Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots: Frequently Asked Questions

Canada's new Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots is designed to address the growing demand for qualified caregivers by offering an innovative immigration pathway for individuals seeking to work in Canada’s home care sector. Here are answers to some of the most common questions regarding eligibility, application processes, and what to expect when applying for the program.

Who is eligible to apply under?

This program will feature two streams: one for workers currently in Canada and another for applicants not working in Canada. As of February 26, 2025, the eligibility requirements as outlined by the IRCC include the following:

• A minimum of level 4 in English or French according to the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC).

• The equivalent of a Canadian high school diploma (or higher).

• At least six months of recent, relevant work experience or a related caregiver training credential.

• A confirmed offer for a full-time home care position.

I don’t have six months of experience yet, but I am currently working as a caregiver. Am I eligible to apply?

For Workers in Canada stream, you are not required to meet the six months of relevant work experience if you possess a related caregiver training credential. You must also meet the other eligibility requirements related to education, language proficiency, and a valid job offer. However, full eligibility criteria have not yet been fully released and the answer to this question may change.

I am in Canada on a visitor visa and have a job offer. Am I eligible to apply?

You may be eligible to apply under the "Applicants Not Working in Canada" stream.

What documents are required for the "Applicants Not Working in Canada" stream?

As per the IRCC, do not begin preparing your application at this time. Further details regarding the "Applicants Not Working in Canada" stream will be shared when available.

I want to prepare my application before March 31, 2025. What documents should I gather?

While full details on how to prepare your application will be announced by the IRCC in the coming months, you can begin to gather the necessary information. If you are currently working in Canada, it is strongly recommended that you take the language test and have your educational credentials assessed before March 31, 2025.

Is my caregiver training from outside Canada (e.g., the Philippines) acceptable?

Based on the IRCC update from February 26, 2025, caregiver training is not a mandatory requirement. Therefore, if you are currently employed in Canada with at least six months of relevant work experience as a caregiver, the location of your caregiver training, whether inside or outside Canada, will not impact your eligibility. However, full eligibility criteria have not yet been fully released.

What is considered valid work experience?

As of February 26, 2025, full eligibility criteria have not yet been made available. However, the following factors are likely to be considered:

• The work must fall within one of the NOCs: home child care provider or home support worker (it cannot be a mix of both).

• The work experience must align with the job description for the selected NOC, and most of the primary duties listed should have been performed.

• Work experience must have been gained within a 36-month period before submitting your permanent residence application and the date of providing proof of work experience.

• Full-time work, defined as at least 30 hours per week of paid work, is required.

• Canadian work experience must have been authorized under a work permit, maintained status, or public policy.

Are Personal Support Workers eligible to apply?

Here's what we know so far - The Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots program is specifically designed for individuals who provide care to children, seniors, and persons with disabilities to help them remain independent and actively engaged in the community. Therefore, to be eligible, your work experience and job offer must be for one of the following occupations:

• 44101 – Home Support Workers, Caregivers, and Related Occupations

• 44100 – Home Child Care Providers

  
  

A job offer as a Personal Support Worker (NOC 33102 – Nurse Aides, Orderlies, and Patient Service Associates) may not be eligible under this program.

If you are currently working as a Personal Support Worker and have a job offer as a Home Care Worker, you may be eligible to apply.

Please note that full eligibility criteria have not yet been fully released and the answer to this question may change.

What are the job offer eligibility requirements?

As of February 26, 2025, full eligibility criteria for job offers are not yet available. However, according to the IRCC, eligible job offers may come from:

• Private households

• Organizations that directly hire full-time workers to provide short-term or occasional home care to individuals who are semi-independent or recovering from an injury or illness.

• Home health care service providers

• Home care support service providers

• Direct care agencies

• Personal care services in residential settings

• Pediatric home health care service providers

Are you planning to immigrate to Canada as a Caregiver? Sign up and Get Ready!