Opportunity for Home Support Workers in Canada: Navigating the Immigration Pathways After the Home Care Worker Pilot Reaches its Cap

In an exciting move to address the growing demand for home care workers, Canada launched the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots on March 31, 2025. This initiative aimed to attract skilled professionals to fill vital positions in the country’s aging population and those requiring in-home care. However, the program's popularity quickly became evident, with the cap for applications being reached within just a few hours of opening.

For those who were unable to apply before the cap closed, hope is not lost. There are still alternative pathways to pursue immigration to Canada under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) — specifically the Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream. This program is designed to help workers with job offers in high-demand sectors, including the home care industry.

Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots: A Quick Overview

The Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots were designed to attract and retain skilled workers to provide essential care for elderly and disabled Canadians. The program allows individuals with relevant work experience in the home care sector to apply for permanent residence in Canada, giving them a direct route to becoming Canadian citizens.

These pilots were launched in response to the growing shortage of home care workers across the country, driven in part by Canada’s aging population. The federal government’s push to support this sector is seen as an effort to ensure Canadians have access to quality care in the comfort of their own homes.

However, with the overwhelming demand for the program, the intake cap for applications was quickly met, leaving many hopeful candidates without an opportunity to apply for this specific pilot.

OINP: Employer Job Offer – In-Demand Skills Stream as an Alternative

For those who missed out on the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots, the OINP Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream offers a viable alternative. This stream is designed to help skilled workers with job offers from Ontario-based employers who are facing difficulties in filling positions in critical sectors.

The Home Care Worker position is one of the in-demand occupations eligible under this stream. If you have a valid job offer from an Ontario employer in the home care sector, you may be eligible to apply for nomination through the OINP. Successful candidates will receive a provincial nomination, which significantly boosts their chances of obtaining permanent residence in Canada.

Key Requirements for the OINP Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream

To apply for the OINP under the In-Demand Skills Stream, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Job Offer: A full-time, permanent job offer from an Ontario employer in any of the listed high-demand occupations. NOC 44101 - Home support workers, caregivers and related occupations is currently included in the list.

2. Work Experience: You must have at least 9 months of cumulative paid full-time work experience (or the equivalent in part-time work) in Ontario, in the same in-demand occupation (same NOC code) as your job offer. The work experience must have been gained within the three years prior to the date you submit your application while legally living and working in Ontario.

   • Cumulative means that your work experience must add up to 9 months — it does not need to be continuous.

   • Full-time work experience is defined as working at least 30 hours per week, which amounts to 1,200 hours of paid work over a 9-month period.

   • Part-time equivalent work experience can include:

     • Working at least 15 hours per week in one job, amounting to 1,200 hours over 18 months.

     • Working in multiple jobs to reach 30 hours per week over 9 months, for a total of 1,200 hours of paid work.

   • Vacation periods, regular sick leave, and other paid leave are not considered interruptions to full-time employment, while extended leaves are considered interruptions and should not be included in the calculation of work experience.

   • Self-Employment: If using periods of self-employment, you must provide verifiable documentation from third parties, such as client reference letters, proof of payments, and invoices. The work experience must be quantifiable and demonstrate that you accumulated at least 1,200 hours over 9 months.

3. Language Proficiency: A minimum language requirement in either English or French (usually CLB 4 or higher).

4. Legal Status: Applicants must be legally present in Canada if applying from within the country. Those applying from outside Canada must meet the immigration requirements for temporary residents.

5. Education: You must have a Canadian secondary school (high school) diploma or its equivalent from another country.

   • If you completed your studies outside Canada, you will need to obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report that verifies your education is equivalent to a Canadian high school diploma.

6. Intent to Reside in Ontario: You must intend to live and work in Ontario after being nominated.

Why This is a Great Opportunity for Home Support Workers?

Canada’s focus on attracting home care workers aligns with the country’s urgent need to address the healthcare demands of its aging population. The country’s efforts to create immigration pathways for skilled workers provide home care professionals with a valuable opportunity to build a future in Canada. While the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots may have filled up quickly, the OINP's In-Demand Skills Stream continues to be a robust option for those with job offers in this vital sector.

In addition to the federal pathways, Ontario’s provincial nomination process ensures that home care workers will be in high demand in the province, making it a favorable destination for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare industry.

Conclusion

While the rush for the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots may have been swift, it’s important to remember that opportunities still exist. Those who weren’t able to secure a spot can explore the OINP Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream as a pathway to permanent residency.

If you are currently working in Canada as Home Support Worker, take the free online assessment.

With the right qualifications and a commitment to care, home care workers still have a strong pathway to begin their new life and career in Canada.