiency: Achieve a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 in English or French.
✔ Educational Qualification: Hold a diploma equivalent to a Canadian high school certificate.
✔ Relevant Work Experience: Have recent and relevant work experience in the home care sector.
✔ Job Offer Requirement: Secure a full-time job offer for a home care position in Canada.
It is important to note that as of June 16, 2024, candidates under the previous home care worker immigration programs were required to have only six months of eligible work experience to apply for permanent residence. However, IRCC has yet to release additional details regarding any new experience requirements under the updated programs.
SWEC Visa’s team of expert immigration consultants can help you assess your eligibility, prepare your application, and maximize your chances of securing PR through these new pathways.
Background: Canada’s Evolving Home Care Immigration Programs
The launch of these new pilots comes after a temporary pause in caregiver immigration programs. IRCC first announced its intention to introduce new pathways for home care workers on June 3, 2024. Shortly after, on June 17, 2024, the department officially closed the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot, marking the end of the previous caregiver immigration routes.
Before this, Canada had introduced several caregiver immigration programs over the years, including:
✔ Live-in Caregiver Program (closed in 2014)
✔ Caring for Children Pilot (closed in 2019)
✔ Caring for People with High Medical Needs Pilot (closed in 2019)
✔ Interim Pathway for Caregivers Program (closed in 2019)
✔ Home Child Care Provider Pilot & Home Support Worker Pilot (closed in 2024)
With the introduction of these new Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots, IRCC aims to create a more structured and accessible pathway for caregivers, ensuring that Canada continues to attract skilled professionals to support its healthcare and home care sectors.
Immigration Targets for Home Care Workers in 2025-2027
Under Canada’s 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan, IRCC has allocated 10,920 spots for new immigrants under the Federal Economic Pilots category. The new Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots will be part of this allocation, alongside:
🔹 The Agri-Food Pilot
🔹 Community Immigration Pilots
🔹 The Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot
While the exact number of spots dedicated to home care workers has not yet been confirmed, the launch of these pilots signals Canada’s growing need for skilled caregivers and its commitment to improving PR pathways for them.
Why Choose SWEC Visa for Your Canada PR Application?
At SWEC Visa, we specialize in guiding home care professionals and caregivers through the Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and specialized pilot programs like the new Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots.
✔ Personalized Immigration Strategy tailored to your qualifications
✔ Expert Documentation & Application Assistance
✔ Guidance on Job Search & Employer Connections in Canada
✔ Support in Language Test Preparation (IELTS/CELPIP)
Let SWEC Visa help you achieve your dream of Canadian Permanent Residence!
Take the first step today! Consult SWEC’s professional visa and immigration experts to secure your future in Canada’s home care sector.
