NEW CANADA HOME CARE WORKER IMMIGRATION PILOTS

On February 26, 2025, the Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced New Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots—the Workers in Canada Stream and Applicants Not Working in Canada Stream. These new pilot programs are designed to streamline the process for qualified home care workers, whether specializing in child care or in-home support, to obtain permanent residency. The initiatives focus on simplifying the application process, lowering requirements (such as specific education or language standards), and offering greater flexibility in job offers.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?

Like any other Canadian immigration program, the Home Care Worker Program (HCWP) has its eligibility requirements. Below are the requirements:

1. Education and Language Requirements. The new pilot programs will reduce language and education requirements. While applicants must still possess the necessary skills to perform the job and adapt to the Canadian labor market, they will now only need to meet the following criteria:
   1. A Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) level 4. You can choose from the following test options: IELTS or CELPIP (for English), or TEF or TCF (for French).
   1. A high school diploma or equivalent, verified through an Educational Credential Assessment, if obtained outside of Canada.
2. Work Experience. Applicants won’t be required to have prior Canadian work experience. However, they must have recent, relevant work experience or have completed at least 6 months of related home care training. Additionally, they must secure a full-time job offer in home care within Canada, outside of Quebec. Job offers from recruitment and placement agencies will not be accepted.
3. Removing the Requirement for Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Employers are no longer required to secure an LMIA to hire international caregivers, eliminating a significant administrative hurdle and speeding up the hiring process.

SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR OUT-OF-STATUS WORKERS

In a significant development, the HCWP introduces a special public policy initiative aimed at assisting care workers currently living in Canada without legal status. A restricted number of spots have been set aside for these individuals, enabling them to regularize their immigration status while continuing their key caregiving roles. To be eligible, applicants must meet the program’s standard criteria, including language proficiency, education, and work experience requirements, as well as secure a valid job offer from an eligible employer.

WHICH EMPLOYERS ARE ELIGIBLE?

Applicants who are not employed by a private household must have a job offer from one of the following organizations:

1. Private Households: A popular choice where families directly hire caregivers.
2. Home Health Care Service Providers: Businesses that provide in-home nursing or personal care services.
3. Home Care Support Services: Agencies that hire caregivers directly (excluding third-party recruiters).
4. Residential Settings: Personal care services offered in group homes or assisted living facilities, provided the caregiver role is comparable to in-home care.
5. Pediatric Home Health Care Providers: Providers focused on caring for children with special needs or chronic health conditions.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE HCWP?

The HCWP will offer remarkable benefits to Canadian families, especially those caring for children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. By increasing access to qualified caregivers, the program will provide more families with the support they need to maintain a good quality of life. For example, parents can return to work knowing their children are in capable hands, while adult children can ensure their elderly parents receive the care they deserve.

Furthermore, the program recognizes the vital economic role caregivers play in enabling family members to remain in the workforce. By supporting caregivers, the HCWP strengthens both Canada’s economy and its social fabric, creating exceptional benefits and advantages for workers and families.

WHEN CAN I APPLY?

1. Applicants for the Workers in Canada Stream can submit their applications commencing on March 31, 2025.
2. Applicants not Working in Canada Stream will have to wait till a future date to be decided by IRCC before they can apply. We are awaiting further details from IRCC on the application process.

If you are planning to apply under one of the HCWPs, our experienced immigration lawyers would be willing to support you in your application and will guide you on collating target documents while adhering to strict IRCC procedures. This helps to simplify the process for you and avoid unintended costs. And we are only a call away.

Author: VINCENT IGENOZA