IRCC Announces New Pathways for Home Care Workers to Achieve Permanent Residence

In a recent update, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) provided details on the upcoming Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (HCWP). These new pathways offer eligible home care workers a simplified process to gain Canadian permanent residence. The HCWP will officially launch on March 31, 2025.

What are the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots?
The HCWP introduces two Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-exempt immigration streams specifically for foreign home care workers:

• Workers in Canada stream: This stream will open first, allowing those currently working in Canada to apply.
• Applicants not working in Canada stream: This stream will open later in the year for individuals outside Canada.

Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the HCWP, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Work Experience: Six months of recent, relevant home care experience or a home care training credential of at least six months.
• Language Proficiency: Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 or higher in English or French.
• Education: A high school diploma.
• Job Offer: A full-time job offer from either a private household or an organization that directly employs home care workers. Notably, no LMIA is required for these job offers.

Additional Considerations

• Out-of-status workers in Canada: Home care workers in Canada who lack valid status may still qualify under the HCWP due to a public policy, though a limited number of spots are available.
• Previous pilot applicants: Some candidates who applied under the older Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker Pilots may still submit proof of eligible work experience for consideration.

Preparing for the Application
IRCC encourages potential applicants to start preparing early by:

1. Taking an approved language test.
2. Obtaining an Education Credential Assessment (ECA).
3. Regularly checking IRCC’s website for any updates or changes to the application process.

A Path to Permanent Residence
The Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots mark an important step for home care professionals who wish to make Canada their permanent home. By simplifying the eligibility criteria and providing clear guidelines, IRCC aims to ensure that qualified candidates can transition seamlessly into Canada’s workforce and eventually obtain permanent residence.