In 2025, the caregiver immigration landscape in Canada underwent a major transformation. The old programs (Home Support Worker Pilot and Home Child Care Provider Pilot) were replaced by the new Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (HCWIP).

The most significant change is that qualified caregivers can now receive Permanent Residency (PR) on arrival, rather than having to work in Canada for two years first.

1. Current Status (December 2025)

• “Workers in Canada” Stream: This stream is for caregivers already in the country with valid work authorization. It opened on March 31, 2025, and reached its intake caps quickly.

• “Applicants Outside Canada” Stream: IRCC has confirmed this stream will exist, but as of late 2025, the official opening date for candidates outside Canada is still pending. Many expect a major intake to open in early 2026.

2. Eligibility Requirements

The new 2025 rules are more accessible than previous years:

• Language: You only need a CLB 4 (English or French). This is lower than the previous CLB 5 requirement.

• Education: A minimum of a high school diploma (equivalent to Canadian standards). You will need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).

• Work Experience: You need at least 6 months of recent, relevant work experience OR a relevant 6-month training credential (like a personal support worker certificate).

• Job Offer: You must have a full-time, permanent job offer (30+ hours/week) from a Canadian employer (outside Quebec).

3. Eligible Employers

Unlike previous programs that focused almost exclusively on private households, the 2025 pilots allow you to work for:

• Private households.

• Home health care service providers.

• Direct care agencies.

• Personal care services in residential settings.

• Note: Recruitment or placement agencies are generally not eligible to be the direct employer.

4. Application Fees (Estimated)

5. Why the “Home Support Worker” is unique

While the Home Child Care stream (NOC 44100) is often the most popular, the Home Support Worker (NOC 44101) focuses on caring for seniors or people with disabilities. Because of Canada’s aging population, this stream is considered a high-priority “shortage” occupation, often leading to faster processing.