On February 26, 2025, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) provided an important update on Canada’s new Home Care Worker Pilot Programs. These programs have been highly anticipated since the previous Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot closed in June 2024.
According to IRCC, “the new pilots will build on the successes of the previous ones to better meet the changing home care needs of Canadians, while recognizing the importance of the workers providing this care.”
The Importance of Home Care Workers
Through these new pilot programs, IRCC acknowledges the vital role of home care workers in Canadian society:
Childcare: They help nurture children.
Senior and Disability Support: They provide essential care for seniors and individuals living with disabilities, helping them maintain comfort, independence, and active community participation.
Workforce Contribution: Their support allows more Canadians to enter and stay in the workforce, strengthening the economy.
Key Features of the New Home Care Worker Pilots
Easier Path to Permanent Residency
The new pilot programs are designed to simplify the process for home care workers to obtain permanent residency (PR) and secure employment with a range of employers.
Two Streams Under the Pilots:
Workers in Canada
Applicants Not Working in Canada (to open at a later date)
Important Dates:
March 31, 2025: Only applications for the Workers in Canada stream will be accepted.
Future Date TBD: The Applicants Not Working in Canada stream will open later.
Highlights of the New Pilots
1. Streamlined Pathway for Permanent Residence
Qualified home care workers will be able to obtain PR without prior Canadian work experience in the occupation.
2. Reduced Language & Education Requirements
Language: Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 in English or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) 4 in French.
Education: Minimum high school diploma or equivalent.
3. No Prior Canadian Work Experience Required
4. Flexible Work Options
Eligible home care workers can accept jobs from a variety of employers, including:
Private households
Organizations hiring full-time workers for short-term or occasional home care
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
Note: Recruitment or placement agencies are not eligible employers.
Program Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, applicants must:
Have a minimum of CLB/NCLC 4 in English or French
Hold the equivalent of a high school diploma
Have at least 6 months of recent and relevant work experience or a related caregiver training credential
Have a full-time job offer in home care
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is NOT required
Limited Opportunities for Out-of-Status Applicants
There will be a limited number of spots available for applicants who are currently out of status in Canada.
How to Prepare
Although full details will be announced in the coming months, potential applicants can start preparing by:
Gathering required documents
Completing language tests (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF)
Get Legal Guidance
If you’re interested in applying, Heron Law Offices can help you navigate the process.
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