The Canada Caregiver Pilot Program has officially transitioned into the newly launched Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (HCWP), opening doors to foreign caregivers with simplified eligibility criteria and a direct pathway to permanent residency (PR). This newly enhanced program is now accepting applications and is already live for qualified applicants working in Canada.
Table Of Content
1What is Caregiver Pilot Program2Caregiver Pilot Program Requirements3Common Requirements for Both Streams4Age Limit for Caregiver in Canada5How to Apply for Caregiver Pilot Program in Canada6Caregiver Program Canada Processing Time7Permanent Residency Pathway for Caregivers in Canada8Caregiver Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship9Frequently Asked Questions
What is Caregiver Pilot Program
The Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (HCWP) for child care and home support is a newly announced caregiver immigration initiative set to replace the previous Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker Pilot programs. The HCWP in Canada aims to trim the pathway for caregivers from foreign countries by offering instant permanent residency upon arrival for eligible applicants.
It features two streams:
- Workers in Canada stream – launched on March 31, 2025 and currently closed.
- Applicants Not Working in Canada stream – launch date yet to be announced.
This enhanced caregiver pilot program is tailored to meet Canada’s rising demand for home care workers while making the immigration process faster and more inclusive.
Caregiver Pilot Program Requirements
- Have a full-time job offer from a qualifying home care employer.
- Achieve a minimum CLB 4 in English or French (caregiver pilot program IELTS requirement).
- Possess a high school diploma (post-secondary education is no longer required).
- Have at least 6 months of relevant and recent experience or related training.
- proof of funds.
The stream wise eligibility for the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots under the new 2025 caregiver program:
1. Workers in Canada Stream
To be eligible, you must:
Be Living in Canada
You can apply even if you’re temporarily outside Canada (e.g., on vacation), but you must usually reside in Canada.
Be Authorized to Work Full-Time in any Occupation (Non-Seasonal)
This can be through:
- A valid work permit
- Maintained status
- Public policy (e.g., temporary policy exemptions)
Not Eligible if:
You’re in Canada but no longer have valid work authorization (e.g., expired permit and no maintained status).
2. Applicants Not Working in Canada Stream
To be eligible, you must:
Provide Proof of Funds
Show you have enough money to support yourself and any family members settling in Canada.
Common Requirements for Both Streams
Language Proficiency
Minimum CLB 4 in English or French (writing, reading, listening, speaking).
You must prove it through an approved language test.
Education
Canadian high school diploma or equivalent
If educated outside Canada, get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to prove equivalency.
Work Experience or Training
You must meet ONE of the following:
- At least 6 months of continuous, full-time, relevant work experience in the past 3 years, OR
- A relevant training credential completed in the past 2 years
Depending on the stream the Eligible NOC codes are given by:
Child Care Stream (HCWIP – Child Care)
- NOC 44100 – Home child care providers
- NOC 42202 – Early childhood educators and assistants (some job types under this are ineligible)
Home Support Stream (HCWIP – Home Support)
- NOC 44101 – Home support workers, caregiver
- NOC 33102 – Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates
Age Limit for Caregiver in Canada
There is no strict age limit under the new Canada Caregiver Pilot Program- HCWP. However, applicants must be legal adults (18+) and meet the physical and mental requirements to carry out caregiving duties in Canada.
How to Apply for Caregiver Pilot Program in Canada
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Caregiver Pilot Program Requirements and application process:
Step 1: Secure a Valid Job Offer
- Requirement: A full-time, genuine job offer from a Canadian employer.
- The position must be for Home Support Worker/Child Care Worker (Eg: NOC 44101 , NOC 44100).
- The employer must not be a business or agency but an individual or family.
- The job offer must clearly state duties, hours, and wages.
Step 2: Meet the Program Requirements
Before applying, prepare the following documents to meet the Caregiver Pilot Program Requirements:
- Language Proficiency: Take an approved English or French test with minimum CLB 4.
- Education: At least 1 year of post-secondary education (Canadian equivalent).
- Proof of Funds: Show you can financially support yourself and family members, if any.
- Work Experience / Training: Previous paid or unpaid caregiver work or relevant training will strengthen your application.
Step 3: Apply Through the Workers in Canada Stream
Before applying, prepare the following documents to meet the Caregiver Pilot Program Requirements:
- Start Date: Applications open on March 31, 2025
- Application Portal: Use the official IRCC online portal.
- Select the “Workers in Canada” stream of the Home Care Worker Pilot.
Step 4: Wait for Assessment
- The IRCC will review your application and job offer.
- If your application meets all the requirements, you will receive Permanent Residency (PR) status upon arrival, if approved from abroad.
Step 5: Move to Canada and Begin Work
- Once approved, you can enter Canada as a Permanent Resident.
- Start working in the home care sector as per your job offer.
Caregiver Program Canada Processing Time
Thanks to the PR-on-arrival model, the new Canada Caregiver Pilot Program significantly reduces immigration processing times. Though timelines can vary, it is expected to be faster than the older pilot programs, which had 6–12 month wait times.
Permanent Residency Pathway for Caregivers in Canada
The new Canada Caregiver Pilot Program offers direct permanent residency to eligible caregivers once their application is approved. This eliminates the need to wait for two years of work experience in Canada before applying for PR, which is a major change from the older caregiver pilot programs.
There are two immigration pilot programs under the caregiver category:
- Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot – Child Care
- Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot – Home Support
These pilots provide an opportunity to obtain permanent residency in Canada by working in eligible caregiving roles, either as a home child care provider or a home support worker.
Caregiver Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship
Job offers with visa sponsorship are essential to apply for the new Canada Caregiver Pilot Program. Employers from eligible sectors (home care, elder care, pediatric care) may sponsor your visa. These jobs are available on Canadian job portals or through authorized Canada immigration consultants and agencies.
